Week 16 NFL Preview

Last week, we saw some turn of events and shockers in the big games of the weeks. In the big eye opener of the weekend, the Cowboys went to New Orleans and knocked off the previously unbeaten Saints and did it with a strong defensive effort. The team played about as close to perfect football and opened many people's eyes to how good this team is. The Saints dug themselves a hole that they couldn't get out of this time. They will have to go back to work and find a way to fix their problems as they playoffs are looming as is a shot at the number 1 seed in the NFC. This one is a huge boost for the Cowboys as they make a push to end their December and most likely their playoffs demons are in one year. The Chargers and the Bengals gave us a great game that was tied late and won by the Chargers. It was a crushing blow to the Bengals, who were playing with heavy hearts for their fallen former teammate. The Chargers, though, kept going full speed ahead as they continue to win this year and in December.

In an odd affair, the Vikings fell to the Panthers and suffered their second loss in the last three games after one having one during their start. The biggest story was the fact that QB Brett Favre and coach Brad Childress had some disagreements including Childress wanting to sit Favre down when they were up 7-6 in an important enough game. It has lingered on for most of the week and the Vikings need to put last week behind them or else their season will start to uncrumble. A good win though for the Panthers, who are finishing strong. Lastly, the Giants showed up on Monday Night; unfortunately the Redskins did not. The Giants had their most complete game since September as they kept their playoff hopes alive and lived to fight another week. Things are all about over for Jim Zorn and the Redskins. It will be an interesting off season once January arrives.

In other action, the Colts are still undefeated and played very motivated in a close division battle with the Jaguars; a team still fighting for the postseason. In what might have been the game of the week, the Packers and the Steelers put on a scoring showcase with the Steelers winning on the last play; a big bomb from QB Ben Roethlisberger of the Steelers.

All and all, I went 10-6 last week and brings my total to 169-55 after fifteen weeks.

Now for Week 16:

Games of the Week:
Ravens at Steelers:This is crunch time for both teams. The Ravens are at 8-6 and the Steelers are at 7-7. The playoffs are in site and a loss for either, especially the Steelers, would be crushing. Expect a similar back-and-forth battle that might come down to one big offensive play or a defensive stop. These two have given us some classic games in the last two years and this one has a lot on the line. Pick: Steelers

Broncos at Eagles: There is a playoff feel in this one as former Eagles safety Brian Dawkins returns to Philadelphia one year after leaving. The Broncos know that their playoff lives are on the line this week against a team who is still fighting for their division. Expect some big hits and big plays. The Broncos have become a bad second half of the season team lately and it doesn't look good this week. Pick: Eagles

Sunday Night: Cowboys at Redskins: These are two hated rivals that always give us close matchups because of that hatred. The Redskins were playing hard until last week and that might be a bad omen this week as it looks like they might be shutting it down. While the Cowboys looked to have turned it up with a huge win in New Orleans last week. Might be another ugly for the Redskins. Pick: Cowboys

Monday Night: Vikings at Bears: How will the team respond after the Brett Favre-Brad Childress incident against the Panthers. The Saints' loss last week has opened the door again for the Vikings to gain home field advantage and they get a team in the Bears that has not looked very good this year. The divisional rivalry aspect of the game could make it an interesting game and much attention will be on the play of Favre as opposed to QB Jay Cutler, who has been possibly one of the worst regular starting QB this year. Pick: Vikings

Rest of the pack:
Christmas: Chargers at Titans: This one has the potential to be a really good game. The Chargers haven't tasted a loss in two months while the Titans have barely been in the loss column in the same time. The Titans know that a loss would all but end their postseason future after a strong rebound from a 0-6 start. I just don't know if HB Chris Johnson; in his pursuit of 2,000 rushing yards; will be able to do enough to win. Pick: Chargers

Bills at Falcons: Last week the Falcons got a clutch win in the closing minutes of the game to keep their hopes for a winning season alive even though the playoffs are out of the question this year. The Bills have begun to play very well under their interim coach and could provide a few big plays to WR Terrell Owens and utilize going against a still banged up Atlanta offense. Pick: Falcons

Chiefs at Bengals: This is more of a tune-up for the Bengals and a chance to feel good again after losing their teammate Chris Henry. HB Jamaal Charles has emerged in the latter part of this season replacing HB Larry Johnson in Kansas City and could be a top back next year. Expect him to continue his strong play. Pick: Bengals

Raiders at Browns: These are probably the two most criticized teams of the 2009 season. They have made a lot of bad plays and struggled on offense. However, the Browns are on a bit of winning streak and the Raiders have beaten some quality teams including two playoff-bound teams. This one might have a Lions-Browns feel or a Bills-Browns feel. Hope the former occurs for viewers sake. Pick: Browns

Seahawks at Packers: The Packers are in complete cruise control and are one the NFL's hottest teams. They have fixed their offensive line problems and all that time that QB Aaron Rodgers has has allowed him to put up big numbers. This might be another one of those offensive showcase games against a Seahawks team that has fallen from grace. Odd tidbit: These two teams are the two teams that the Bucs have beaten this year. Pick: Packers

Texans at Dolphins: This one has playoff atmosphere written all over it. The Texans and the Dolphins sit at 7-7. The winner takes a step toward making the postseason while the loser follows to hanging on by a thread. The Texans are in search of their first winning season and a playoff appearance. They have regained some of their confidence after faltering mid-season. The Dolphins have had a long year after having to deal with facing a tougher schedule this year. Pick: Dolphins

Jaguars at Patriots: This is yet another key playoff-esc matchup this week. The Patriots are in the playoffs, but need to continue to edge out some things as they have not looked like the same team of past years. While the Jaguars need a win to stay a better ground for a possible playoff spot. WR Randy Moss's play has been up and down in recent weeks. If the good Moss shows up expect a big win. Pick: Patriots

Buccaneers at Saints: The Saints will be tested this week in how they respond after their first loss of the season to Dallas. They get a team that they ran over earlier this year, but has begun to show glimpses of better play. This is an important game as the Saints don't want to enter the postseason on a losing note. Plus, they still are fighting for the top seed in the NFC. Pick: Saints

Panthers at Giants: The Giants showed everyone how they can play with their backs against the wall, but can they continue as a loss ends their season. It is also a big game as it will be the last Giants' game in the 33 year old Giants Stadium. Will they play inspired again to keep their playoff hopes alive for one more week. Pick: Giants

Rams at Cardinals: The Rams would love another win and especially at the hands a division rival. This game would be a good chance for the Cardinals to get their running game tuned up for the playoffs as they can't hope to rest their destiny and chances in QB Kurt Warner and all his receiving weapons. Pick: Cardinals

Lions at 49ers: The 49ers played hard this year, but fell short of a return to the playoffs. This will be a good chance to show everyone that they can play motivated with nothing on the line, but a win. Pick: 49ers

Jets at Colts: Will the Colts' starters play again? Is this the week the Colts lose? We don't know for sure, but the Jets definitely hurt their playoff chances with a late loss last week. The Colts would be wise to not shut things down too fast as it has not always payed off for them in the past. The Jets know that they need a win or they are all but eliminated if they fall to 7-8. Pick: Colts

Much to watch this week. Will the Colts go to 15-0? Which teams will take the next step towards the postseason and which ones will take a step back. A Giants' loss will lock up the six NFC playoff teams, while it will take until the end of next Sunday before we know the AFC playoff picture better.