It’s time to make our picks for NFL Week 16, and we kick off with a critical Thursday night game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets.
Match
New York Jets
7-7
Thursday, December 22
20 h 20 HE
The Jaguars play their best ball at the right time. The Jets hope Zach Wilson can beat Trevor Lawrence. Good luck.
Take: Jacksonville 23, New York 20
Match
Atlanta Falcons
5-9
Baltimore crows
9-5
Saturday December 24
13 h HE
Atlanta can win if Desmond Ridder makes a few pitches, avoids turnovers and the running game buzzes. But that’s a lot to ask of a youngster on his second start.
Take: Baltimore 19, Atlanta 17
Match
Buffalo Invoices
11-3
Chicago Ours
3-11
Saturday December 24
13 h HE
The Bears are going to be in this game because they are in every game. However, Chicago also loses almost every week. By the way, this tilt plays out in arctic weather.
Take: Buffalo 23, Chicago 19
Match
Cincinnati Bengals
10-4
New England patriots
7-7
Saturday December 24
13 h HE
Why would anyone choose the Patriots here? The Bengals might be the best team in the AFC while the Patriots just threw a fumble winner – technically, it was a fumble – to Chandler Jones.
Take: Cincinnati 28, New England 17
Match
Detroit the Lions
7-7
Caroline Panthers
5-9
Saturday December 24
13 h HE
Lions roll. They have won six of their last seven games and both sides of the ball have contributed. Meanwhile, the Panthers are hoping Sam Darnold puts in a big push.
Take: Detroit 27, Carolina 23
Match
Houston Texans
1-12-1
Tennessee Titans
7-7
Saturday December 24
13 h HE
Upset of the week. The Titans may not have Ryan Tannehill and even if they do, they are playing very poorly. Meanwhile, Houston has come close to beating the Cowboys and Chiefs over the past two weeks.
Take: Houston 20, Tennessee 17
Match
New York giants
8-5-1
Minnesota Vikings
11-3
Saturday December 24
13 h HE
Minnesota scored the biggest comeback in NFL history last week. Another close game, not quite a historic event, but the Vikings win again.
Take: Minnesota 27, New York 24
Match
New Orleans Saints
5-9
Cleveland Bruns
6-8
Saturday December 24
13 h HE
Two teams play the rope without their first-round picks. Yeah. And yes, the Saints are a returning game in the NFC South, but what makes anyone think they’re going to get hot?
Take: Cleveland 21, New Orleans 20
Match
Seattle sea hawks
7-7
Kansas City Chefs
11-3
Saturday December 24
13 h HE
The Chiefs keep everyone in the game with their abysmal turnover rate, but Kansas City has too much firepower for the slippery Seahawks.
Take: Kansas City 30, Seattle 23