Week 16 NFL picks: Will it be the Bengals or the Steelers in a big game on Saturday? Ravens or 49ers for Christmas?
The fact that the 2023 NFL standard season is already over I find pretty amazing. You’re getting ready for the holiday season in the summer and then all of a sudden it’s Christmas.
Gets it. We got a little better after a slow Week 14, but our 6-8-2 ATS record from last week isn’t really something to be proud of.
Over the holiday weekend, I’ll try to get us back on track with good picks. I’ve found a few weak teams on the schedule and have three road teams in my five locks in the week.
After Mike Tomlin’s team went 0-2 with Mitch Trubisky in charge, Pittsburgh is giving Mason Rudolph control of the offense. The Steelers are no longer in the running for the playoffs.
In his time as a starter, Rudolph is 7-3 ATS. He could give the Steelers’ offense a boost, notably against the Bengals’ defense, which is giving up 7.5 yards every pass attempt, which is 31st in the NFL.
Also, Cincinnati got hurt in their come-from-behind win over the Vikings last week. Star defensive back D.J. Reader will be out for the year, and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase will likely miss time with a shoulder injury.
This year, the Bengals have also had a terrible time playing games against teams from the same division.
They are 0-4 SU and ATS against the AFC North. On the reverse hand, Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU and ATS in its last six games against teams in the same division. They are also 3-0 SU and ATS at home.
So far, I don’t think the Jets have given up, but I think they are about to. The team just lost to Miami and is no longer in the running for the playoffs. Now, Aaron Rodgers has pretty much said he won’t be back this year.
There’s no way that stretch could make you feel better, which makes you wonder how much energy you’ll get to the remainder of the team.
I think Rivera will put Howell on a short leash, even if he has trouble. This will make a way for Jacoby Brissett to move in.
The Commanders, who also missed the playoffs, have a bit more of a reason to play because Ron Rivera is still coaching for his job and Sam Howell, whose was benched last week, continues to strive to show that he can be an NFL starter.
In its last seven games, New York is 1-6 ATS. The Commanders have done well against the AFC, especially on the road, where they’ve covered four straight.
Week 16 is here! This week, the NFL will hold games on four days again. There are two games on Saturday and three games on Christmas.
For the game of the week, we won’t get to see it until Monday night, when the 49ers and Ravens play. Both teams are 11–3. The winner will be the only team in the NFL with the best record.
A lot of great games are on the NFL schedule for Week 16 of the 2022 season, including a trio on Christmas Day.
We have everything you need to know before the weekend. Our NFL Nation writers give us the most important information about every game and make a bold prediction for each one.
Also, ESPN Stats & Information study gives you a big number to know and a betting tip for every game, and our own Football Power Index (FPI) goes into the numbers and predicts the outcome of the game.
Last but not least, Seth Walder along with Eric Moody tell us what the final score will be for each game.
You can find everything you need to know here to get set up for a great NFL football weekend.
From now until Monday, there is at least one NFL game every day except Friday night. Kyle Soppe is a reporter for ESPN who also gives out useful fantasy football information.
The most exciting games will happen on Saturday, December 24, but most of the must-see games will start in prime time on Sunday and Monday.
Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers while the Baltimore Ravens have criticized the league for scheduling the highly anticipated AFC North battle.
This has overshadowed the league’s otherwise respectable distribution of good games over the weekend.
The Christmas Day game at 4:30 p.m. ET is going to cause a lot of family problems in both places, so good luck to everyone who is trying to find a time to balance Christmas dinner with the biggest game for the year for both of these teams.