NFL picks and predictions for Week 16

Note: These first three picks was posted in our thread on Thursday. I am listing them here for record-keeping purposes.

Thursday Night Football: The Eagles have now dropped five games in a row, and the more they keep losing, the more likely the Browns’ second first-round pick will be in the Top 10. The Giants have still accomplished a fascinating feat all season in my opinion — they have not scored nor allowed 30+ points in a game all season. That’s the sign of a solid defensive unit, and an offense that is coming through in the clutch. Given Carson Wentz’ struggles as the season has gone on, I think he’ll be overmatched against the Giants, giving New York their most comfortable win of the season.. Giants 28, Eagles 13

Timely Return: The Panthers are still mathematically alive for the playoffs, but it would require a miracle, including the Redskins tying in one of their final two games. Carolina is coming off of two solid performances, but Atlanta is getting Julio Jones back and he absolutely torched their secondary earlier this season. Falcons 42, Panthers 20

Waving Goodbye: I think it's a little too early to dump Rex Ryan, but it sounds like it is inevitable. The Bills are technically alive in the playoff race, but they really can't pass up the Dolphins due to existing tiebreakers. Miami should have the better match-up here too: Buffalo's run defense is terrible, and although their run offense is electric, I like Miami to get the better end of things to secure a playoff spot. Dolphins 27, Bills 20

Do or Die: I can't fathom how, despite losing seven of nine games, the Vikings would have a very legitimate shot at the postseason if they were to win this game. This contest is nearly an elimination game for both clubs. The Vikings were destroyed at home last week, while Green Bay's offense has been electric again the past two weeks. Packers 28, Vikings 17

Time to Sleep Walk: This was actually a very close game last month, with the Jets leading half-way through the fourth quarter. The Patriots will be so prepared this time around that they'll practically sleep walk their way to victory. Also, they can't afford a loss because it opens the door for Oakland to take the No. 1 seed away from them. Patriots 35, Jets 10

The Drought Ends: The Chargers have had a rough time finishing games this year, and they are traveling across the country for a Christmas Eve game. The Browns, with their talent deficiency, haven’t been able to play the "any given Sunday" card because opposing teams have been so focused about not being the one to lose to Cleveland. I don’t see San Diego sharing that same intensity, and Cleveland will capitalize on it. Christmas comes early as the Browns pick up their first win, and the 49ers also beat the Rams. Browns 24, Chargers 21

Blowout of the Week: The Titans' defense has led them to big victories over the Broncos and Chiefs the past two weeks. There was a six-game stretch earlier this year where they averaged 33 points per game. The past two wins, they've scored 32 total points. Both the offense and defense come together today for a blowout victory. Titans 38, Jaguars 13

Winning Out: The Redskins still have a really good shot at winning a playoff spot if they can take these final two games. Chicago has been playing down-to-the-wire football under Matt Barkley, but haven't been able to squeeze out an actual win. The same happens here. Redskins 23, Bears 20

Upset of the Week: How off is this: in their last two home games, the Colts have lost, but in their past two road games, they've won by a combined score of 75-16. The Raiders' offense has sputtered ever since Derek Carr's pinkie injury that prevents him from going under center. I see this as a big upset this week to keep the Colts' playoff hopes alive. Colts 24, Raiders 21

Home Field Advantage: The Seahawks are a perfect 7-0 at home and have a first-round bye in sight. With the Cardinals' turnover issues, this should be a long day for them. Seahawks 31, Cardinals 6

Basement Bowl: If Cleveland wins like I think, Part 2 of the Christmas miracle will be watching the 49ers take out a Rams team that has been lit up for four straight games now and simply cannot score. The 49ers also shut them out in Week 1. 49ers 23, Rams 13

Two Week Difference? Just two weeks ago, these teams played a tight 16-11 game. I can't see this being another defensive battle, and with the Saints just coming off of a shootout win, I see it happening again to help spoil the Buccaneers' playoff hopes. Saints 28, Buccaneers 24

Saturday Night Football: This is the week that the Titans finally lose their grip on the division lead in the AFC South. The Texans are going with Tom Savage again, but I've seen too many times where a hero one day becomes pedestrian the next. The Bengals have played well their past three games, despite last week's loss to Pittsburgh. Bengals 27, Texans 17

Christmas Day Rivalry: I hate that this game is an NFL Network exclusive. Baltimore has already beat Pittsburgh once this year, so this is a critical tiebreaker edge they can gain over them. The Steelers face the Browns next week, so they should feel pretty comfortable about being in the playoffs. I still like the Steelers to dig this one out at home. Steelers 22, Ravens 18

Sunday Night Football: These two teams played a wild one a few weeks ago in prime time, so we can only hope for such a classic to close out Christmas. I think the Broncos' offensive difficulties are demoralizing the club a bit, and the Chiefs' efficiency will put this one away sooner. Chiefs 27, Broncos 23

Monday Night Football: This is a match-up between two of the top teams in the NFC, and the Lions are still fighting for a first-round bye. The Cowboys have won against everyone outside of New York, so I have to keep on rolling with them otherwise. Cowboys 24, Lions 20