There were lots of upsets on the NFL’s week 15 schedule, and the Rayonsports prediction total reflected that, with a mediocre 8-8 record for the week. That brings the season totals to 136 correct and 87 wrong. Here are the picks for week 16:
Carolina at Pittsburgh – big win for the Steelers here, as they will take no prisoners after losing to the Jets last week.
Dallas at Arizona – the Cardinals have the worst quarterbacking in the NFL these days, and if they can’t even beat Carolina they won’t beat the Cowboys either. I’ll go with Dallas to win on the road.
New England at Buffalo – the Bills are vastly improved since they gave the Pats a tough game in Foxborough earlier in the year, so the temptation is to pick Buffalo in an upset, but New England is also improved since that game and needs the win more for playoff seeding considerations. I’ll pick New England in a close game.
New York Jets at Chicago – Jets earned a tough road win in Pittsburgh last week, which should boost their confidence, and I believe they’re a better team than the Bears anyway, so I’ll go with New York to grab another road win.
Baltimore at Cleveland – too much at stake for the “old” Browns franchise to slip up against the “new” Browns. Baltimore wins on the road.
San Francisco at St. Louis – somebody has to win the weak NFC West, and the Rams still have a shot, so I’ll pick them at home against a fading 49er team.
Tennessee at Kansas City – at this time of year, the teams with real playoff aspirations seem to find ways to win when they have to, so I’ll go with the Chiefs to win at home.
Detroit at Miami – the Dolphins are really struggling offensively, but despite being eliminated from the playoffs I believe they still have enough left in the tank to beat the Lions, a weak road team.
Washington at Jacksonville – I really admire the job Jack Del Rio has done in reviving the Jaguars this year, and I’m not impressed with what supposed “genius” Mike Shanahan has done to the Redskins’ franchise so far. I’ll pick Jacksonville to win and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Houston at Denver – there’s talk that if the Texans fire Gary Kubiak, he may wind up getting the Denver head coaching position. My question is – why? If Kubiak can’t win with the talent he has in Houston, he won’t do anything to help Denver. I have to go with the Texans in this game based on having a better team, at least on paper.
San Diego at Cincinnati – Phillip Rivers should have a field day here, and when he does the Bengals will pack it in early and San Diego will win easily.
Indianapolis at Oakland – the Colts won’t blow this after grabbing a big win over the Jags last week to take control over their division, although the Raiders are an extremely dangerous opponent. Peyton Manning will make sure his club wins.
Seattle at Tampa Bay – the young Bucs were brought back down to earth by Detroit last week, and I believe their bubble has burst. I’ll go with the Seahawks in a mild upset.
New York Giants at Green Bay – loser of this game probably won’t make the playoffs. The Giants may be reeling from blowing that big game to the Eagles last week, and I’m going with the Packers to win at home.
Minnesota at Philadelphia – this won’t even be close. The Eagles win a game that will be decided by halftime.
New Orleans at Atlanta – biggest Monday Night Football matchup of the year. Atlanta has been great this year, but I’ll pick the Saints because they need it more.