WE NORMALLY PREVIEW the week’s NFL by focusing on the televised games but, with so much at stake ahead of the playoffs, here’s a bumper look at every game taking place over week 16.
Happy Christmas.
Thursday Night Football (1.25am)
New York Giants (10-4) @ Philadelphia Eagles (5-9)
Line: Giants -2.5
Stop me if you’ve heard the tale of a team with a poor quarterback and red-hot defence finding form heading into January. Are the Giants this year’s Broncos? There’s no reason to think they are not.
Verdict: It feels like we’re long overdue one of those terrible Eli games where he costs them the win. It won’t be tonight. New York by 3.
Christmas Eve (6pm)
Miami Dolphins (9-5) @ Buffalo Bills (7-7)
Line: Bills -3.5
The Dolphins currently hold the sixth seed in the AFC and though the Bills still mathematically have a chance of the postseason, it’s much more likely they’ll miss out and Rex Ryan will be looking for a new job.
Verdict: This looks a wonky line, presumably because of Matt Moore at quarterback for the Dolphins. However, Miami by 5.
Atlanta Falcons (9-5) @ Carolina Panthers (6-8)
Line: Falcons -2.5
As they proved on Monday night, the Panthers players haven’t gone on holidays just yet and they won’t be an easy game down the stretch. The Falcons are the most high-powered offence in the league though and I’m not sure this Carolina defence can hold them.
Verdict: Divisional games are always tough but the Falcons still have an eye on that number two seed. Atlanta by 3+
Washington (7-6-1) @ Chicago Bears (3-11)
Line: Washington -3.5
The Bears nearly caused upheaval in the NFC when they ran the Packers close last week and, with Matt Barkley at quarterback, can officially be described as ‘feisty’. Washington, on the other hand, wet the bed against the Panthers on Monday and, even if they win out, look unlikely to make the postseason.
Verdict: Washington still has a chance but Jordan Reed’s current injury is huge for them as he’s only playing at about 50%. Chicago by 3.
San Diego Chargers (5-9) @ Cleveland Browns (0-14)
Line: Chargers -5.5
A game that means nothing to either team so I won’t waste too much time on it.
Verdict: The Browns have failed to cover in their last eight games and 5.5 points seems very generous. San Diego by 7+
Minnesota Vikings (7-7) @ Green Bay Packers (8-6)
Line: Packers -7
A few weeks ago, as the Packers stood at 4-6 and everyone wondered if Aaron Rodgers was still any good, the Green Bay quarterback assured the assembled media his team would run the table. So far, so correct.
Verdict: Remember when the Vikings were the last undefeated team in the NFL? They don’t either. Green Bay by 6.
Tennessee Titans (8-6) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (2-12)
Line: Titans -4.5
Last week’s last-gasp victory over the Kansas City Chiefs was a real boost for the Titans’ playoff hopes but it’s games against their divisional rivals that will ultimately decide Tennessee’s season. They are currently 1-3 against the rest of the AFC South and will need to make that 3-3 to reach the postseason.
Verdict: As long as Blake Bortles remains quarterback, the Jags will be a bad team. Tennessee by 3.
New York Jets (4-10) @ New England Patriots (12-2)
Line: Patriots -16.5
The Patriots already have the AFC East wrapped up and the Jets are already on holidays. The only thing worth playing for is the number one overall seed but, even then, Bill Belichick knows his team can probably slip up once more and still claim it.
Verdict: Not a game you’d want to be gambling on with the line that high. Still, New England by 10+
Christmas Eve (From 9.05pm)
Indianapolis Colts (7-7) @ Oakland Raiders (11-3)
Line: Raider -3.5
As your resident Raiders fan, this game excites and terrifies me in equal measure. The Colts have lost three of their last four at home but won four of their last five on the road, including victories over Green Bay and Minnesota.
Verdict: Derek Carr’s finger remains a concern but, with Kansas City still hot on their heels for the number two seed, the Raiders have plenty to play for. Oakland by 5.
San Francisco 49ers (1-13) @ LA Rams (4-10)
Line: Rams -4
If there’s anyone who cares about this game I’m happy to give a more comprehensive preview in the comment section.
Verdict: The 49ers have failed to beat the spread in seven of their last eight, almost as if they’re trying to lose. LA by 3 (because they’re not very good either).
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6) @ New Orleans Saints (6-8)
Line: Saints -3
The Bucs were the hottest team in the NFL with five wins in a row until they failed to beat the Cowboys last week despite having multiple chances to do so. They need to return to winning ways this week to keep place with the Falcons in the NFC South.
Verdict: This absolutely feels like a game that will come down to the final possession. Tampa Bay by 3.
Arizona Cardinals (5-8-1) @ Seattle Seahawks (9-4-1)
Line: Seahawks -7.5
The Cardinals may well be the most disappointing team of the 2016 NFL season as many — including this guy — tipped them to go one better than last year and reach the Super Bowl. They won’t even make meaningful January football.
Verdict: The Seahawks have laid some eggs of late as they continue to have offensive line struggles. Still, Seattle by 5.
Cincinnati Bengals (5-8-1) @ Houston Texans (8-6)
Line: Scratch
Speaking of disappointing teams this season, the Bengals have also been woeful after years of relative success. The Texans have finally taken the right decision and benched Brock Osweiler so expect Tom Savage to target DeAndre Hopkins about 30 times.
Verdict: The Bengals have nothing to play for but the Texans are only 3-6 in non divisional games. Cincinnati by 3+
Christmas Day (from 9.30pm)
Baltimore Ravens (8-6) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (9-5)
Line: Steelers -5
By Christmas night you’re going to be bored with your family so what better way to unwind than with EVEN MORE FOOTBALL. These two don’t like each other very much so it’ll be well worth a watch, especially with the Ravens needing a win to stay in the playoff race.
Verdict: I really fancy the Ravens in this game, even if they have no interest in developing a run game whatsoever. Baltimore by 3.
Denver Broncos (8-6) @ Kansas City Chiefs (10-4)
Line: Chiefs -3.5
The Chiefs have a real problem on offence having failed to score in five of their last eight quarters of football after putting up 29 and 30 points against the Falcons and Broncos respectively. Denver just don’t look themselves and there are reports of in-fighting in the locker room.
Verdict: The Chiefs went into Mile High and took care of business so there’s no reason to think they won’t at home. Kansas City by 3.
St Stephen’s Day (though technically the 27th here at 1.30am)
Detroit Lions (9-5) @ Dallas Cowboys (12-2)
Line: -7.5
The last game of Christmas sees Dallas host Detroit in what should be a shootout. The Lions need to keep winning but their biggest game will come against Green Bay next weekend so they may have an eye on that one.
Verdict: The Cowboys have not been great of late but got two wins in three games they should have lost. Dallas by 5.
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