NFL Week 16 Picks

(Sorry for the swear but that is just too good not to post.)

Today is it for the Steelers. Win and you are in the playoffs for the first time since Tim Tebow made you look like a bunch of fools. A lot of other teams need wins to clinch playoffs berths and divisions. Rexy vs. Belichick for possibly the final time. John Football gets to play again and the Cardinals have a chance to be the number one seed in the NFC with Ryan Lindley at the helm. Big day. I went 0-5 in spread picks last week so I have to get some right this week. Onto the picks...

Overall: 128-85   Spread: 32-33-1

Steelers 20, Chiefs 17 --- I want to say I have a bad feeling about this game because that's just what the Steelers have taught my brain to do over the past two years. However, the way they have played over the past weeks has made me kind of confident. I think this will be a somewhat low scoring game due to the Chiefs good pass defense and their awful passing offense. Whoever does a better job of shutting down Jamaal Charles or Le'Veon Bell will likely be the winner. Let's hope it's the home team.

Dolphins 24, Vikings 17 --- I think Joe Philbin is on his way out in Miami. The Phins have a ton of talent and at times have looked awesome this year. But in the past two weeks when they need at least one victory, they laid eggs. At least after watching Hard Knocks a few years ago Philbin did not seem like an exciting guy who would get his team pumped up to play. Maybe the Dolphins should think about bringing in REXY for a few years. He'd work wonders with that defense and if he hires the right O-coordinator Tannehill can lead that team to the playoffs.

Ravens 35, Texans 24 --- I love how everybody is saying, "oh the Ravens are rounding into form." Really? They haven't beaten a team that is currently above .500 since week TWO. In fact their Thursday night week two win over the Steelers is the only victory they have against a team with a winning record. They get to play another 7-7 team that won't make the playoffs today in the Texans. The Texans will finish 8-8 but they won't win today. Ravens, YAY.

Lions 21, Bears 0 --- This maybe the first time I've ever predicted a shutout. Jimmy Clausen stinks. The entire Jay Cutler experiment has been awful but benching him is not the solution when Jimmy is the backup. Lions need to win and the Bears are ready to book their tee times.

Browns 20, Panthers 17 --- I know what you all are thinking, "He has to back off on his love for Johnny Football after last week right?" Wrong. Still love him and today is the day he proves he can kind of play in the NFL. I blame the offensive game plan against the Bengals. Why did they run the pistol? JFF never ran that in college and this is the NFL. Give me the Brownies to get to 8 wins in the first time in forever.

Saints 30, Falcons 24 --- The Saints lost to the Falcons in week one but I think they may have finally figured some things out against the Bears on Monday night. I know they have lost four in a row at home but I just can't see them losing another one.

Packers 30, Bucs 20 --- TB +12.5 While it would make all the sense in the world for the Packers to roll the Bucs after losing to the Bills last week, I think this one could be close for awhile. I also think a double digit home dog is just a good bet to make. The Bucs are 0-6 at home so that doesn't help my case but they have been in most of their games.

Patriots 24, Jets 17 --- NYJ +10.5 Same thing here with the Jets. Home team as 10 point dog. Plus this will probably be the last time REXY gets to go up against the mighty Belichick. Other than the butt fumble game the Jets are normally competitive with the Pats. If Rexy can find a way to pressure TFB they might keep it close for awhile as long as Geno doesn't turn it over a bunch of times.

Rams 23, Giants 20 --- NYG +6 The six-point spread is just too big for me. I think the Rams are good but they aren't miles ahead of the Giants. And who is going to stop Odell Beckham Jr.? That kid is unstoppable at the moment and as long as Eli doesn't get sack four times or more the Giants offense should be able to score a little. In the end though Eli will probably turn the ball over but I don't expect the Rams to roll the Giants like they did against the Raiders.

Raiders 24, Bills 21 --- OAK +7 Another road dog and this time I think they win outright. I can't believe I'm picking the Raiders to win a game. But the Bills are off a huge home win against the Packers. I just think they are due for a let down and the Raiders have not been terrible ever since their first win against the Chiefs.

Cowboys 24, Colts 21 --- I have no idea who is going to win this game. If DeMarco Murray is out it could be hard for the Cowboys offense to adjust, plus they are only 3-4 at home. As for the Colts though, they are a bit like the Ravens. They don't a ton of wins against good teams. I'll pick the Cowboys because if they win they are in but I'm already thinking about Andrew Luck having the ball in a one possession game late in the fourth.

Seahawks 14, Cardinals 6 --- ARZ +8.5 Ryan Lindley stinks but the Cardinals at home do not. They are 7-0 this year and despite all the doubters are a good football team. I'm not picking them to win because the Seahawks defense will likely devour Lindley but I don't expect them to cover. The Cardinals defense can keep them in the game but the Seahawks will most likely get the win.

Broncos 34, Bengals 10 --- Name one prime time game that Andy Dalton has stepped up and played great. Don't worry I'll wait. I need the Broncos to win for the Steelers playoff/division chances but I also think the Bengals defense could get abused but C.J. Anderson and the Broncos running game. Give me the Broncos to win big.


Enjoy the games people.