Saturday NFL Week 16: Preview and Predictions
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New York Giants Vs Minnesota Vikings
The (11-3) Minnesota Vikings will be hosting the (8-5-1) New York Giants in Minneapolis on Christmas Eve at 12:00 PM eastern time.
The Giants came off a 20-12 win against the Washington Commanders, they are looking to win two in a row and clinch a playoff spot this week. The Giants were consistent against the commanders as Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley lead the offense. The Giants defense is the key to victory tomorrow as they’ll need to apply pressure to Kirk Cousins and force him to make mistakes. The Giants defense will have to keep Justin Jefferson on lockdown as he is a game changer for that Vikings offense.
The Vikings pulled off a major comeback in a game which they won 39-36 against the Indianapolis Colts in overtime. Cousins passed for 460 yards and four touchdowns in the comeback victory and will have to have another great performance against the giants if they want to clinch the NFC North Division and a high seed in the NFC. The Vikings defense only allowed 3 points in the second half which allowed for the remarkable comeback. The Vikings will have to continue their great playing on both sides of the ball if they want to win this game.
A very Important NFC matchup with each team fighting to get a playoff spot.
Score prediction: Vikings win (20-17)
New Orleans Saints Vs Cleveland Browns
The (6-8) Cleveland Browns will be hosting the (5-9) New Orleans Saints on Christmas Eve on CBS at 12:00 central daylight time.
The Saints are still in contention to make the playoffs as they won their last game 21-18 against the Atlanta Falcons. The saints are in a win out situation still in reach within winning the NFC south division only one game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Saints were able to pull off a victory in a tough fought battle against the Falcons but are still having issues on offense and getting into rhythm. The defense will have to put on a performance against the Browns to win this game.
The Browns were able to upset the Baltimore Ravens last week to keep their playoff hopes alive. Deshaun Watson has been delivering and finding his rhythm with the Browns offense. The Run game will be very important for this Browns team heading into the game with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt leading the way. The Browns defense has no doubt been the bright spot for this team and they’ll need to be at their best despite playing a struggling Saints team.
With both Teams fighting for a spot this could be a physical battle between the Saints and Browns.
Score Prediction: Browns win (12-9)
Atlanta Falcons Vs Baltimore Ravens
Battle of the Birds it’s the (5-9) Atlanta Falcons vs the (9-5) Baltimore Ravens. This matchup is something we don’t see often which is a cross conference matchup between an AFC team and NFC team.
The Falcons have struggled lately on offense with Marcus Mariota on injured reserve they’ve turned to Desmond Ridder. The Falcons will have to be efficient against a good Ravens defense. The running game with Cordarrelle Patterson and Tyler Allgaier will need to be at its best if they want to win this game. The defense has surrendered many points to opposing teams so they’ll have to limit scoring opportunities for their opponents.
The Ravens will be without Lamar Jackson this week and are currently second in the AFC north division. They come off a loss to the Cleveland Browns which was an important divisional game that they lost and are looking to bounce back. The Ravens are going up against a struggling Falcons Secondary so the Ravens offense will have to be on the same page if they want to win this game. Tyler Huntley will be getting the start yet again, as for the defense they’ve done their best and only allowed 13 points in last week’s loss.
A matchup with two teams that aren’t in the same conference or division with a lot at stake could be an interesting matchup on Christmas Eve.
Score Prediction: Ravens win (17-14)
Seattle Seahawks Vs Kansas City Chiefs
The (11-3) Kansas City Chiefs will be hosting the (7-7) Seattle Seahawks, two teams that have such a huge fan base and loudest fans could be a treat on Christmas Eve.
The Seahawks came off a divisional 21-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The Seahawks are still in playoff contention and could very well get a spot but it’ll be tough for them and they’ll have to win the rest of their games essentially. The Seahawks are second in their division with a (7-7) record. The Seahawks struggles don’t come through the air, it’s the running game that they can’t find a rhythm. With many Offensive weapons at Geno Smith’s disposal the Seahawks could be set up for success against a good Chiefs defense. The Defense will no doubt have a tough time limiting Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce but they’ll have to try their best to slow them down to have a chance to win this game.
The Chiefs won a 30-24 thriller in overtime against the Houston Texans. The Chiefs didn’t look like themselves against the Texans. As for the Chiefs the offense has been the bright spot for this team and the defense has struggled to stop opposing offenses. Mahomes and the Chiefs offense last week had a total of 502 offensive yards and two turnovers which they barely escaped with a victory. The Defense allowed the Texans to put up points and nearly won the game in what was supposed to be a great display all around for the chiefs. It’ll be interesting how the Chiefs walk into this game and what their strategy will be against a good Seahawks team.
Score prediction: Chiefs win (24-14)
Houston Texans Vs Tennessee Titans
The (1-12-1) Houston Texans will be traveling down to Nashville to play the (7-7) Tennessee Titans, a AFC south divisional matchup on Christmas Eve.
The Texans have the worst record in the league and currently hold the first overall draft pick in 2023. With nothing to play for but building chemistry for next season they’ll definitely want to spoil their division rivals chances at winning the division. The Texans defense has allowed many points to opposing offenses but with a rookie quarterback leading the way for the titans maybe the Texans can escape with a victory.
The Titans currently are the first seed in the AFC south but are only a loss away from becoming tied for first with the Jacksonville Jaguars. This is a must win game for the titans to boost their chances of winning their division and securing a playoff spot. Quarterback Malik Willis will get the start after Ryan Tannehill has been injured. It will be interesting to see if the Titans can win the Division with a rookie quarterback. Derrick Henry will be heavily relied on as the rushing attack depends on him.
Score Prediction: (18-12)
Buffalo Bills Vs Chicago Bears
The (3-11) Chicago Bears will be hosting the (11-3) Buffalo Bills, this matchup is going to be a cold one with negative degree weather in Chicago. But both teams are use to the cold so it could be interesting to see if both teams will lead towards the run game or passing game.
The Bills last matchup they won 32-29 against their division rivals the Miami Dolphins. The Bills have been finding themselves on the struggling side of the ball on offense as they aren’t putting up the points they use to or chemistry they once had but towards the end of the game that’s when Josh Allen and the offense know it’s time to string together a game winning drive. The Bills defense is without Von Miller but they’ve been able to hold their ground and limit opponents big playmaking abilities. They’ll be playing a struggling bears team which could result in a big victory for the Bills.
The Bears find themselves filled with injuries on offense with Chase Claypool dealing with a knee injury, Darnell Mooney out for the season, Their Offensive Linemen Cody Whitehair and Teven Jenkins both doubtful, and Equanimeous St. Brown listed as doubtful as well. With the Bears just looking to improve on Justin Fields getting better each week for next season this game in the short run does not mean anything for them but in the long run this game is important for Fields development. The rushing attack as usual will be important for the Bears as Fields, David Montgomery, and Khalil Herbert will be leading the way. The Defense will have a tough task at hand guarding Josh Allen and Stephon Diggs as they have become one of the league’s worst defenses.
The Bills will look to boost their chances at the first seed in the playoffs with a victory over the Bears.
Score prediction: Bills win (35-10)
Cincinnati Bengals Vs New England Patriots
The (7-7) New England Patriots are hosting the (10-4) Cincinnati Bengals in a AFC conference showdown.
The Bengals were able to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 34-23, in which the Bengals were down 17-0 at one point. The Bengals are Currently division leaders and a victory against the Patriots would be very important as they try to secure a playoff spot by winning the division. Joe Burrow had himself a good game with 200 passing yards and four touchdowns. Running back Joe Mixon will need to step up and lead the run game to take some attention away from Burrow, Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase.
The Patriots came off a shocking 30-24 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson has been the Patriots bright spot recent, Mac Jones has been struggling as of late will the Patriots turn to another quarterback before the season is over or stick with Mac Jones will be interesting to see. The Patriots defense will have a lot on their hands with guarding Chase, Higgins, and Burrow. The Patriots are still fighting for a playoff spot and with a victory they could very well find themselves in a wildcard spot but it’s not guaranteed if they make it this year with other opponents already sneaking up behind the Patriots to make the playoffs.
Score Prediction: Patriots win (28-25)
Detroit Lions Vs Carolina Panthers
The (5-9) Panthers will host the (7-7) Detroit Lions on Christmas Eve in what could be an intense matchup.
The Lions have roared back and are finding themselves fighting for a playoff spot despite having a lot of people write them off this season. The Lions come off a 20-17 win against the New York Jets, the Lions have really found their stride lately and fight every week to claim a victory. With a favorable matchup against the Panthers the Lions will need to be at their best to snatch a victory and inch closer to a playoff spot.
The Panthers still find themselves having issues at the quarterback position but Sam Darnold led the way and had a touchdown pass in the 24-16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Offensive line will have to do a much better job at pass protection but the run game has been there for them when they needed it. The Panthers defense has been struggling as well lately but they’ll look to shut down a Lions offense.
Score Prediction: Panthers win (17-10)
Washington Commanders Vs San Francisco 49ers
The (7-6-1) Washington Commanders will be traveling down to Levi’s stadium to take on the (10-4) San Francisco 49ers on Christmas Eve.
The Commanders are currently fighting for a playoff spot but at one point in the season they looked like playoffs weren’t going to be an option this year. It’s safe to say the Commanders really turned it around this season when quarterback Taylor Heinicke took over for the Commanders. The defense has been keeping this team alive for a playoff spot as they’ve been playing tough football and Chase Young is scheduled to return against the 49ers.
The 49ers came off a 21-13 victory against their division rivals the Seattle Seahawks which ultimately the 49ers won the NFC west division. Quarterback Brock Purdy will yet again be starting and he’s done a good job since taking over and has led the 49ers to victory. Running back Christian McCaffrey is questionable to play, he’s been a great offensive weapon this season. The 49ers defense has been one of the leagues best and look to continue their dominant play.
Score Prediction: Commanders win (28-21)
Philadelphia Eagles Vs Dallas Cowboys
An NFC East Showdown on Christmas Eve could very well be an amazing matchup between the (13-1) Philadelphia Eagles and the (10-4) Dallas Cowboys. This game will kickoff at 3:25 pm Eastern time.
The big news coming out of Philadelphia is that Quarterback Gardner Minshew will get the start due to Jalen Hurts getting a minor injury and would rather sit him since clinching a playoff spot and basically have the number one seed in the NFC conference. The Eagles escaped with a victory and beat the Chicago Bears 25-20. The Run game will take a minor hit as Hurts won’t be playing but they’ll still have their running backs carrying the workload. Minshew will have plenty of offensive help to try and win this game. As for the defense they’ve been playing well against opposing offenses.
The Cowboys lost 40-34 in overtime to the Jacksonville Jaguars last week when Dak Prescott threw an interception for a pick 6. Despite Prescott throwing a pick six he had three touchdowns and two interceptions. The Cowboys defense was one of the leagues best earlier on in the season but have slowed down in recent weeks. With Hurts out for the Eagles the Cowboys could take advantage and try to win this game by pressuring Minshew into uncomfortable situations. If the Cowboys manage to win they’d still be within reach of the NFC east title if the Eagles lose the remainder of their games.
Score Predictions: Cowboys Win (35-28)