The Morning Call (Sunday)

Week 16 picks

- By Sam Farmer

Last week: 11-5 (9-7 vs. spread) Season: 146-65-2 (108-108-8)

REDSKINS (7-7) AT TITANS (8-6) 4:30 p.m. Saturday, NFLN Titans by 10 (O/U 37)

The Titans have found the recipe for good December football. They play solid defense and run the ball well. The Redskins just don’t have enough on offense, even though their defense is playing well. Titans 21, Redskins 13 (Predicted on Dec. 19)

RAVENS (8-6) AT CHARGERS (11-3) 8:20 p.m. Saturday, NFLN Chargers by 4½ (O/U 43½)

The Ravens have the best defense the Chargers have faced in a while — probably all season. But the Chargers are rested and might be the NFL’s most complete team at this point. Chargers 24, Ravens 17 (Predicted on Dec. 19)

BENGALS (6-8) AT BROWNS (6-7-1) 1 p.m. Sunday Browns by 9½ (O/U 44)

Browns offensive coordinato­r Freddie Kitchens has done a nice job sticking with the run, allowing Baker Mayfield a little more time and keeping the defense fresher. Go with the home team. Browns 27, Bengals 23

BUCCANEERS (5-9) AT COWBOYS (8-6) 1 p.m. Sunday Cowboys by 7½ (O/U 48)

The Bucs can play teams tough but just can’t close the deal against good opponents. The incentiviz­ed Cowboys are primed for a bounce-back game and play better at home. Cowboys 28, Buccaneers 23

VIKINGS (7-6-1) AT LIONS (5-9) 1 p.m. Sunday Vikings by 6 (O/U 42½)

The Lions have been a real disappoint­ment this season, and their offense will struggle to hang in here. The Vikings are desperate and talented, so they should roll on the road. Vikings 28, Lions 20

BILLS (5-9) AT PATRIOTS (9-5) 1 p.m. Sunday Patriots by 13½ (O/U 45)

The Patriots have blown chances to clinch the division in consecutiv­e weeks. This one could be closer than expected for a while because of the Bills defense. The Patriots will pull away late. Patriots 24, Bills 17

PACKERS (5-8-1) AT JETS (4-10) 1 p.m. Sunday Packers by 3 (O/U 47)

Amazingly, the Packers are 0-7 on the road, and now they’re without Aaron Jones. Aaron Rodgers has a groin injury. The Jets are nothing special, but they can be tougher at home. Jets 24, Packers 20

TEXANS (10-4) AT EAGLES (7-7) 1 p.m. Sunday Eagles by 1 (O/U 46)

The Eagles are coming off an emotional road win over the Rams, but can they keep it going? The Texans are good but don’t scream, “We’re a Super Bowl team!” They find ways to get the “W,” though. Texans 28, Eagles 23

FALCONS (5-9) AT PANTHERS (6-8) 1 p.m. Sunday Falcons by 3½ (O/U 43½)

With Taylor Heinicke playing in place of Cam Newton, who is out with a shoulder injury, the Panthers don’t stand much of a chance to keep pace with the Falcons on the scoreboard. Falcons 24, Panthers 20

GIANTS (5-9) AT COLTS (8-6) 1 p.m. Sunday Colts by 9½ (O/U 46½)

The Colts are quietly putting together an impressive season. It isn’t just Andrew Luck, either. Their front seven is really solid. The Giants offensive line could be in for a long day. Colts 31, Giants 20

JAGUARS (4-10) AT DOLPHINS (7-7) 1 p.m. Sunday Dolphins by 4 (O/U 38½)

The Dolphins are looking to bounce back from a bad loss in Minnesota. They typically have a sound defense and solid secondary. The Jaguars are still fumbling around for an identity. Dolphins 24, Jaguars 17

RAMS (11-3) AT CARDINALS (3-11) 4:05 p.m. Sunday Rams by 14 (O/U 44)

The Rams need this one bad, not just to hang on to the inside track on the No. 2 seed, but for their confidence after back-to-back losses. Look for big rushing numbers. The Cardinals are just waiting for the season to end. Rams 41, Cardinals 13

BEARS (10-4) AT 49ERS (4-10) 4:05 p.m. Sunday, Bears by 4 (O/U 43)

Kyle Shanahan doesn’t get a lot of credit for what he’s doing with the 49ers, and he deserves a ton. To win with that no-name, broken-down group is amazing. That said, this isn’t the week for them. Bears 27, 49ers 21

STEELERS (8-5-1) AT SAINTS (12-2) 4:25 p.m. Sunday Saints by 5½ (O/U 53)

Like the Rams, the Saints haven’t been the same team offensivel­y for some time. But they play better in the Superdome, and that might be enough against the up-and-down Steelers. Saints 31, Steelers 27

CHIEFS (11-3) AT SEAHAWKS (8-6) 8:20 p.m. Sunday, NBC Chiefs by 2½ (O/U 54½)

The Seahawks were embarrasse­d by the 49ers last week, but they still have their eyes on the playoffs. The Chiefs have fallen off their early pace, even though they have a phenom at quarterbac­k. Seahawks 28, Chiefs 24

BRONCOS (6-8) AT RAIDERS (3-11) 8:15 p.m. Monday, ESPN Broncos by 3 (O/U 43)

These teams don’t have much to play for, but this could be the Raiders’ last game in Oakland. That has to mean something, right? Maybe it’s enough incentive to lift the Silver and Black to a rare victory. Raiders 24, Broncos 23

 ?? KEITH SRAKOCIC/AP (ABOVE), STREETER LECKA/GETTY ?? Ben Roethlisbe­rger (above) and the Steelers have been up and down, and Drew Brees will be tough at home.
KEITH SRAKOCIC/AP (ABOVE), STREETER LECKA/GETTY Ben Roethlisbe­rger (above) and the Steelers have been up and down, and Drew Brees will be tough at home.
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