Three NFL experts from the Prime Time Sports Talk staff came together to share their picks for Week 16.
These three writers will continue to make their picks for the entire season, earning two points for any correct win-loss outcome and an additional three points for correctly predicting the exact score. (Failure to accurately predict a tie will be treated as a loss.) A cumulative points total and record will be listed at the bottom of every article. An archive of all 17 regular-season and four playoff editions can be found here.
Mike Fanelli, Joe Heller, and Andersen Pickard contributed to this article.
Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints
Mike: Saints 27, Vikings 20
With the Vikings’ loss to the Bears last week, their playoff hopes are hanging on by a thread. On the other side, the Saints will look to bounce back after their loss to the Chiefs. It’s for Vikings fans to look forward to the NFL Draft.
Joe: Saints 34, Vikings 30
Drew Brees and the Saints will outlast the Vikings in this Christmas Day shootout.
Andersen: Vikings 27, Saints 24
The Saints are in a bit of a rut after back-to-back losses to the Eagles and Chiefs. When the Saints’ defense plays good, they tend to win. The unit should struggle on Sunday when it goes up against one of the league’s best trios in Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson, and Adam Thielen. Furthermore, Michael Thomas is done for the year and Alvin Kamara has cooled down. Minnesota should squeak out a win on Christmas Day.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Detroit Lions
Mike Fanelli: Buccaneers 31, Lions 17
The Lions have been eliminated from the playoffs while the Buccaneers can lock up their first playoff appearance since 2007 with a win. Tom Brady takes advantage of a secondary that gave up three passing touchdowns to Ryan Tannehill last week.
Joe Heller: Buccaneers 31, Lions 20
Tom Brady and the Buccaneers will win this game handily and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Andersen Pickard: Buccaneers 27, Lions 17
The Lions were destroyed by the Titans last week. While we all know the Titans are good, if the Lions were a legitimate team, they would have made it a closer game. Detroit could see similar results this week against an aggressive Buccaneers team looking to sneak into the playoffs.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals
Mike Fanelli: Cardinals 26, 49ers 20
After their loss to the Cowboys last week, the 49ers have been eliminated from the playoffs. Meanwhile, if the Cardinals win out, they make the playoffs, so expect Kyler Murray to have a big game.
Joe Heller: Cardinals 30, 49ers 20
The Cardinals, much like the Bucs, will win to keep their own playoff hopes alive.
Andersen Pickard: Cardinals 27, 49ers 16
Needing two wins to secure a playoff spot, the Cardinals will inch closer to January football this week. The 49ers will be on to their third quarterback in C.J. Beathard, while Deebo Samuel and Raheem Mostert are also out. This should finish as a two-score game.
Miami Dolphins vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Mike Fanelli: Dolphins 23, Raiders 20
This game would have meant more if the Raiders didn’t suffer an upset defeat at the hands of the Chargers last week. A win here for the Dolphins would go a long way to secure them a playoff spot for the first time since 2008. Even if Marcus Mariota gets the nod, the Raiders make this game a tight contest.
Joe Heller: Raiders 31, Dolphins 30
If Derek Carr is out, Marcus Mariota will take the field opposite fellow Hawai’i native Tua Tagovailoa. The former Titans quarterback will pull out the victory and all but end the Dolphins’ playoff dreams.
Andersen Pickard: Dolphins 24, Raiders 23
We could be in for a thriller on Sunday no matter the status of Derek Carr. The Dolphins are a good football team that just shut down the Patriots’ playoff hopes, but the Raiders are arguably one level higher. Nevertheless, Tua Tagovailoa has shown great poise and prowess since taking over and should orchestrate a narrow victory in Las Vegas.
Carolina Panthers vs. Washington Football Team
Mike Fanelli: Washington 23, Panthers 20
With a win in this game and a win by the Ravens over the Giants, Washington can clinch the NFC East division title. If both Maryland teams win, Washington can rest several starters in a meaningless Week 17 game. While the Panthers would like to play spoiler, Ron Rivera gets his first win against his former team and lock up the division at the same time.
Joe Heller: Washington 24, Panthers 20
Ron Rivera will get the win in a revenge game against his former team. Washington will extend their lead atop the NFC East. The Panthers, meanwhile, will be one game away from completing a season that didn’t go the way they expected.
Andersen Pickard: Washington 20, Panthers 17
This game is going to be awfully close and could potentially trigger an upset watch. Washington has a better defense, but Dwayne Haskins can be tough to watch. On the other side, Brian Burns and Jeremy Chinn have looked great for Carolina, but Teddy Bridgewater has faltered while Christian McCaffrey remains inactive. It’ll be close, but Washington should eke out a win to clinch the NFC East title.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike Fanelli: Steelers 24, Colts 20
Both teams have plenty to play for as the Steelers need the win to have any chance at the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Colts could take control of the AFC South with a win and a Titans loss. This game could go either way, but Ben Roethlisberger makes one more play than Philip Rivers.
Joe Heller: Colts 24, Steelers 20
The Colts will hand the Steelers their fourth straight loss, keeping them on the heels of the Titans in the AFC South. The Steelers will be tied with the Browns division after this game.
Andersen Pickard: Colts 27, Steelers 20
The Steelers were just stunned by the Bengals on Monday night for their fourth straight loss. Cincinnati won thanks to Ryan Finley‘s impressive mobility, which is not something that Philip Rivers possesses. However, the Colts have deployed Jacoby Brissett to tote the rock on numerous occasions this year and could do so at a great rate in Week 16. Look for Brissett to score while the receiving corps impresses en route to victory.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Mike Fanelli: Chiefs 38, Falcons 24
There isn’t a more dangerous team in the NFL than the Chiefs. When they are firing on all cylinders, no one can beat them except themselves. The Falcons are heading towards a top draft pick and may not play Julio Jones the rest of the season.
Joe Heller: Chiefs 34, Falcons 17
The Chiefs will have this game won after the first quarter. Andy Reid will rest his starters for most of the second half.
Andersen Pickard: Chiefs 31, Falcons 23
Don’t let the scoreboard fool you. The Chiefs will pull ahead late in the second quarter, never looking back. They’ll cruise to a two-score lead before a garbage-time score pulls the Falcons within eight. The Chiefs are rolling and will lock up the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a win.
Chicago Bears vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Mike Fanelli: Bears 27, Jaguars 20
After the Jets pulled off the upset win over the Rams last week, the Jaguars are two more losses away from securing Trevor Lawrence. With a matchup this week against the playoff pushing Bears and next week against the AFC division champion hopeful Colts, expect Lawrence to be a Jaguar come April.
Joe Heller: Bears 27, Jaguars 20
The Bears will defeat the future NFL home of Trevor Lawrence. Mitch Trubisky will make his case to remain the Bears starter next season.
Andersen Pickard: Bears 31, Jaguars 17
It would be epic if the Jaguars somehow won this game and threw away Trevor Lawrence just like that. Of course, that won’t happen. Chicago has looked solid lately and will keep their name in the playoff race with a Week 16 win.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Houston Texans
Mike Fanelli: Texans 27, Bengals 13
Both of these teams are heading towards a top-10 draft selection. Fortunately for the Bengals, they wouldn’t be in this position if their franchise quarterback hadn’t suffered a season-ending knee injury. Unfortunately for the Texans, the Dolphins own both their first- and second-round picks. The Texans will win this game, but it doesn’t mean much.
Joe Heller: Texans 21, Bengals 17
The Texans will get another win for interim head coach Romeo Crennel. Much like the Jets, the Bengals’ win streak will also stop at one.
Andersen Pickard: Texans 24, Bengals 17
This game should be quite uneventful. With a combined five touchdowns, Sunday’s game could be close but lack drama. Until Joe Burrow returns (and perhaps after), the Texans are the superior team. They’ll snap a losing stream and win on Sunday.
New York Giants vs. Baltimore Ravens
Mike Fanelli: Ravens 27, Giants 10
After losing to the Browns last week, the Giants need to win this game and have the Panthers win to stay in the playoff picture. However, the Ravens are playing as well as anyone right now and need to win out if they want to make the playoffs. Lamar Jackson against Daniel Jones or Colt McCoy means a blowout victory for the Ravens.
Joe Heller: Ravens 34, Giants 17
The Giants’ defense has been good in big games, but Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are a whole different beast. Baltimore by 17.
Andersen Pickard: Ravens 26, Giants 13
The Giants have looked good from time to time. The Giants have also looked very bad from time to time. Meanwhile, the Ravens are cruising and will shut down New York.
Cleveland Browns vs. New York Jets
Mike Fanelli: Browns 27, Jets 13
With their upset win over the Rams last week, the Jets gave away the top pick and possibly the best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck. The Browns can guarantee a playoff spot for the first time since 2002 if they win out, so don’t expect them to come out flat like the Rams did last week.
Joe Heller: Browns 31, Jets 20
The Browns will end the Jets’ win streak at one game. In turn, they will keep pace with the Steelers for a chance at the AFC North title in Week 17.
Andersen Pickard: Browns 27, Jets 10
One of the most exciting storylines of the season has been the Cleveland Browns. Once thought of as Wild Card candidates in a division dominated by the Ravens and Steelers, a win on Sunday would put Cleveland one game away from a division title. (And no, there is no chance they lose to the Jets.)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Mike Fanelli: Chargers 27, Broncos 23
This might not mean much right now, but the loser of this game would likely end up last in the division and net themselves a higher draft slot as well as a fourth-place schedule next season. However, no one on the team is thinking about either right now. The Chargers have their franchise quarterback while the jury is still out on Drew Lock. With another impressive performance by Justin Herbert, the Chargers get their second straight win.
Joe Heller: Chargers 31, Broncos 27
Justin Herbert will continue to make his case for Rookie of the Year. The Broncos, meanwhile, are just playing out their remaining schedule.
Andersen Pickard: Chargers 24, Broncos 17
In a game between the two bottom-feeders of the AFC West, Justin Herbert and the Chargers should prevail. The Broncos have looked pitiful lately while the Chargers are at least competent. This game could be huge for the future of Drew Lock in Denver.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys
Mike Fanelli: Eagles 27, Cowboys 23
Before the season started, many thought the NFC East would come down to these two teams. However, both could be eliminated from the playoffs before this game kicks off. The Eagles almost pulled off the upset over the Cardinals last week while the Cowboys beat up on an injury-riddled 49ers squad. Whoever wins this game will only be hurting their draft position.
Joe Heller: Eagles 27, Cowboys 24
Jalen Hurts and the Eagles will get the win over Andy Dalton and the Cowboys. The will be a classic divisional rivalry matchup.
Andersen Pickard: Cowboys 30, Eagles 24
While Jalen Hurts has looked great as of late, the Eagles are still a bad team. The receiving core is shaky at best, Miles Sanders and the backfield are unreliable, and every position group has been plagued by injuries. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are coming off a huge win over the 49ers fueled by a big showing from Tony Pollard. This is nowhere near a lock, but Dallas over Philly seems like the right choice here.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks
Mike Fanelli: Seahawks 24, Rams 20
After giving the Jets their first and likely only win of the season, the Rams have to win both of their last two games to win the NFC West division. However, the Seahawks can lock up the division with the win. The Rams got the win when these two teams played Week 10 in Los Angeles, but that won’t be the case this week in Seattle.
Joe Heller: Seahawks 28, Rams 20
Russell Wilson and the Seahawks have the NFC West title in their sights. The Rams, coming off of an upset loss to the Jets, will come out just a hair over-aggressive.
Andersen Pickard: Seahawks 28, Rams 21
These two teams have been so unpredictable that this game is hard to forecast. The Seahawks have a better offense while their defense is coming around, too. However, Seattle lost to the Giants and the Rams lost to the Jets. See what I mean by unpredictability?
Tennessee Titans vs. Green Bay Packers
Mike Fanelli: Packers 34, Titans 31
With a win and a Seahawks defeat, the Packers would lock up the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. Meanwhile, the Titans would need this win to stay ahead of the Colts in the AFC South divisional race if they defeat the Steelers. However, one of these teams has Aaron Rodgers, and the other doesn’t.
Joe Heller: Titans 31, Packers 30
The Packers will have a hard time slowing down Derrick Henry. That will lead to a big game for him and Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The Tennessee defense could have trouble with the Packers’ passing attack, but the club will pull out a late-game win.
Andersen Pickard: Titans 34, Packers 24
The Packers struggled last week against the Panthers as Davante Adams was quiet. Green Bay is 1-2 this season against teams with winning records. Therefore, while nowhere near bad, there is a legitimate concern that they could be taken aback by a team with as much prowess as the Titans. Look for Derrick Henry to run wild against one of the worst run defenses in the league, leading to more opportunities and a big day from Ryan Tannehill.
Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots
Mike Fanelli: Bills 24, Patriots 16
After the Bills’ win over the Broncos last week and the Patriots’ defeat at the hands of the Dolphins, this game doesn’t have any major playoff implications. The Bills should get the win, but don’t be surprised if Bill Belichick has a trick or two up his sleeve for Josh Allen.
Joe Heller: Bills 27, Patriots 17
The current kings of the AFC East will show the former kings why they deserve the top spot. Josh Allen will add three more touchdowns to his impressive MVP-caliber season.
Andersen Pickard: Bills 27, Patriots 23
While the Bills are one of the hottest teams in football, Bill Belichick is known for his crafty work in the playcalling realm. He may draw up some interesting strategies to experiment with against Josh Allen. Nevertheless, Buffalo will come out ahead.
Point Totals
Mike: 296
Joe: 277
Andersen: 280
Records
Mike: 148-77
Joe: 137-88
Andersen: 137-88
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