Week 16 NFL Game Predictions
As we prepare for the holiday season, two intriguing matchups are lined up for Christmas Day, which also affects the schedule for Week 16. This weekend’s games promise to offer a glimpse into potential playoff scenarios.
The first game on Saturday showcases the Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, who will meet the Texans, quarterbacked by C.J. Stroud, the AFC South champions. Following this clash, the Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the Baltimore Ravens in a critical AFC North matchup featuring Russell Wilson and Lamar Jackson.
Matchup Analyses
Philadelphia Eagles (12-2) at Washington Commanders (9-5)
The Eagles come off a successful week with wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith both achieving 100 receiving yards and scoring. Jalen Hurts has revitalized their passing game, while the Commanders had a rough outing, barely escaping with a win against New Orleans. The game line favors Philadelphia by three points.
Prediction: EAGLES win, 26-17
Jacksonville Jaguars (3-11) at Las Vegas Raiders (2-12)
This matchup now holds significant weight for the NFL draft. A win for the Raiders could hurt their odds for the top pick, while a Jaguars loss would help them leap into the top five of the draft standings. The Raiders are also favored in this contest by one point.
Upset Alert: JAGUARS win, 23-20
Denver Broncos (9-5) at Los Angeles Chargers (8-6)
After a rough patch for the Chargers, who have dropped two in a row, Denver has been getting strong performances, particularly from rookie quarterback Bo Nix. With a spread favoring the Chargers by 2.5 points, this is a must-win situation for both teams.
Prediction: CHARGERS win, 23-20
Houston Texans (9-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (13-1)
Mahomes is set to play with a minor high-ankle sprain as the Chiefs aim for the top seed in the AFC. Kansas City is 3-point favorites in this matchup against the Texans, who are looking to maintain their division title.
Prediction: CHIEFS win, 24-19
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4) at Baltimore Ravens (9-5)
The Ravens hope to shake off their four-game losing streak against their rivals, the Steelers. With their passing game struggling without George Pickens, this game could heavily influence the AFC North standings, where Baltimore is favored by 6 points.
Prediction: RAVENS win, 23-18
Cleveland Browns (3-11) at Cincinnati Bengals (6-8)
With Dorian Thompson-Robinson starting instead of Jameis Winston for the Browns, and a spread favoring the Bengals by 7.5 points, Cincinnati is under pressure to capitalize on Joe Burrow’s exceptional season.
Prediction: BENGALS win, 27-17
New York Giants (2-12) at Atlanta Falcons (7-7)
The Falcons are relying on rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to lead the charge as they aim for a playoff spot. The Giants may see the return of Drew Lock as they shoot for the coveted No. 1 draft pick.
Prediction: FALCONS win, 24-16
Detroit Lions (12-2) at Chicago Bears (4-10)
The injury-plagued Lions are aiming to maintain their lead for playoff contention while the Bears struggle with consistency. The betting line shows the Lions as 6.5-point favorites.
Prediction: LIONS win, 33-17
Tennessee Titans (3-11) at Indianapolis Colts (6-8)
The Titans will start Mason Rudolph at quarterback after Will Levis is benched. With a spread favoring the Colts at 3.5 points, both teams are trying to conclude the season strong.
Prediction: COLTS win, 23-17
Los Angeles Rams (8-6) at New York Jets (4-10)
The Rams have surged into playoff contention while the Jets look to salvage something from their disappointing season. The spread places the Rams at 3.5-point favorites.
Prediction: RAMS win, 23-20
Minnesota Vikings (12-2) at Seattle Seahawks (8-6)
Sam Darnold’s Vikings are in pursuit of the NFC North title as they tackle the challenging travel to Seattle. The game line shows Minnesota as favorites by 3 points.
Prediction: SEAHAWKS win, 22-19
Arizona Cardinals (7-7) at Carolina Panthers (3-11)
As the Cardinals try to reclaim their footing, a 4.5-point line favors them against the struggling Panthers, who have defensive issues to address.
Prediction: CARDINALS win, 20-16
New England Patriots (3-11) at Buffalo Bills (11-3)
The Bills, with Josh Allen leading the charge, are heavily favored at 14 points and have their sights set on securing the AFC’s top seed against the struggling Patriots.
Prediction: BILLS win, 33-16
San Francisco 49ers (6-8) at Miami Dolphins (6-8)
With both teams teetering on the brink of elimination, Miami holds a slim advantage by 1 point. Tua Tagovailoa needs to minimize turnovers for the Dolphins to prevail.
Prediction: 49ERS win, 21-20
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6) at Dallas Cowboys (6-8)
The Buccaneers, buoyed by Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans’ synergy, look to fend off Dallas and consolidate their lead in the NFC South as 4-point favorites.
Prediction: BUCCANEERS win, 24-17
New Orleans Saints (5-9) at Green Bay Packers (10-4)
With Jordan Love in strong form and no interceptions in four games, the Packers face the beleaguered Saints, heavily favored at 14.5 points.
Prediction: PACKERS win, 30-13
Weekly Summary
In the previous week, the accuracy was notable with a record of 13 wins and 3 losses straight up, and 12 wins against the spread. Overall records stand at 156-68 straight up and 123-98-3 against the spread, including a prime-time record of 37-13.