As typical, there isn’t a lot time to digest what occurred in Week 15 earlier than beginning to consider our NFL Week 16 picks in 2023. The playoff race is likely to be much more congested this week than it was every week in the past. Which means most video games may have critical playoff implications as we take into consideration our predictions for Week 16.
NFL Week 16 Picks
That is one other loopy week for the NFL with one sport on Thursday, two on Saturday, and three on Monday, which occurs to be Christmas Day. There are seven video games between two groups which might be .500 or higher, together with a showdown between two 11-win groups. There was loads to consider, however listed below are our NFL Week 16 picks in 2023.
Bengals vs Steelers
Stick a fork within the Steelers as a result of they’re carried out. Usually, it wouldn’t be such a foul concept to again Mike Tomlin’s staff as a house underdog. However the Steelers have regarded dreadful offensively with Mitch Trubisky at quarterback, and beginning Mason Rudolph isn’t possible to assist a lot.
Even with T.J. Watt following in his brother’s footsteps as one of many greatest defensive players in NFL history, the Pittsburgh protection isn’t sufficient. If Gardner Minshew may run circles across the Steelers final week, Jake Browning ought to be capable of do the identical with Cincy’s receivers.
Choose: Bengals -2.5
Lions vs Vikings
The Lions definitely made a press release final week with a convincing dwelling win over the Broncos. Nonetheless, they’ve nonetheless been inconsistent recently and have a considerably unreliable protection. The Lions are additionally highway favorites at U.S. Financial institution Stadium, a venue the place they’ve misplaced 5 in a row.
Regardless of a gut-wrenching additional time loss final week, Nick Mullens performed nicely and bought the Minnesota offense again on observe. Justin Jefferson is wholesome once more, Jordan Addison is producing, and the Minnesota protection isn’t too shabby, so issues are trending in the best course for the Vikings. Take into account that regardless of dropping three of their final 4 video games, these three losses have come by a mixed six factors. With that in thoughts, we’re pleased to take Minnesota and the factors.
Choose: Vikings +3
Cardinals vs Bears
Whereas this sport doesn’t determine into the playoff race, the road is just too suspicious to disregard. Precisely what have the Bears carried out to be favored by greater than a discipline aim towards anyone?
Aside from catching the Lions on a foul day a few weeks in the past, there is no such thing as a motive for the Bears to be favored by this many factors, even towards Arizona. Since Kyler Murray returned, the Cardinals are 2-3 straight up and 3-2 towards the unfold. Additionally they put up an excellent combat and scored 29 factors towards the most effective defenses within the NFL final week. Take into account that the Bears have been held to 17 factors or much less in 5 of their final seven video games. Chicago doesn’t rating sufficient factors to comfortably cowl greater than a discipline aim towards Murray and the Cardinals.
Choose: Cardinals +4.5
Raiders vs Chiefs
After scoring 63 factors final week, the Raiders are going to come back again all the way down to earth in an enormous manner. That is nonetheless a staff that’s counting on rookie Aidan O’Connell at quarterback and is simply two weeks faraway from a 3-0 loss to the Vikings. Additionally they suffered a 31-17 loss to the Chiefs at dwelling a couple of weeks in the past.
This week, the Raiders go to Arrowhead Stadium, the place they’ve misplaced six in a row, together with the final three by at the very least 14 factors. Granted, the Chiefs haven’t been all that dependable this 12 months and have nonetheless misplaced three of their final 5 video games. However they know that is crunch time and received’t want any further motivation to pour it on towards the Raiders. Plus, Kansas Metropolis is 3-0-1 towards the unfold this 12 months when favored by 9 factors or extra, so protecting double digits on this sport isn’t asking an excessive amount of of Patrick Mahomes and firm.
Choose: Chiefs -10
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