Football
The New Orleans Saints face the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau on Monday Night Football. Snow showers and temperatures in the low twenties are forcasted in Green Bay for gametime, making Lambeau resemble the North Pole this holiday season. Santa Claus is packing his sleigh with gifts for many teams leading up to Christmas, and although the Saints’ tree seems quite bare this year, hopefully Saint Nick has the gift of a major upset somewhere deep in the bottom of his sack of presents this holiday. Let’s take a look at this matchup as well as the rest of the Week 16 NFL schedule.
Last week I went 12-4
I told you so: Bucs over Chargers!
What do I know: Panthers over Cowboys?
WEEK 16
Thursday, December 19th – Thursday Night Football
Broncos(9-5) at Chargers(8-6) – Game of the Week
This battle of AFC West Wild Card contenders will not disappoint. This back-and-forth affair will come down to Justin Herbert leading the Bolts to a game-winning touchdown on the final drive. Los Angeles wins 31-24.
Pick: Chargers
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Saturday, December 21st – Saturday NFL Special
Texans(9-5) at Chiefs(13-1)
Going forward with the assumption that Patrick Mahomes will play through his high ankle sprain, Kansas City will rally around their franchise player with a dominant defensive effort at home. Kansas City wins 23-13.
Pick: Chiefs
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Saturday, December 21st – Saturday NFL Special
Steelers(10-4) at Ravens(9-5)
In a showdown that may ultimately determine the AFC North title, it will be the Pittsburgh defense that is the unit that shines brightest, followed by a gutsy veteran performance by Russell Wilson. Pittsburgh wins 18-16.
Pick: Steelers
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Sunday, December 22nd – Early Games
Giants(2-12) at Falcons(7-7)
Michael Penix, Jr will benefit from his first career start coming against the worst team in the NFL. That alone will be enough to make the rookie quarterback a winner in his season debut. Atlanta wins 20-17.
Pick: Falcons
***
Cardinals(7-7) at Panthers(3-11)
Fighting for the NFC West crown, the Cards will leave Carolina with a win to keep them in the race. Arizona wins 30-24.
Pick: Cardinals
***
Lions(12-2) at Bears(4-10)
Fresh off a discouraging loss at home last week, Detroit rebounds with a solid defensive effort against the NFL’s worst-ranked offense in Chicago. Detroit wins 24-21.
Pick: Lions
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Titans(3-11) at Colts(6-8)
Indy will lean heavily on their ground game to wear down the stout Tennessee defense. Indianapolis wins 26-20.
Pick: Colts
***
Rams(8-6) at Jets(4-10)
The resurgent Rams offense will ground the Jets defense in this one. Los Angeles wins 29-17.
Pick: Rams
***
Eagles(12-2) at Commanders(9-5)
Saquon Barkley will put his team on his back as Philly dominates their division rival, locking up the NFC East title in the process. Philadelphia wins 30-13.
Pick: Eagles
***
Browns(3-11) at Bengals(6-8)
Unsurprisingly, Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase will dominate the game, while the Cincy defense will force Jameis Winston into a slew of turnovers. Cincinnati wins 26-14.
Pick: Bengals
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Sunday, December 22nd – Late Games
Vikings(12-2) at Seahawks(8-6)
Seattle’s inability to run the ball on the Minny defense will ultimately doom their chances in this one. Minnesota wins 26-21.
Pick: Vikings
***
Patriots(3-11) at Bills(11-3)
Buffalo is riding high, and will continue that ride with an easy win over the Pats. Buffalo wins 26-12.
Pick: Bills
***
Jaguars(3-11) at Raiders(2-12)
This is the football equivalent of getting coal for Christmas. Jacksonville wins 27-16.
Pick: Jaguars
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49ers(6-8) at Dolphins(6-8)
Miami simply won’t be able to run the ball against the Niners defense and it will cripple them in this matchup. San Francisco wins 26-16.
Pick: 49ers
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Sunday Night Football
Buccaneers(8-6) at Cowboys(6-8)
The Bucs have arguably the most underrated offense in the NFL and their balance on offense will keep the Dallas defense off balance. With the win, Tampa stays in position to win the NFC South. Tampa Bay wins 24-21.
Pick: Buccaneers
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Monday, December 23rd – Monday Night Football
Saints(5-9) at Packers(10-4)
Jake Haener may have had a difficult task facing a playoff contender at home a week ago, but Spencer Rattler’s task this week is virtually impossible. Having to face a perennial playoff contender at Lambeau, in late December, in primetime, it doesn’t look good for the Saints. The New Orleans defense will keep them in the game until the 4th quarter, when the combination of cold, snow, and Jordan Love becomes too much for the Saints to overcome. Green Bay wins 23-17.
Pick: Packers
***
The Saints can give us all a wonderful early Christmas present with a win against the Pack on Monday Night. Leave us your picks, comments, and insight below!
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