RADIO
Detroit Lions Defeat Chicago Bears
The Lions will look to bounce back from their second loss of the season when they take on the Bears. Losing David Montgomery (knee) for the season is a big blow that could be a problem during the playoffs. However, his absence likely won’t be a factor against a Bears team that has lost eight games in a row.
Buffalo Bills Defeat New England Patriots
The Bills are 6-0 at home this season, while the Patriots bring a 3-11 record into Week 16. There is the potential that this could be a letdown spot for the Bills after an emotional win over the Lions last week. However, the Patriots just don’t have enough offensive firepower to pull off the upset.
Green Bay Packers Defeat New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr (hand) is unlikely to play again this season. To make matters worse for the Saints, Alvin Kamara is now dealing with a groin injury that puts him in doubt for Monday. They won’t be able to hang with the Packers, who are averaging 27.1 points per game.
Cincinnati Bengals Defeat Cleveland Browns
The Bengals are 5-3 on the road this season, but just 1-5 at home. As concerning as that stat is, they should be able to handle the Browns. After Jameis Winston produced another turnover fest last week, Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start in Week 16. He didn’t provide much of a spark in relief of Winston last week, throwing for 44 yards and one interception. He has three interceptions over 34 pass attempts this season.
Atlanta Falcons Defeat New York Giants
The Falcons will start Michael Penix Jr. over Kirk Cousins moving forward. Even though Penix will be making his first start, the Falcons are still probably in better shape at quarterback than the Giants. Tommy DeVito is in the concussion protocol and Drew Lock is dealing with a heel injury, but Lock is on track to start. Regardless of who is under center, they are unlikely to help snap the team’s nine-game losing streak.
Los Angeles Rams Defeat New York Jets
The Rams have had added time off after playing the 49ers on Thursday Night Football last week. They have won three straight games to tie the Seahawks atop the NFC West. Aaron Rodgers has looked better over the last couple of games for the Jets, but they are just 4-10 and will be fighting an uphill battle to keep this game close.
Arizona Cardinals Defeat Carolina Panthers
Just when it looked like the Panthers were playing better, they gave up 30 points to Cooper Rush and the Cowboys last week. They have lost four straight games and their defense has allowed 29.9 points per game this season. The Cardinals should be able to win this matchup, but I decided not to make them a lock because they are just 2-4 on the road.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defeat Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are 5-2 on the road, but just 1-6 at home. The Buccaneers have won four straight games, which included an impressive 40-17 victory over the Chargers in Los Angeles last week. They have also pulled off wins against the Lions and Eagles this season. As good as the Cowboys looked against the Panthers last week, trying to defeat the Buccaneers is a different matter.
Minnesota Vikings Defeat Seattle Seahawks
This could have been a candidate for the “Wait and See” category given the uncertain statuses of both Geno Smith (knee) and Kenneth Walker III (calf). If Smith is out, the Seahawks will have no chance of knocking off the Vikings with Sam Howell under center.
However, even if Smith and Walker play, the Vikings have won seven straight and are the superior team. I’ll lean towards them winning, regardless of the status of Smith.
Indianapolis Colts Defeat Tennessee Titans
Both of these teams have problems at quarterback. The Titans are expected to bench Will Levis for Mason Rudolph, which might turn out to be an upgrade. Anthony Richardson has only completed 47.0% of his passes this season for the Colts. The Colts have the better overall team in this matchup, but anything can happen when both teams have bad options under center.
Philadelphia Eagles Defeat Washington Commanders
The Eagles take a 10-game winning streak into this matchup. Their defense has been excellent, allowing 17.6 points per game this season. As dominating as they have been, anything can happen in a road matchup against a divisional foe. The Eagles should still be able to win, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Commanders pulled off the upset.
Miami Dolphins Defeat San Francisco 49ers
This game being played in Miami could be the deciding factor. The Dolphins are 4-3 at home, compared to 2-5 on the road. The 49ers are 4-4 at home, but just 2-4 on the road. Both teams have been a disappointment this season, but when in doubt, lean towards the home team.
Baltimore Ravens Defeat Pittsburgh Steelers
When these two teams faced off in Pittsburgh earlier this season, the Steelers won by two points. Lamar Jackson struggled, throwing for 207 yards and one touchdown. The Steelers have given him problems throughout his career, although he hasn’t faced them in Baltimore since 2020. The Steelers tend to shine in big spots, but slightly lean towards the Ravens with this game being in Baltimore.
Las Vegas Raiders Defeat Jacksonville Jaguars
This might be the worst game on the slate. Mac Jones continues to start as the Jaguars play out the string, while Desmond Ridder could be forced to fill in again for Aidan O’Connell (knee). However, Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce did say Tuesday that O’Connell is trending towards playing. This could come down to which underwhelming quarterback makes the fewest mistakes.
Kansas City Chiefs Defeat Houston Texans
This is one of the two Saturday games. The quick turnaround might not be good for Patrick Mahomes, who injured his ankle Sunday against the Browns. However, he is off the injury report and will play, so the Chiefs should take care of business at home.
