I picked 10 out of 15 games correctly last week (Week 15), not bad at all!
Below are my picks for Week 16 except for the Thursday, December 18th game between Indianapolis and Jacksonville in which the Colts won 31-24.
Baltimore at Dallas
Both teams come in with 9-5 records, Baltimore lost a tough one last week to Pittsburgh 13-9 and Dallas defeated the N.Y. Giants 20-8 in their last game. I predict a close game that will be decided by 7 points or less, I think Dallas will pull it out in the end.
My Pick: Dallas
Cincinnati at Cleveland
The Battle of Ohio 2008 part 2. Two bad teams go at it in this game, my Bengals come in with a record of 2-11-1 but got their second win of the season last week against Washington winning by a score of 20-13. Cleveland are 4-10 overall but have lost 4 straight games and were spanked on Monday night last week by the Eagles 30-10. I think the Bengals pull this one out with some big plays from the defense and even the season series at 1-1.
My Pick: Cincinnati
Pittsburgh at Tennessee
The two best teams in the AFC face each other here. Pittsburgh ate 11-3 overall and have won their last 5 games while Tennessee are 12-2 overall but lost their last game against Houston 13-12. I would pick Tennessee to win this game, however they are playing without their best defensive player in Albert Haynesworth, so I think Pittsburgh will squeak by with the win yet again. I hope I’m wrong.
My Pick: Pittsburgh
San Diego at Tampa Bay
San Diego have been a major disappointment this year, they come in with a 6-8 overall record including last weeks 22-21 win over Kansas City. Tampa are 9-5 overall but have lost their last 2 games including last weeks 13-10 loss to Atlanta. I like Tampa in this game by double digits.
My Pick: Tampa Bay
New Orleans at Detroit
New Orleans come in at 7-7 overall, they lost to da’ Bears last week 27-24, and most of you know that Detroit are still looking for that elusive first win of the season to get them going…or, well maybe to just not go 0-16. I think Detroit will play tough and it will be close for the first few quarters, it seems like they have kept it close the past several games but found a way to lose in the end…I think that happens again this week.
My Pick: New Orleans
Arizona at New England
Arizona come in with a record of 8-6 and have actually clinched their division and are in the playoffs with that record. New England are 9-5 overall and in a tight division race. I think the Patriots take care of business at home and go to 10-5.
My Pick: New England
Miami at Kansas City
Miami come in at 9-5 overall and need to win this game against KC, in my opinion, to stay in the playoff/division hunt. I like their chances. Kansas City are 2-12 overall, have lost their past 2 games, and will lose this game because the Dolphins will run all over their faces.
My Pick: Miami
San Francisco at St. Louis
San Fran are 5-9 overall, they lost last week against Miami 14-9, while St. Louis are 2-12 overall and have lost their last 8 games…they aren’t looking too hot right now. I think the 49ers will win, I really like coach Mike Singletary and he seems to have the team playing with a toughness that was missing before he took over.
My Pick: San Francisco
Buffalo at Denver
Buffalo are 6-8 overall and have lost 4 out of their last 5 games while Denver come in with a record of 8-6 but were pounded by Carolina last week 30-10. I think both teams will put some points on the board in this one, but I think Buffalo will somehow pull off the upset. Denver’s defense give up big plays and I think they will lose 35-31 or 38-35, something like that.
My Pick: Buffalo
N.Y. Jets at Seattle
The Jets come to Seattle with a record of 9-5, they defeated Buffalo at home last week 31-27. Seattle are 3-11 overall, have lost 4 out of their last 5, but defeated St. Louis last week 23-20. I think the Jets will play well defensively and shut down Seattle. I think Favre will throw a TD or two and the Jets win 20-7.
My Pick: N.Y. Jets
Houston at Oakland
Houston have been rolling of late, they are 7-7 overall and have won their last 4 games, they upset Tennessee last week 13-12. Oakland on the other hand have been struggling for some time, they are 3-11 overall and have lost their last 3. No big surprises in this one, Houston’s offense lights it up, big plays from Andre Johnson and Steve Slaton mean Houston win big.
My Pick: Houston
Atlanta at Minnesota
This should be a good game! Both teams have records of 9-5. Minnesota have won their last 4 games including last weeks big 35-14 win over Arizona. Atlanta squeaked by Tampa last week 13-10. It’s a tough game to pick because both teams can run the ball & explode on offense and both teams have solid defenses. I give Minnesota the edge in this game because I think AP will have a big game at home and will be the difference maker.
My Pick: Minnesota
Philadelphia at Washington
Philadelphia come in at 8-5-1 overall and have won 3 straight while Washington are 7-7 and have lost 3 straight. Since Washington lost to the Bengals last week I really can’t see them being good enough to beat a hot Eagles team.
My Pick: Philadelphia
Carolina at N.Y. Giants
Two division leaders go at it in this game, and both teams also have 11-3 records. Carolina have won their last 3 games and their offense has been playing great behind their two young running backs. If Brandon Jacobs plays for the Giants I think this will be a close game, if not, I think Carolina wins in NY.
My Pick: Carolina
Green Bay at Chicago
Green Bay are 5-9 overall and have lost 4 straight games while Chicago are 8-6 overall and need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Bears need to win this, they can’t let Green Bay gain the sweep and win both games this year, they are the better team and I think they will win. It’s time for Devin Hester to return a kick.
My Pick: Chicago
Week 1 – 8 correct and 7 incorrect. (15 games)
Week 2 – 9 correct and 6 incorrect. (15 games)
Week 3 – 9 correct and 7 incorrect. (16 games)
Week 4 – 5 correct and 8 incorrect. (13 games)
Week 5 – 9 correct and 5 incorrect. (14 games)
Week 6 – 8 correct and 6 incorrect. (14 games)
Week 7 – 10 correct and 4 incorrect. (14 games)
Week 8 – Did not make picks.
Week 9 – Did not make picks.
Week 10 – 13 correct and 1 incorrect. (14 games)
Week 11 – 11 correct and 4 incorrect. (15 games)
Week 12 – 10 correct and 5 incorrect. (15 games)
Week 13 – 7 correct and 6 incorrect. (13 games)
Week 14 – Did not make picks.
Week 15 – 10 correct and 5 incorrect (15 games)
My overall record after 15 weeks: 109-64
