The big games keep on coming as we move into the final three weeks of the regular season and the playoff spots in each conference get filled. I had a good week going 13-3 on my picks in the last round of games, taking my season record to 150-76. Here are my selections for Week 16 in the NFL, which will see us in the Sky Sports NFL studios on Saturday and Sunday evenings.
Denver Broncos (9-5) at Los Angeles Chargers (8-6)
Thursday night features AFC West playoff-chasers in varying degrees of form. The Broncos have won four straight, while the Chargers have lost three of their last four. Denver on the road here.
Neil’s Pick… Denver Broncos
Houston Texans (9-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (13-1)
It’s all eyes on Patrick Mahomes’ left ankle as the Chiefs look to maintain their charge for the one seed in the AFC. This could be a Carson Wentz game, but I highly doubt it. Mahomes will be there.
Neil’s Pick… Kansas City
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4) at Baltimore Ravens (9-5)
Lamar Jackson is 1-4 in his career against the Steelers with a passer rating of 66.2 against Mike Tomlin’s men and 104.1 against the rest of the league. But Lamar can enjoy success this time.
Neil’s Pick… Baltimore
New York Giants (2-12) at Atlanta Falcons (7-7)
The Michael Penix Jr. era begins in Atlanta as the Falcons attempt to salvage their season following the benching of $100 million quarterback Kirk Cousins. The rookie will get off to a winning start.
Neil’s Pick… Atlanta
Arizona Cardinals (7-7) at Carolina Panthers (3-11)
It was a game of regression for Bryce Young in Week 15 as he committed four turnovers. Can he rebound against a Cardinals team still chasing the NFC West crown? The Cardinals in a close one.
Neil’s Pick… Arizona
Detroit Lions (12-2) at Chicago Bears (4-10)
The Lions are banged up beyond belief, but Dan Campbell won’t let his team feel sorry for themselves. They will keep their number one seed charge going for another week, at least.
Neil’s Pick… Detroit
Cleveland Browns (3-11) at Cincinnati Bengals (6-8)
The Browns won’t be such a wild ride with Dorian Thompson-Robinson replacing Jameis Winston at quarterback, but they also won’t be as much fun. The Bengals are sloppy but should win here.
Neil’s Pick… Cincinnati
Tennessee Titans (3-11) at Indianapolis Colts (6-8)
The Colts should have more than enough to get past the Titans at home and that will keep their slim playoff hopes alive. But last week’s loss in Denver was really frustrating and damaging.
Neil’s Pick… Indianapolis
Los Angeles Rams (8-6) at New York Jets (4-10)
The Rams have won three straight to take the NFC West lead, but this could be a tricky trip east as Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams are heating up for the Jets. I’m tempted to call an upset.
Neil’s Pick… New York Jets
Philadelphia Eagles (12-2) at Washington Commanders (9-5)
The Eagles need a win to clinch the NFC East but as one of the very best teams in the league, their goals are much bigger. Philadelphia will still fancy their chances of finishing as the NFC’s top seed.
Neil’s Pick… Philadelphia
Minnesota Vikings (12-2) at Seattle Seahawks (8-6)
The Vikings have a well-established identity that will be on display again in Seattle. They throw it well with Sam Darnold at QB and Brian Flores’ defense will continue to confuse opposing attacks.
Neil’s Pick… Minnesota
New England Patriots (3-11) at Buffalo Bills (11-3)
The Bills are aiming to become the first team in NFL history to score at least 30 points in nine straight games. More important will be continuing to put pressure on KC at the top of the AFC.
Neil’s Pick… Buffalo
Jacksonville Jaguars (3-11) at Las Vegas Raiders (2-12)
Thank goodness there is plenty of other stuff to do in Las Vegas! This contest featuring two of the league’s worst teams hardly sets the pulses racing. Somebody has to win and it will be the Jags.
Neil’s Pick… Jacksonville
San Francisco 49ers (6-8) at Miami Dolphins (6-8)
Given the talent on their respective rosters and the positivity coming out of both camps this summer, this was supposed to be a potential Super Bowl preview. Both are alive, but only just.
Neil’s Pick… San Francisco
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6) at Dallas Cowboys (6-8)
The Bucs feature one of the NFL’s highest-scoring attacks, averaging 29 points per game (4th) and Dallas have the third-worst scoring D, allowing 27 per contest. Those numbers will be key on SNF.
Neil’s Pick… Tampa Bay
New Orleans Saints (5-9) at Green Bay Packers (10-4)
There is no way the Saints can hang with a Packers team that looks as if it could be a real threat come the NFC playoffs. I expect a professional job from Green Bay and no road upset here.
Neil’s Pick… Green Bay