2013 NFL Season: Pokorny's Week 16 NFL Picks

Shootout of the Week: Is it wrong that inside, I just feel more excited about Kirk Cousins running the Redskins' offense than I do Robert Griffin III? I guess I just like quarterbacks who can actually throw the ball. Neither of these teams have a defense, but I'll go with Tony Romo to get some redemption. Cowboys 34, Redskins 31

Securing the No. 1 Seed: The Broncos thought they blew the No. 1 seed in the AFC last week, but then the Patriots fell to the Dolphins. Denver won't blow it against the helpless Texans, who are going back to Matt Schaub now. Broncos 38, Texans 13

Charles Emerging as MVP: I thought Peyton Manning was a lock to be the league's MVP, but Jamaal Charles is having a ridiculous season. Trent Richardson might be featured a little more for the Colts, but when you compare these two backs, Kansas City has the clear advantage. Chiefs 24, Colts 17

Crunch Time for Miami: The Bills will go back to Thaddeus Lewis this week, and if he delivers well, you have to wonder if there will still be a firm commitment to E.J. Manuel as the starter next year? The Dolphins have impressed me with their resiliency, so I'll give them the edge on the road. Dolphins 23, Bills 17

Another Funk at the Wrong Time? We've seen Andy Dalton slip into some funks, and last week against the Steelers, some more of the misthrows that fans frown upon showed up. The Vikings have that high-scoring nature to the game despite not having a reliable quarterback, but the Bengals haven't lost at home. Bengals 31, Vikings 17

Game of the Week: With a win, the Saints will lock up the NFC South. With a loss, they could slip to the No. 6 seed and risk slipping out of the playoffs altogether. Unbelievable. Two weeks ago, I said I would pick the Panthers to win the re-match, giving each team the respect of their home turf. Panthers 20, Saints 17

Playing for Pride (NFC): Unlike the Browns, the Rams can keep winning without hurting their draft pick, thanks to the Redskins. I think the Buccaneers should be the better team, and honestly, I don't know how the Rams have six wins. This is actually the first game this week in which both teams are eliminated from playoff contention. Rams 17, Buccaneers 10

Playing for Pride (AFC): This is the AFC's game in which both teams are eliminated from playoff contention. The Titans almost made a ridiculous comeback last week, but with that loss eliminating them from the playoffs, I think their energy will be zapped on the road against a more hungry Jaguars team. Jaguars 23, Titans 13

Almost, But Not Quite: I remain intrigued by the underdog Cardinals, but the Seahawks have that undeniable home field advantage. Despite being 9-5, a loss here basically eliminates the Cardinals from the playoffs, which is a shame. Seahawks 24, Cardinals 17

Choking Away the Playoffs? I can no longer explain what the hell is going on with the Detroit Lions. Their inconsistency is worse than the Cowboys'. I'll pick them to win again, but I don't feel confident about it. Lions 35, Giants 13

Staying Alive to the End: The Chargers are 7-7 and looking like the most dangerous No. 6 seed contender, but they have the toughest path to get their -- not because of their opponents, but because they don't own tiebreakers over the Dolphins and Ravens. Chargers 27, Raiders 20

Prime Position: The Packers have overcome adversity and won two straight games with Matt Flynn under center. Aaron Rodgers' status for this Sunday is still up-in-the-air, but either way, I like the Packers to take out the Steelers at home, which would put themselves in prime position to win the division. Packers 21, Steelers 13

Fading Fast: Is there a chance that the Patriots could slip to a wildcard spot? Crazily enough, if the Dolphins win their next two games, the Patriots lose their next two, and the Ravens win their next two, Baltimore could own a wildcard tiebreaker over New England. The Rob Gronkowski factor might show that he was actually an MVP type of candidate. Ravens 20, Patriots 17

All on the Line: This is basically an early playoff game for both of these teams. Neither one can afford a loss, considering they have huge division games next week. The Eagles finally tested defeat with Nick Foles last week, but they should be able to run all over the Bears with LeSean McCoy to make this a rather lopsided affair. Eagles 31, Bears 20

Monday Night Snoozer: This game is actually very important for Cardinals fans, but the rest of the country won't be watching, unless you just love listening to Jon Gruden. Arizona fans will be disappointed as the 49ers roll early and often. 49ers 23, Falcons 6

Mathematically Eliminated: By losing last week, the Jets are also mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. It was fun to mock Geno Smith for all of those weeks he struggled, but now their has to be that fear among Cleveland fans that he will beat our defense, right? My full game preview and prediction will be posted this weekend.