NFL - Week Sixteen predictions

Repent, for the end is nigh! We've reached Week Sixteen of the 2007 NFL season and it's been a quite a ride. Surprisingly, the Redskins are still technically in the playoff hunt with two games to go, and hey, the Dolphins finally won one! This week, playoff berths will be locked up for some and dreams will be shattered for others, as the dreaded words "There's always next year!" make their annual appearance.

In fantasy-land, it's championship week for many leagues, including our very own SCO league where Andrew and Pia will duke it out for the coveted title. In our experts pool, once again Nitin and Pia are tied for the lead, but Anshul lurks just one game behind. It looks like the fate of NFL predictions will come down right to the wire - we'll have to see if our 'Skins can keep up.

Standings:

	Last week	Season total
Nitin	9-7	137-87
Pia	11-5	137-87
Anshul	11-5	136-88
Andrew	7-9	130-94

Thursday December 20, 2007

Pittsburgh Steelers (9-5) at St. Louis Rams (3-11)

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
Pittsburgh	Pittsburgh	Pittsburgh	Pittsburgh

Andrew says: The Steelers rebound from their first back-to-back losses all season with a resounding victory following a short week.

Nitin says: Who would have thought the Cleveland Browns would be up and fighting for AFC North domination with the Pittsburgh Steelers? Both have easy schedules the rest of the way; Big Ben needs to keep it together to hold on to a mere tiebreaker to win the division.

Pia says: After a disappointing loss last week, the Steelers will be reeling to go. I have a feeling the lackluster Rams won't pose as much of a threat as the Jaguars did a week ago.

Anshul says: The Steelers need to get back on track because the Browns are itching to win the division. St. Louis has been one of the biggest disappointments this season and should be an easy win for Pittsburgh.

Saturday December 22, 2007

Dallas Cowboys (12-2) at Carolina Panthers (6-8)

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
Dallas	Dallas	Dallas	Dallas

Andrew says: Dallas fans are praying that Jessica Simpson doesn't show up in Charlotte. I for one would be more than happy to take her off their hands...

Nitin says: Dallas and Green Bay are neck and neck so the motivation is there. All evidence points away from another Carolina upset.

Pia says: The Cowboys have already clinched their division and a first-round bye, but there's still home field advantage to play for. The Panthers don't stand a chance.

Anshul says: Now Dallas needs to win to get home field advantage over the Packers. Carolina may have beaten the Seahawks last week and Dallas might have lost, but the Cowboys are going to run over the Panthers.

Sunday December 23, 2007

Houston Texans (7-7) at Indianapolis Colts (12-2)

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
Indianapolis	Houston	Indianapolis	Indianapolis

Andrew says: The AFC South has been the picture of consistency this year, with all four teams at or above .500. Sadly, it won't last past this week. One trend that will: Indy is a perfect 4-0 in divisional games this year, while Houston is winless at 0-4.

Nitin says: Sage Rosenfels has been more consistent in play and health than Matt Schaub. Ron Dayne will be a big surprise in this upset over the injury-rattled Colts.

Pia says: The Colts aren't going to take it easy these remaining two weeks. After trying that strategy two years ago and performing poorly in the playoffs, Indy will be business as usual Sunday, which of course, is anything but the usual for Peyton and the gang.

Anshul says: The Colts have cemented their place as second in the AFC, but they need to improve their play in these last two weeks to take on the Patriots in the playoffs.

Green Bay Packers (12-2) at Chicago Bears (5-9)

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
Green Bay	Green Bay	Green Bay	Green Bay

Andrew says: In his first start of the season, Kyle Orton posted Grossman-like numbers in a loss to Minnesota, and should have an encore performance against the tough Packers D.

Nitin says: Brian Urlacher and the Bears looked revitalized in last week's loss to the Vikings. But unlike Minnesota, Green Bay knows how to run and pass.

Pia says: The Packers certainly haven't forgotten that the Bears handed them one of their two losses this year, and with the Packers charged to get home field advantage, the slumping Bears team doesn't have much of a chance.

Anshul says: The Packers are all riled up now after the loss by Dallas. They are ready to jump on that chance to get home field advantage in the playoffs. Chicago should only help them and hurt Dallas.

Cleveland Browns (9-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-9)

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
Cincinnati	Cleveland	Cleveland	Cleveland

Andrew says: Cincinnati's season went downhill after the 51-45 week two shootout, and the Bengals will be looking for vengeance (or at least a season series split).

Nitin says: Cleveland's defense has at least improved itself slightly since the Ohio Shootout in Week 2. Disgruntled Cincinnati WRs Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh have been held to zero touchdowns by less than intimidating pass defenses in the last three games.

Pia says: A sweep of the Bengals would be the perfect way for the Browns to clinch a playoff spot. From the eyebrow-raising 51-point game against Cincinnati in Week Two to now, the Browns have surprised a lot of people with their talent this year. It's time for them to have something to show for it.

Anshul says: The Browns' surge started with their win over the Bengals and this next win would cement their spot in the playoffs. This is a team that has been a major disappointment since it's re-entering the NFL in 1999, but now Cleveland fans have something else to cheer for than LeBron James.

Oakland Raiders (4-10) at Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4)

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
Jacksonville	Jacksonville	Jacksonville	Jacksonville

Andrew says: Forget the latest Fred Taylor snub, how is David Garrard, he of the 101.6 QB rating and 16-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio, not even a Pro Bowl alternate?

Nitin says: Fred Taylor got ripped off yet again in the Pro Bowl selection, but he's a class act that won't let it affect his game. In other news, JaMarcus Russell may get his first NFL start this week for Oakland.

Pia says: Christmas seems to have come early for the Jaguars. In order to clinch a playoff berth, they have the oh-so-difficult task of...playing at home and beating the Raiders.

Anshul says: Jacksonville is gunning again and after beating the Steelers, a home game against Oakland should be a good way for the team to rest.

New York Giants (9-5) at Buffalo Bills (7-7)

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
Buffalo	Buffalo	New York	New York

Andrew says: Just like last season, Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning have orchestrated a choke job of monumental proportions. A loss this week to Buffalo (followed by an anticipated loss to New England in week 17) may jeopardize New York's once-seemingly assured playoff berth.

Nitin says: Kevin Everett will be in attendance as the Bills try to further ruin the final stretch for the New York Giants. The Giants lost a huge on-the-field leader in Jeremy Shockey last week and Eli can't afford to lose the tight end dumpoff option.

Pia says: For some reason, the Giants seem to do a lot better on the road (think six straight victories) than at home. Maybe it's because the opposing team's crowds are a lot nicer to Eli when he throws an interception. Whatever it is, the Giants are on the road and know they have to win to secure their playoff chances.

Anshul says: Coming off a loss to Washington, the G-men are still only one win away from clinching a playoff spot. A road game against the Bills is not exactly a walk in the park, but should give them the win they need to reach the playoffs once again.

Kansas City Chiefs (4-10) at Detroit Lions (6-8)

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
Kansas City	Detroit	Detroit	Detroit

Andrew says: If Larry Johnson returns against a pitiful Lions defense, then the Chiefs have a shot at ending their six-game losing skid.

Nitin says: Even with Roy Williams down, the Lions' passing attack will overwhelm Ty Law and the Chiefs.

Pia says: Neither team is eligible for playoff contention, but egos will be high, as both teams started out the year strong. Jon Kitna may not get his 10-win prediction, but at least he has a good chance of bringing his team to .500.

Anshul says: Kitna's 10-win hopes are over and after the beatdown they received courtesy of the Chargers, it's no wonder. But the Chiefs are an even bigger disappointment and should help Kitna at least gain some confidence.

Philadelphia Eagles (6-8) at New Orleans Saints (7-7)

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
Philadelphia	Philadelphia	New Orleans	New Orleans

Andrew says: The horrific Saints secondary is just what D-Mac and the Eagles offense need to end the season on a high note with.

Nitin says: I forgot that Donovan McNabb used to be good until last week. He'll play the Grinch this year as the Eagles will try to knock New Orleans out of the playoff picture.

Pia says: Can you believe this is a rematch of an NFC divisional round playoff game from just last season? A year later and one's struggling to grab the last wild card spot, and the other's already eliminated from contention. The Saints have worked hard to bounce back from their awful start, however, and their determination should pay off in a win this week.

Anshul says: Remember when Reggie Bush was popped on a screen pass against the Eagles in the playoffs last season? Well good news for Bush, the Eagles won't be in the playoffs. The bad news: he may not be their either. The Saints need this win to keep their playoff dreams alive.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-5) at San Francisco 49ers (4-10)

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
San Francisco	Tampa Bay	Tampa Bay	Tampa Bay

Andrew says: The Bucs have clinched the putrid NFC South, yet will have zero representative in Honolulu. The 4-10 Niners on the other hand, have two. Undrafted Shaun Hill may very well be a better long-term option in San Fran than former first-overall pick Alex Smith.

Nitin says: Shaun Hill looked like a seasoned veteran, but Tampa Bay's defense has been forcing turnovers left and right. The league's worst offense won't fare well against the Bucs.

Pia says: Tampa Bay quarterback Jeff Garcia will play against his old team for the first time this Sunday. Considering the respective positions of the two teams now, I think he has to be pretty pleased with where he's landed up.

Anshul says: The 49ers are just an easy win for really any team this season, especially for the Bucs. The Bucs will take this win and try to roll into the playoffs with momentum.

Atlanta Falcons (3-11) at Arizona Cardinals (6-8)

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
Arizona	Arizona	Arizona	Arizona

Andrew says: My fantasy team is banking on strong performances from Kurt Warner and Edgerrin James to down Pia and claim that coveted gold trophy for my virtual trophy case.

Nitin says: The Falcons even got rejected by Bill Parcells who decided to join the 1-13 Dolphins. 1-13! Atlanta is the only team I feel bad for; I wouldn't mind a little of the "throw the season away" type of deal.

Pia says: There's low morale, and then there's low morale. With no chance of making the playoffs, reaching a .500 record, getting their star quarterback back soon or even having a regular head coach this season, the Falcons are in one sorry state.

Anshul says: Without a head coach, I don't see the Falcons really getting anywhere this season. Easy win for Arizona.

New York Jets (3-11) at Tennessee Titans (8-6)

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
Tennessee	Tennessee	Tennessee	Tennessee

Andrew says: Unfortunately for the Jets, the forecast in Nashville calls for a dry, sunny day. The return of Chad Pennington to the driver's seat will have little effect, as Tennessee keeps their slim playoff hopes alive.

Nitin says: The Jets won't have weather to help stop opponents again this week. The Titans won't make the playoffs but they will win this one.

Pia says: Tennessee has been struggling lately, but in a last-ditch attempt to reach the playoffs, the Titans will step it up against the far-more struggling Jets.

Anshul says: Congratulations to the Jets for holding the Patriots to only 20 points! But a loss is a loss and here they'll have another loss.

Baltimore Ravens (4-10) at Seattle Seahawks (9-5)

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
Seattle	Seattle	Seattle	Baltimore

Andrew says: After last week's debacle, it appears that Baltimore is playing for draft position. So who will look better in purple, Brian Brohm or Darren McFadden?

Nitin says: The loss to Miami has "just give up" written all over it.

Pia says: Baltimore will continue its slide, and finish out the season with 10 straight losses.

Anshul says: I'm still believing in the Ravens, even though they ruined Miami's perfect season.

Miami Dolphins (1-13) at New England Patriots (14-0)

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
Miami	New England	New England	Miami

Andrew says: Hey, it could happen...

Nitin says: Tom Brady will tie Peyton Manning's touchdown record this week. The Dolphins will double Randy Moss and let Wes Welker wreak havoc on his former team.

Pia says: So, the Dolphins beat the Ravens, and the Ravens almost beat the Patriots...so by that logic, the Dolphins will beat the Patriots? Except, no, not at all. The Patriots are unstoppable.

Anshul says: The Dolphins have won one and as they say, the first is always the hardest. I'm going to be optimistic and jump on any chance to go against the Patriots.

Washington Redskins (7-7) at Minnesota Vikings (8-6)

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
Minnesota	Washington	Washington	Washington

Andrew says: Call me selfish, but I'd rather see an electric game from Adrian Peterson and the resulting points for my fantasy team than the continuation of our slim playoff hopes.

Nitin says: We'll see just how badly the Redskins want to make it to the playoffs after an emotionally challenging season here. We have to win this one. Look for the linebacker corps led by London Fletcher and Marcus Washington to stuff Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor.

Pia says: Last week wasn't pretty with the wind in New York, but Todd Collins still managed to stand up and bring in another win for the Redskins. This week's matchup is crucial, and I think Collins will once again prove his worth.

Anshul says: A must-win game for the Redskins if they want to reach the playoffs. Coming down the stretch it is going to take all Washington has got to make it, and here is where it starts.

Monday December 24, 3007

Denver Broncos (6-8) at San Diego Chargers (9-5)

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
San Diego	San Diego	San Diego	San Diego

Andrew says: Is the Chargers offensive line so good that their third-stringer can run for 100+ and two TDs? No, the Lions are just really bad. Regardless, the Chargers have won five straight and may very well win out, with soft divisional foes Denver and Oakland to close out the year.

Nitin says: LT and Darren Sproles went for over 100 yards rushing and two TDs each against the Lions last week. Denver's underachieving run defense doesn't stand a chance.

Pia says: Denver lost its chances to grab the AFC West last week. While the Broncos have nothing to play for now, the Chargers are looking to stay the number three seed for the playoffs. Looks like it'll be a Merry Christmas in San Diego.

Anshul says: San Diego absolutely destroyed the Lions last week, and the Broncos don't look ready to put up much more of a fight.