NFL 2024 Week 16 Recap

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action has come to an end. The week that was Week 16 brought us some crazy storylines. Such storylines like a field goal attempt you have to see to believe in LA, a defensive battle in Kansas City, an overtime thriller in Carolina, a back-and-forth affair in Seattle and a performance by a secondary that is worthy of awesome in Dallas. All those games and more in this week's recap post!

NFL Week 16 Freaky Stat

Cameron Dicker hitting a free kick fair catch for the first time since 1976 is quite freaky to be sure. Washington is 10-5 for the first time since 1991. 

NFL Week 16 Recap

Denver 27, LA Chargers 34

Pick: Chargers

A big 2nd half for the Chargers gives them a win. Bo Nix Hit 29 of 40 passes for 263 yards with two touchdowns. The two touchdowns went to Devaughn Vele and Michael Burton. Audric Estime had nine carries for 48 yards with a touchdown run. The longest run for the Broncos was 15 yards both done by Bo Nix and Javonte Williams. Marvin Mims caught three passes for 62 yards and had one catch go for a 53-yard gain to be the longest pass play for the Broncos. Effectively, the Broncos lost this game by not scoring more points in the 2nd half. The offense stalled out as they really could only get six points in the 2nd half. Perhaps a big play was the fair catch interference penalty that would give the Chargers better field position before halftime. For the Broncos, I had 355 total yards and drop to 9-6 on the season. 

Justin Herbert hit 23 of 31 passes for 284 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. The two touchdowns went to Derius Davis and Hassan Haskins. The Haskins touchdown was the score that gave the Chargers the 34 points on a shuttle pass. Gus Edwards had 14 carries for 68 yards with two touchdowns of 1 and 5 yard plays. He had a 43-yard run that was the longest in the game. He would be key for the scoring drive in the late 4th quarter as he was a ground and pound player in the big moment. Ladd McConkey had six catches for 87 yards to be the leading receiver for the Chargers. The longest pass play was the 34-yard shuttle pass to Hassan Haskins for the score. Some big things for this one was that the Chargers were down 21-10 in this game. A fair catch interference was also big but also kicking a field goal on a free kick fair catch was also big. How about Derius Davis just tippy-toeing his touchdown. It almost felt like the football gods wanted them to win. For the Chargers, they had 380 total yards with an improved record of 9-6. 

Next week:

Denver: @ Cincinnati (Saturday)
LA Chargers: @ New England (Saturday)

TW: 1-0

Houston 19, Kansas City 27

Pick: Texans

The Chiefs win another game in one-score fashion. Rinse and repeat. CJ Stroud hit 23 of 39 passes for 244 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Tank Dell and Dalton Schultz were the players that caught the passes from Stroud for scores. Tank Dell would sadly not finish the game as he took a vicious hit to the knee in a collision with teammate Jared Wayne on the way down. He would leave the game and head to a local hospital. Joe Mixon would get 14 carries for 57 yards with a 22-yard run that was the longest run in the game. Tank Dell and Nico Collins tied for the longest pass play in the game with a catch that went for a 30-yard gain. Dell was the leading receiver with six catches for 98 yards. The thing that really doomed the Texans was the turnovers. You can't beat the Chiefs with two turnovers and play with a one-score deficit in this game. You have to take them out of the game early and show you mean business. They sadly didn't. For the Texans, they drop to 9-6 and had 311 total yards in the game. 

Patrick Mahomes hit 28 of 41 passes for 260 yards with a touchdown. The touchdown went to Xavier Worthy on a short out route for the score that was enough to get the score. The Chiefs running game would get going with Kareem Hunt's 11 carries for 55 yards with a touchdown with 20-yards that was the longest run in the game. Patrick Mahomes would get involved with a touchdown run while getting five carries for 33 yards. The touchdown went for a 15-yard score. He was certainly questioned if he would be able to play with a sprained ankle last week in a win against Cleveland. Xavier Worthy had seven catches for 65 yards to be the leading receiver for the Chiefs. The longest pass play was a catch to Samaje Perine with a 36-yard gain. Kansas City would put the hurt on the Texans but they wouldn't really blow them out. The defense would force the Texans to trade touchdowns for field goals and two turnovers by the Texans would give the Chiefs much help in this one. For the Chiefs, they improve to 14-1 with 375 total yards in the game. 

Next week:

Houston: vs Baltimore (Wednesday)
Kansas City: @ Pittsburgh (Wednesday)

TW: 1-1

Pittsburgh 17, Baltimore 34

Pick: Steelers

Baltimore rebounds against Pittsburgh. Russell Wilson hit 22 of 33 passes for 217 yards with two touchdown passes but also tossed an interception. The interception happened in the 4th quarter while the Steelers fumbled in the 2nd quarter. It would lead to a touchdown. Jaylen Warren had 12 carries for 48 yards. Najee Harris had 42 yards rushing on nine carries. Russell Wilson had the longest run of the game on a 19-yard run that unfortunately lead to the fumble. Mycole Pruitt and Cordarrelle Patterson caught the two touchdown passes from Wilson. The Patterson touchdown almost looked like he didn't have control of it but in a matter of a second he would hold onto it. Calvin Austin III had four catches for 65 yards and had a catch of 44-yards to be the longest pass play for the Steelers. It happened on a dire 3rd down catch to continue a Steelers drive. Pittsburgh would have some offense in the game but the Cordarrelle Patterson touchdown would be the last for Pittsburgh as Baltimore scored 17 unanswered points. For the Steelers, their lead in the AFC North drops as they go to 10-5 with 315 total yards. 

Lamar Jackson had 15 of 23 passing for 207 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Derrick Henry, who had just 65 yards in the previous meeting, would get 24 carries for 162 yards and had a 44-yard run in the game. It was a game that they needed him to get going on as they need to get the load off of Jackson. Zay Flowers had five catches for 100 yards and had a catch of 49 yards in the game to be the longest pass for the Ravens. Mark Andrews, Isiah Likely and Rashod Bateman caught the passes for touchdowns from Jackson. Baltimore's defense got going as well as they intercepted a Russell Wilson pass intended for Mycole Pruitt and it was grabbed Marlon Humphrey for a 37-yard pick-six. The Ravens, who had struggled on offense in this series, would score 34 points in the game 17 in each half. Something that was much improved in this game. The win gives Lamar Jackson his 2nd win against Pittsburgh, something that he is trying to rehab as he is now 2-8 against them. For the Ravens, they improve to 10-5 on the season with 418 total yards in the game. 

Next week:

Pittsburgh: vs Kansas City (Wednesday)
Baltimore: @ Houston (Wednesday)

TW: 1-2

Arizona 30, Carolina 36 (F/OT)

Pick: Cardinals

Chuba Hubbard called game. Kyler Murray had 20 of 32 passes for 202 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The touchdown went to Deejay Dallas. James Conner had 15 carries for 117 yards with a touchdown. His 40-yard run was the longest run in the game for the Cardinals. Kyler Murray would score a touchdown on a run in the game with eight carries with 63 yards rushing. James Conner had four catches for 49 yards to be the leading receiver. Michael Wilson had two catches for 44 yards, one of them being a 38-yard gain. The Cardinals one of the underrated defenses in the league would allow 243 rushing yards in this game. It was not a result they would've wanted as the Seahawks and Rams are now in the drivers seat for the NFC West. For the Cardinals, they drop to 7-8 on the season with 382 total yards. 

Bryce Young had one of his better games this season with 17 of 26 passes for 158 yards with two touchdown passes. Adam Thielen had David Moore caught the passes for touchdowns. Chuba Hubbard had 25 carries for 152 yards in the game for two touchdowns. Bryce Young had five carries for 68 yards with a touchdown. He had a run of 34 yards that was the longest run in the game for the Panthers. Adam Thielen had five catches for 43 yards in the game. Dan Chisena had a catch for a 23-yard gain that was the longest pass play for the Panthers. Carolina would do it with a running game that would find holes in the Cardinals defense. The passing offense would do its thing but it was the run game that would be the big factor in this one. The final play was a 21-yard run by Hubbard for the game-winning score. For the Panthers, they improve to 4-11 on the season with 392 total yards in the game. 

Next week:

Arizona: @ LA Rams (Saturday)
Carolina: @ Tampa Bay

TW: 1-3

Cleveland 6, Cincinnati 24

Pick: Bengals

Cincinnati shuts down the Browns. Dorian Thompson-Robinson started for the Browns and hit 20 of 34 passes for 157 yards with two interceptions. Jerome Ford had 11 carries for 92 yards with a touchdown run in the 3rd quarter. Ford had a 66-yard run that was the longest run in the game for Cleveland. David Njoku had eight catches for 66 yards in the game and had a catch that went for a 29-yard gain. The turnovers killed the Browns in the game and they just looked really off at times. The Browns would also sustain drives but they just didn't get their chances to win. For the Browns, they drop to 3-12 with 273 total yards in the game. 

Joe Burrow hit 23 of 30 passes for 252 yards with three touchdown passes. The three touchdowns went to Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Andrei Iosivas on 32, 2 and 6 yard plays. Chase Brown had 18 carries for 91 yards in the game. He had a run of 22 yards to be the longest run in the game. Ja'Marr Chase was the leading receiver with six catches for 97 yards. The longest pass play was a 32-yard gain for both Ja'Marr Chase and Andrei Iosivas. Cincinnati would win this game on their offense but it would be their defense that would effectively cause havoc with two interceptions and really kept the Browns from really going. For the Bengals, they improve to 7-8 on the season with 326 total yards in the game. 

Next week:

Cleveland: vs Miami
Cincinnati: vs Denver (Saturday)

TW: 2-3

Detroit 34, Chicago 17

Pick: Lions

Jared Goff and company rebound against Chicago. Jared Goff hit 23 of 32 passes for 336 yards with three touchdowns. One of them was on a fake fumble and then Goff threw a bomb. Jameson Williams, Amon Ra St. Brown, and Sam LaPorta caught the passes from Goff for scores. Jahmyr Gibbs had 23 carries for 109 yards with a touchdown run. He had a 12-yard run that was the longest run. Jameson Williams had five catches for 143 yards and had a 82-yard play for the touchdown that was on the aforementioned fake fumble. Overall, the Lions needed to have a rebound game after falling to the Bills last week in their 2nd loss of the season. For the Lions, they improve to 13-2 with 475 total yards. 

Caleb Williams had 26 of 40 passes for 334 yards with two touchdowns and had 34 yards rushing on six carries. Keenan Allen and Cole Kmet were the Bears that caught the touchdowns. Williams was also the leading rusher for Chicago. The running back that was 2nd was Dandre Swift with nine carries for 20 yards. Keenan Allen had nine catches for 141 yards with a catch that went for a 45-yard gain. That would be the longest pass play for the Bears. Chicago would play alright for this game but they were taking on the class of the NFC this season. they would've had to keep up with the Lions but a 13-0 deficit into the 2nd quarter would be something that they wouldn't recover from. For the Bears, they drop to 4-11 with 382 total yards in the game. 

Next week:

Detroit: @ San Francisco (Monday night)
Chicago: vs Seattle (Thursday night)

TW: 3-3

LA Rams 19, NY Jets 9

Pick: Rams

The Rams continue their rush to the playoffs with a win. Matthew Stafford hit 14 of 29 passes for 110 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The passing touchdown went to Tyler Higbee. The interception happened in the 2nd drive of the 1st quarter. Kyren Williams had 23 carries for 122 yards with a touchdown. He had a run of 13 yards to be the longest run in the game. Puka Nacua had eight catches for 56 yards in the game and had a catch of 27 yards that was the longest pass play in the game. The Rams would struggle in the 1st half with just a touchdown on three drives but would rebound with 13 points in the 2nd half. It was enough to get a win and their defense really kept the Jets offense from going for more. For the Rams, they improve to 9-6 with 242 total yards. 

Aaron Rodgers hit 28 of 42 passes for 256 yards with a touchdown pass to Davante Adams. That happened in the 1st quarter. Breece Hall had 14 carries for 52 yards in the game. Isaiah Davis had a run of nine yards that was the longest run play for the Jets. Davante Adams had seven catches for 68 yards in the game. Tyler Conklin had a catch of 20 yards that was the longest pass play for the Jets. It was really a game that the Jets would struggle again like their season. An offense that has been atrocious with the leader being the reason for that ineptitude. For the Jets, they drop to 4-11 on the season with 321 yards of offense. 

Next week:

LA Rams: vs Arizona (Saturday)
NY Jets: @ Buffalo

TW: 4-3

NY Giants 7, Atlanta 34

Pick: Falcons

Atlanta blows out New York. Drew Lock hit 22 of 39 passes for 210 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. The touchdown pass went to Tyrone Tracy Jr who also had seven carries for 26 yards. Darius Slayton had a six-yard run that was the longest in the game for the Giants. It was really that long of a run. Malik Nabers had seven catches for 68 yards in the game. Nabers and Darius Slayton caught passes for a 21-yard gain in the game to be the longest pass play for the Giants. Turnovers would hurt the Giants in the game as one of the Lock interceptions happened to be caught by Jessie Bates III for a 55-yard pick-six. You just have two more weeks of this season left Giants fans. For the Giants, they drop to 2-13 with 234 total yards in the game. New York hasn't won a game since October 6th. 

Michael Penix Jr. had his debut in the NFL in this one. The former Washington Husky hit 18 of 27 passes for 202 yards with an interception. Bijan Robinson had 22 carries for 94 yards in the game with two touchdowns. The two touchdowns came on 4 and 2 yard plays. Robinson had a run of 14 yards that was the longest in the game for running the ball. Darnell Mooney had five catches for 82 yards in the game. He had a 22-yard play that was the longest pass play in the game. The game was a first in hopefully many for Penix Jr. who was the backup to Kirk Cousins. Atlanta would cut the veteran passer earlier this week in an effort to avoid a roster bonus. For the Falcons, they improve to 8-7 on the season with 329 total yards in the game. 

Next week:

NY Giants: vs Indianapolis
Atlanta: @ Washington

TW: 5-3

Philadelphia 33, Washington 36

Pick: Commanders

Washington comes back against Philadelphia. Jalen Hurts started this game for the Eagles. he had 1 of 4 passing for 11 yards and had three carries for 41 yards. He would not finish the game as he left with a concussion injury. Kenny Pickett hit 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards with a touchdown pass and an interception. AJ Brown had the touchdown pass for a score from Pickett. Saquon Barkley had 29 carries for 150 yards with two touchdowns. His run of 68 yards was the longest run in the game for the Eagles that was one of his touchdown runs. AJ Brown had eight catches for 97 yards and had one catch that went for a 45-yard gain that was the longest pass play for the Eagles. The Eagles would not account for the remarkable ability of Jayden Daniels in the game. Early turnovers would give the Eagles some help in the game but would get overlooked. For the Eagles, they drop to 12-3 with 338 total yards in the game while dropping the ball on the #1 spot in the NFC. 

Jayden Daniels had 24 of 39 passes for 258 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions. The touchdown passes went to Olamide Zaccheaus for two, Terry McLaurin for one and Jamison Crowder for two in the game. Jayden Daniels was also the leading rusher for the Commanders with nine carries for 81 yards and had a 29-yard run in the game to be longest run for Washington. Olamide Zaccheaus had five catches for 70 yards in the game. Dyami Brown caught a pass from Daniels that went for a 51-yard gain that was the longest pass play in the game for the Commanders. The Commanders would rebound in the game in the the 4th quarter with 22 points scored in the game with a 27-14 deficit prior to the 4th quarter. For the Commanders, they improve to 10-5 on the season with 368 total yards in the game. 

Next week:

Philadelphia: vs Dallas
Washington: vs Atlanta

TW: 6-3

Tennessee 30, Indianapolis 38

Pick: Colts

A scoring fest in Indianapolis. Mason Rudolph had 23 of 34 passes for 252 yards with two touchdowns but also three interceptions. Calvin Ridley and Nick Westbrookhine were the Titans that caught the passes from Rudolph for touchdowns. Tony Pollard had eight carries for 35 yards and had the longest run in the game on a 17-yard gain. Tyjae Spears had two touchdowns while getting 10 carries for 27 yards in the game. Chigoziem Okonkwo was the leading receiver with nine catches for 81 yards in the game. Calvin Ridley had three catches for 78 yards with one of those catches for a 38-yard gain to be the longest pass play for the Titans. The Titans would play well enough to keep up with the Colts but would lose in the end. For the Titans, they drop to 3-12 on the season with 307 total yards. 

Anthony Richardson had 7 of 11 passes for 131 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He also had nine carries for 70 yards with a touchdown run. The x-factor in the game was Jonathan Taylor with 29 carries for 218 yards with three touchdowns in the game. He had the longest run of the game for the Colts with a 70-yard gain. Josh Downs was the leading receiver for Indy with three catches for 61 yards. Adonai Mitchell caught a pass for a 36-yard gain that was the longest pass play for the Colts. It was obvious that the Colts big thing in the game was getting a run game going. How much they got was possibly another thing as it was a season and career high for Taylor. The win keeps the Colts in the playoff conversation for at least another week. For the Colts they improve to 7-8 on the season with 458 total yards in the game. 

Next week:

Tennessee: @ Jacksonville
Indianapolis: @ NY Giants

TW: 7-3

Minnesota 27, Seattle 24

Pick: Vikings

Darnold to Jefferson connection gives Vikings a win. Sam Darnold hit 22 of 35 passes for 246 yards with three touchdowns. Two of them went to Justin Jefferson and one went to Jordan Addison. Aaron Jones had 18 carries for 67 yards in the game. He had a 14-yard run that was the longest run in the game. Justin Jefferson torched the Seahawks for 10 catches with 144 receiving yards and had a catch that went for a 39-yard gain that was the go-ahead touchdown. Minnesota would fight tooth and nail against the Seahawks in this one but when it mattered most Justin Jefferson would come in the clutch. For the Vikings, they improve to 13-2 on the season with 298 total yards in the game. 

Geno Smith had 31 of 43 passes completed for 314 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, DK Metcalf and AJ Barner were the players that caught the passes from Smith for touchdowns. Kenneth Walker III had eight carries for 31 yards and had a 11-yard run that was the longest run in the game for the Seahawks. Jaxon Smith-Njigba was the leading receiver with eight catches for 95 yards. The longest pass play was a 25-yard gain by Smith-Njigba and Metcalf respectively. Rain was pouring in Seattle and with it their playoff chances slipping by a bit with the Rams winning earlier on Sunday. For the Seahawks, they drop to 8-7 on the season with 361 total yards of offense. 

Next week:

Minnesota: vs Green Bay
Seattle: @ Chicago (Thursday night)

TW: 8-3

Jacksonville 14, Las Vegas 19

Pick: Raiders

Two rushing touchdowns gives Raiders a win. Mac Jones hit 25 of 39 passes for 247 yards with a touchdown pass to Brian Thomas Jr. Tank Bigsby had 12 carries for 50 yards with a touchdown run. Travis Etienne had nine carries for 22 yards and had a 12-yard run that was the longest in the game. Brian Thomas Jr. had nine catches for 132 yards and one of those catches was a 62-yard gain. A fairly decent game by the Jaguars as they did keep it close but ultimately they are likely going to stay at the #2 spot in next year's draft. For the Jaguars, they drop to 3-12 on the season with 308 total yards in the game. 

Aidan O'Connell had 24 of 38 passes for 257 yards in the game. Ameer Abdullah had 7 carries for 38 yards with a touchdown run. Alexander Mattison had 12 carries for 27 yards in the game with a rushing touchdown as well. The longest run in the game was a 13-yard run by O'Connell. Brock Bowers had 11 catches for 99 yards. he had a catch that went for a 32-yard gain. Las Vegas didn't really have a great game but the run game did its job and Aidan O'Connell did a decent job moving the ball and keeping the drives going as they held the ball for 34:18 of the 60 minutes in the game. They end a 10-game losing streak and hadn't won a game since beating Cleveland on September 29th. A long time coming. For the Raiders, they improve to 3-12 with 314 total yards in the game. 

Next week:

Jacksonville: vs Tennessee
Las Vegas: @ New Orleans

TW: 9-3

New England 21, Buffalo 24

Pick: Bills

Two James Cook touchdowns fry the Patriots. Drake Maye hit 22 of 36 passes for 261 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. The two touchdowns went to Kayshon Boutte and Hunter Henry. Rhamondre Stevenson had 12 carries for 60 yards with a touchdown and had the longest run in the game on a 14-yard run that resulted in the touchdown. Kayshon Boutte had five catches for 95 yards to be the leading receiver for the Patriots with a catch that went for a 31-yard gain. The Patriots would cough up turnovers with the interception and the fumble by Stevenson but miscues would be the killer for them. The defense played decent in this one but not enough to get a win. For the Patriots they drop to 3-12 with 379 total yards. 

Josh Allen had 16 of 29 passes for 154 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The touchdown went to James Cook. James Cook had 11 carries for 100 yards with a rushing touchdown. He had a 46-yard run that resulted in the touchdown. James Cook had three catches for 26 yards to be the Bills leading receiver in the game. The longest pass play was a 17-yard gain that was caught by Ray Davis and Keon Coleman. The game by Buffalo felt like a ease on the gas pedal as the offense kind of dropped out of scoring 40+ points in two consecutive games and went with a more conservative and run the ball plan. For the Bills, they improve to 12-3 on the season with 324 total yards in the game. 

Next week:

New England: vs LA Chargers (Saturday)
Buffalo: vs NY Jets

TW: 10-3

San Francisco 17, Miami 29

Pick: Dolphins

Miami eliminates San Francisco from playoffs. Brock Purdy hit 26 of 40 passes for 313 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Deebo Samuel and Eric Saubert were the players that caught the passes from Purdy for scores. Brock Purdy was the leading rusher with four carries for 26 yards in the game. He had a 16-yard run that was the longest in the game for running the football. George Kittle had eight catches for 106 yards and had a catch that went for a 28-yard gain. San Francisco would lose this game by not getting a good running game going and kept it close with a 19-17 deficit in the 4th quarter. Then the Dolphins scored 10 unanswered points that came with the Purdy interception. For the 49ers, they drop to 6-9 on the season and had 374 total yards in the game. There will not be a chance to get to the playoffs. 

Tua Tagovailoa had 22 of 34 passes for 215 yards with a touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill. De'Von Achane had 17 carries for 120 yards with a rushing touchdown in the game. He had a run of 50 yards in the game that was a result of the touchdown that came late in the game. He could've ran and then slid for a 1st down and end the game sooner but the touchdown was more important. De'Von Achane had six catches for 70 yards in the game to be the Dolphins leading receiver. Tyreek Hill had a catch that went for a 24-yard gain that was the longest pass play in the game. Miami would play a tight one in the first 57 minutes of the game and then 10 unanswered points in the final 2:13 in the game. The win keeps the Dolphins in the hunt for the AFC playoffs but still need some help to get into the playoffs. For the Dolphins, they improve to 7-8 on the season with 381 total yards in the game. 

Next week:

San Francisco: vs Detroit
Miami: @ Cleveland

TW: 11-3

Tampa Bay 24, Dallas 26

Pick: Buccaneers

The Cowboys spoil the Buccaneers in Texas. Baker Mayfield hit 31 of 43 passes for 304 yards with two touchdowns but also tossed a costly interception. Jalen McMillan and Ryan Miller were the Buccaneers that caught the passes from Mayfield for touchdowns. Bucky Irving had 16 carries for 68 yards with a touchdown. It was Baker Mayfield who had the longest run in the game on a 18-yard run. Mike Evans had five catches for 69 yards in the game. The longest pass play was a catch by Trey Palmer for a 27-yard gain. The Buccaneers would play from behind most of the game as they really let the Cowboys offense run over them. The final Buccaneers play was a Mayfield pass to Rachaad White for a 5-yard gain but it was fumbled and recovered by Daron Bland. It would prove to be the killer to their chances of a 9-6 record. For the Buccaneers, they drop to 8-7 with 410 total yards in the game. 

Cooper Rush had 26 of 35 pass completions for 292 yards with a touchdown pass to Jake Tolbert. Rico Dowdle had 13 carries for 23 yards in the game. The longest run of the game was a carry by Kavonte Turpin for a 12-yard gain. Ceedee Lamb had seven catches for 105 yards in the game and had one catch go for a 52-yard gain. The game was a solid one for the Cowboys as they really had the Buccaneers number for the game as the defense would take the ball away from them. Brandon Aubrey would hit field goals of 58 yards in two attempts. The Cowboys would get their third win in the last four games. It would be to of no avail as the Commanders win early Sunday eliminated the Cowboys from any hope of a playoff berth.  For the Cowboys, they improve to 7-8 on the season with 317 total yards in the game. 

Next week:

Tampa Bay: vs Carolina
Dallas: @ Philadelphia

TW: 11-4

New Orleans 0, Green Bay 34

Pick: Packers

The Packers deliver a shutout for the first time this season and shutout a team since 2021. Spencer Rattler hit 15 of 30 passes for 153 yards with an interception. Rattler had five carries for 28 yards in the game to be the leading rusher for the Saints. The longest run for New Orleans was a Kendre Miller run of 10 yards. Foster Moreau had two catches for 33 yards and had one catch that went for a 21-yard gain in the game. The Saints would obviously have no answer to the Saints in this game as they gave up three touchdowns in the Packers first three drives. Not much to say but this team was at one point the highest scoring team in the league after two weeks. How the mighty have fallen. For the Saints, they drop to 5-10 on the season with 196 total yards. 

Jordan Love hit 16 of 28 passes for 182 yards with a tochdown pass to Dontayvion Wicks. Malik Willis would get some action and hit 1 of 2 passes for 34 yards. Josh Jacobs had 13 carries for 69 yards with a rushing touchdown. He had a carry that went for a 20-yard gain that was the longest run in the game. Green Bay would also get rushing touchdowns on Elijah Wilson with 11 carries for 52 yards and Christopher Brooks with six carries and 23 yards. Jayden Reed had three catches for 76 yards and had a catch that went for a 37-yard gain. That was the longest pass play in the game for Green Bay. The win gives them their 2nd straight playoff berth and the fourth in six seasons under the head coaching tutelage of head coach Matt LaFleur. Not much to say other than the Packers just kept scoring and wouldn't let up the gas. For the Packers, they improve to 11-4 with 404 total yards in the game but will have a tough game next week at Minnesota. 

Next week:

New Orleans: vs Las Vegas
Green Bay: @ Minnesota

TW: 12-4

Records

2024:
Week 1: 14-2
Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 10-6

Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 3-11

Week 6: 13-1

Week 7: 13-2

Week 8: 9-7

Week 9: 12-3

Week 10: 10-4

Week 11: 11-3

Week 12: 7-6

Week 13: 14-2

Week 14: 11-3

Week 15: 13-3

Week 16: 12-4

Total: 172-69

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2
2019: 161-94-1

2020: 167-88-1 

2021: 173-98-1
2022: 166-103-2
2023: 161-111

With the NFL starting Week 17 on Wednesday, I will be doing a partial post on Tuesday and then the rest of the week on Thursday/Friday! Enjoy your week and Merry Christmas!

-Tom

NFL 2024 Week 16 Picks

 Hello readers! The week that was Week 15 brought us some crazy storylines and a successful week in picks. With Week 16 upon us, the regular season has just three more weeks left of regular season play left. Not a lot left to just wait and see what happens, teams have to go out and get a playoff spot now or wait until next year. The games that I'm keeping an eye on this week are: the Broncos-Chargers, Steelers-Ravens, Lions-Bears, Eagles-Commanders and Buccaneers-Cowboys games. In this post, I will do a playoff picture for Week 16, as well as the preview and picks for the games, and the Early and Late TV Broadcast pairings that FOX and CBS will have for the Sunday afternoon slate.

NFL Playoff Picture: Week 16

The regular season is entering its sixteenth week of play, with three weeks to go including this week. The week has teams locking up playoff berths and some that are still fighting for a spot. Let's take a look at the NFC. 

Seeding

1st seed: Detroit Lions (12-2) (clinched playoff berth)

2nd seed: Philadelphia Eagles (12-2) (clinched playoff berth)

3rd seed: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6)

4th seed: Los Angeles Rams (8-6)

5th seed: Minnesota Vikings (12-2) (clinched playoff berth)

6th seed: Green Bay Packers (10-4)

7th seed: Washington Commanders (9-5)

Super Wild Card Weekend Matchups

Washington @ Philadelphia

Green Bay @ Tampa Bay

Minnesota vs Los Angeles

In the Hunt

Seattle (8-6), Atlanta (7-7), Arizona (7-7), San Francisco (6-8), Dallas (6-8), New Orleans (5-9)

Better Luck Next Year

Chicago (4-10), Carolina (3-11), NY Giants (2-12)

Detroit is ahead of Philadelphia based on conference record (Lions have 8-1, Eagles have 7-2). Minnesota is behind Detroit based on head-to-head record. The Rams are ahead of the Seahawks based on head-to-head record. Still a lot of things to play out before a division winner is clinched in the NFC. Let's look at the AFC. 

Seeding

1st seed: Kansas City Chiefs (13-1) (clinched AFC West)

2nd seed: Buffalo Bills (11-3) (clinched AFC East)

3rd seed: Pittsburgh Steelers (clinched playoff berth)

4th seed: Houston Texans (9-5) (clinched AFC South)

5th seed: Baltimore Ravens (9-5)

6th seed: Denver Broncos (9-5)

7th seed: Los Angeles Chargers (8-6)

Super Wild Card Weekend Matchups

LA Chargers @ Buffalo

Denver @ Pittsburgh

Baltimore @ Houston

In the Hunt

Indianapolis (6-8), Miami (6-8), Cincinnati (6-8)

Better Luck Next Year

NY Jets (4-10), Cleveland Browns (3-11), Jacksonville (3-11), Tennessee (3-11), New England (3-11), Las Vegas (2-12)

A bit more straightforward with the AFC. The Ravens are ahead of the Broncos because of their head-to-head record. Kansas City can clinch AFC #1 seed with a win and Bills loss or Chiefs tie and Bills loss. If the Steelers win they win the division. Baltimore can clinch a playoff berth with a win or a Dolphins loss and Colts loss. Denver can clinch a playoff berth with a win or a Dolphins, Bengals and Colts loss or tie. The Chargers can clinch a playoff berth with a win, Dolphins loss/tie and a Colts loss/tie. A lot to think about. 

Week 16 Preview

The sixteenth week of the National Football League's regular season will start in Inglewood, California and finish up in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The week features a 16-game slate where all 32 teams will play. Week 16 has seven division games, two interconference game, two AFC games and five NFC games. There will be a Thursday night game, two Saturday games, seven early games, four late games, a Sunday night game and a Monday night game. No teams are on a bye this week. Doubleheader this week goes to CBS and FOX will have the single, regional game. Let's get to the picks!

Week 16 Picks

Note: All game times are in US Eastern.

Denver (9-5) @ LA Chargers (8-6) (Amazon Prime; 8:15 pm)

Pick: Chargers

The Broncos beat the Colts and the Chargers lost to the Buccaneers last week. Denver keeps on rolling in a season of low expectations for them. the Broncos last week looked down but once the turnovers and momentum swung their way. Once the turnovers came the the score went from a 13-10 lead for the Colts to a 31-13 lead with three touchdowns in eight minutes. The game this week might be the biggest in their season. The Broncos have done it with a good gameplan for Bo Nix to get comfortable and excel at and a defense that can make plays. The Broncos aren't the best at running the football but that could change in an instant. 

Los Angeles, despite getting blown out by Tampa, have their playoff destiny in their own hands. They can lose a billion points but they still have a shot to make it to the playoffs for the first time since 2022 and in the Jim Harbaugh era. I don't know if it was truly their offense that caused them to lose but I think the big play burned the Chargers a lot in that game. While the Broncos aren't known for the big bomb play, I wouldn't count out them from trying it. The Chargers have a better running game than the Broncos and I think that might be the thing that rules the day in Inglewood. I'll take the Chargers. 

All-time series: Broncos lead 73-56-1

Houston (9-5) @ Kansas City (13-1) (NBC; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Texans

The Texans beat the Dolphins and the Chiefs beat the Browns last week. Houston got a win against a relatively decent team in Miami. The Dolphins couldn't do a whole lot due to the Texans defense. Houston's offense did enough to get a win with 20 points. The Texans this week go up against the class of the AFC in the Chiefs. Houston might have some advantage in this game. The Chiefs offense just seems to be missing a beat at times. If they can throw Patrick Mahomes off a bit. It all depends really on if the prolific passer can play this game as he is day-to-day with a knee injury. It might be enough for the Texans to get a win with a weakened Chiefs team. 

Kansas City will play in nearly most days this season. They have played on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and a Wednesday this season. Truly they are everywhere on the television. The Chiefs got a win against the Browns and they really put the hurt that most fans felt that the 21-7 score did not enough justice. The win might've been a bit of a cost if Patrick Mahomes is feeling the hurt for this one and going forward. His backup is Carson Wentz, a quarterback who has been jumping from team to team since his days as an Eagle. Regardless, the offense should do okay with Mahomes but I question how well they matchup against the Texans defense. The Chiefs will need to win and get some help to clinch the #1 seed in the AFC playoffs. It seems a bit of a risk but I'll take the Texans. 

All-time series: Chiefs lead 9-5

Pittsburgh (10-4) @ Baltimore (9-5) (FOX; 4:30 pm)

Pick: Steelers

The Steelers lost to the Eagles and the Ravens beat the Giants last week. The 2nd of the two games being shown on Saturday. It is the first time that FOX will show the epic Steelers-Ravens rivalry. The Steelers come into this game with a humbling loss against the Eagles. Sadly it will be at least another season to see if they can win in Philadelphia since 1965. History aside, the Steelers have dominated the rivalry for the past few seasons. The games have been a low-scoring affair but defense has generally dominated the games. Pittsburgh's defense should be able to handle the Ravens offense at least one would would assume. I question the Steelers offense as they have been faltering a little bit. Physical football usually includes the running game and the Steelers will need a good game from Najee Harris. 

Baltimore comes into this game with a big win against New York. It was against the Giants but a win is a win in order to get to this point in the season. Baltimore will need to find opportunities in the holes of the Steelers defense to get a win. Lamar Jackson has had a bit of a rough record against Pittsburgh. He dominates everyone else but the Steelers are his kryptonite. Protecting the football and the rest of the Ravens stepping up will be needed for the Ravens to take a win. A good game from Derrick Henry will be good as well. Baltimore is favored by 6 points but these division games, anything can happen. I just don't know if the Ravens can beat the Steelers but anything can happen. I'll take the Steelers. 

All-time series: Steelers lead 36-25

Cleveland (3-11) @ Cincinnati (6-8) (CBS; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Bengals

The Browns lost to the Chiefs and the Bengals beat the Titans last week. Cleveland has had a rough season. The play of Jameis Winston hasn't helped. Injuries to their stars on offense haven't helped either. DeShaun Watson getting injured didn't help either. If Kevin Stefanski gets fired I hope he gets another job. He deserves better. Cleveland will be without the help of Nick Chubb who once again got an injury in the loss against Kansas City. The running game should be alright as Jerome Ford is a capable running back as he had a long run last week for a touchdown. 

Cincinnati is a bit of a stable team when it comes to their Northern Ohio neighbors. Sadly the Bengals are very dangerous in missing the playoffs if they lose a game the rest of the way. Even more unfortunate is that even if they win they will still likely lose a chance to play January football. Joe Burrow and company should have a good shot to win on offense as they can run and pass. The defense is a bit suspect as they can give up points just as much as their offense puts up. Cleveland will possibly start Dorian Thompson-Robinson for this game as Jameis Winston hits the bench. It is a good sign for the Bengals and I will take them in this game. 

All-time series: Bengals lead 54-48

Arizona (7-7) @ Carolina (3-11) (FOX; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Cardinals

The Cardinals beat the Patriots and the Panthers lost to the Cowboys last week. Arizona got a win last week. It was a needed win as the Cardinals before the game had a three-game losing streak going on. It was against the Patriots but at this time of the season, a win is a win. They got it done with a running game that is very underrated and a defense that effectively shut down the Patriots offense until the latter moments in the 4th quarter. Into this week, the Cardinals will need to win the rest of their games to attempt to get into the playoffs. They face off against Carolina who has the opportunity to play spoiler. The Cardinals in this game will need to keep the pace up and utilize the running game and protect the football as much as possible. The Panthers aren't a good team, don't give them a reason to let them in this game. 

Carolina has had a rough season. It was to be expected as they were hovering around this sort of record last year. At this point of the season, most players are just trying to keep their jobs or showcase their talents to other teams during the offseason. Carolina would like nothing more than to play spoiler to the Cardinals. What they need to do is make Kyler Murray uncomfortable. They need to play their best football in this game and hope for the best that Bryce Young becomes the next Cam Newton or something. I just don't see that happening as the Cardinals know the stakes in this game. 

All-time series: Panthers lead 14-6

Detroit (12-2) @ Chicago (4-10) (FOX; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Lions

The Lions lost to the Bills and the Bears lost to the Vikings last week. Detroit suffered a loss for the first time since Week 2 against Tampa Bay. It was a bit of a humbling loss but it was against Buffalo. At least it wasn't against Carolina. Division games are a bit of an odd one as both teams know each other very well and they tend to be very physical. Especially in this iteration of the Black and Blue division. Detroit should win this game but the last time these two teams played it was a bit of a chaotic ending. Matt Eberflus and clock management anyone? Detroit will need to play well in this game and not play with their food in this one. The Bears have Vikings fans watching this game and certainly Packers fans as well. 

Chicago has had a rough one this season. The expectations of the team in preseason was that they would be a quality offense. They were at one point 4-2 this season. Then the loss to Washington happened. Chicago has generally played up to the Lions this season. They almost won on Thanksgiving had Matt Eberflus actually used a timeout and used his time wisely. Caleb Williams had a good game in that game with three touchdowns. Keenan Allen was a matchup nightmare as well as DJ Moore as they had both a good game. Chicago didn't utilize their running game a whole lot in the game and I wish they would do something to take the pressure off of Caleb Williams. I don't trust the Bears in this one so I'll take the Lions. 

All-time series: Bears lead 105-79-5

LA Rams (8-6) @ NY Jets (4-10) (CBS; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Rams

The Rams beat the 49ers and the Jets beat the Jaguars last week. The Rams swept the 49ers in a season series. They didn't do a whole lot on offense but they did more than the 49ers at least. With four field goals they snuck past the 49ers. With the 49ers out of the way, the Rams look to either get in the playoffs as a wild card or a division winner. First they have to beat the Jets. New York's offense isn't a slouch but it isn't a high-octane machine either. The Rams defense might struggle a bit. What was impressing was the Rams defense in shutting down the 49ers offense. It'll be a big thing to build on for this week. 

New York got a big win against the Jaguars. It wasn't a defining win or a win that will get them a playoff spot or anything of the like. It was important to rebuild their confidence and get them into a competitive spirit and something to build on for next year. They will face a new task in the Rams this week. The offense will need to keep and more against a Rams defense that might've been overlooked in more ways than one. The key will be the Jets defense against the Rams offense. The Rams offense will utilize their tandem of wide receivers to move the ball down the field. I'll take the Rams, I don't trust the Jets. 

All-time series: Rams lead 10-5

New England (3-11) @ Buffalo (11-3) (CBS; 4:25 pm)

Pick: Bills

The Patriots lost to the Cardinals and the Bills beat the Lions last week. The Patriots have had a long season. It usually is long when you're a team that is within the top-5 in the draft. They have a 3-11 record which isn't great but given expectations of the team, it wasn't expected to be high. They will face off against their former punching bag in the Bills who have now turned the tables on their rivals since 2020. The Patriots do have Drake Maye who has a promising career ahead of him. Sadly his rookie season will be marred by offensive ineptitude and bad offensive line play. I find it hard to take these guys in this one when they don't do great on either side of the ball. 

Buffalo looks to once again be the ones to roll over the AFC East again. They have already locked up the division a few weeks ago and now don't have a lot to play for. Unless the Chiefs suddenly collapse, the Bills will have to travel at some point in the playoffs. The Bills heading into this game should be able to win with a top-heavy offense and a defense that is just as good. Yes the defense has given up 40+ points in the last two weeks, the Patriots offense doesn't have a guy named Tom Brady under center. I just think that the Bills shouldn't underestimate and put up points early in this one against the Patriots. 

All-time series: Patriots lead 78-50-1

NY Giants (2-12) @ Atlanta (7-7) (FOX; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Falcons

The Giants lost to the Ravens and the Falcons beat the Raiders last week. New York has had a rough season. Enough to the point where planes fly over MetLife Stadium begging the Mara family to sell the team. Keep in mind, the Mara's have own the team since the team's founding in the 1920's. New York in this game might be okayish. Tommy DeVito got injured in his first start last week and Tim Boyle will likely get the nod in this one. The sample for Boyle is a 12-14 passing for 123 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The Giants passing game has been a eyesore and they do have Malik Nabers to build off of in a wide receiver corp. Tyrone Tracy Jr. has been a decent back as well. I am not sure how well the Giants can play against a new quarterback for the Falcons. 

Atlanta is currently at 7-7 on the season. Pretty much average in the grand scheme of things. A bit of a surprise this week is Kirk Cousins getting benched in favor of rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. out of the University of Washington. The play of Kirk Cousins has been a bit spotty but to go with a change this late in the season is a bit weird. The sample size of Michael Penix Jr. is small with 3 of 5 passing for 38 yards. New York is not a great team so maybe they wanted to see what he could do against them. Let him dip his toes in the water so to speak. Maybe a change was needed if they see things with Penix Jr. The rest of the offense should do well in an effort to appease their new teammate. I think the Falcons should win. 

All-time series: Falcons lead 14-12

Philadelphia (12-2) @ Washington (9-5) (FOX; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Commanders

The Eagles beat the Steelers and the Commanders beat the Saints last week. The Eagles looked really good against the Steelers. They had their way with them and even got a few touchdowns past their defensive front. Anything is up in the air when it comes to division matchups and the Eagles and Commanders have always kept things close. The last time these two teams met, the Eagles would score 20 points in the 4th quarter and would hold off one last Commanders march. I think things will be different when they're in Landover. I think the offense needs to get back to running the ball a bit more against the Commanders. It seemed to work well last time. As well as stopping the Commanders run game. 

Washington was having a bit of a struggling part of their season. Fortunately they got a win against the Saints and felt that they were back in control of themselves. It would take a missed 2-point conversion for them to win but nonetheless, the Commanders got a needed win to keep the other hopeful playoff teams out. This game might mean a bit more to the Commanders as they are seeking their first playoff berth since 2020. The Eagles are a very good team I will be honest. It will be a task for the Commanders to win against them. It is a hands on deck sort of game. If they can slow down the Eagles run game they have a shot to do it. The Commanders will need a good game against their run game and have their wide receivers find holes in the Eagles defense. I think it's a tall task but I'll take the Commanders.

All-time series: commanders lead 89-85-5

Tennessee (3-11) @ Indianapolis (6-8) (CBS; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Colts

The Titans lost to the Bengals and the Colts lost to the Broncos last week. Tennessee has had a rough season. The team is just not a great offensive team. They do have a decent run game with Tony Pollard but the rest of the team is just playing meh football. The defense is sadly better than the offense but most people wouldn't have noticed it based on their record. The Titans could possibly play spoiler as the Colts are trying to hang on and hope for a playoff spot. I just don't know if they can keep up against them. The play of Anthony Richardson could possibly give the Titans a run for their money. He is a wild card. 

Indianapolis had a chance to go up on the Broncos. Had Jonathan Taylor held onto the ball and have the ball crossed the plane. Instead, he did a Leon Lett and didn't score a touchdown. Since that play, the Colts were outscored 21 points in unanswered fashion. Turnovers were the thing in that game as Anthony Richardson and the offense gave up the ball four times in the 2nd half. You can't do that in any game in the NFL and hope to win. Fortunately, they play against the cellar team in the AFC South this week. Anthony Richardson is a wild card of a quarterback. You just don't know what you'll get with him. I still think the Colts would've been better off with Joe Flacco at quarterback. I don't get paid enough sadly to be a head coach in the NFL. Nor do I want to deal with owner Jim Irsay. The Colts should be able to win but at this point, I don't know how well they can do in this game. They could win by 20 or 2 at this point. I'll take the Colts. 

All-time series: Colts lead 38-22

Minnesota (12-2) @ Seattle (8-6) (FOX; 4:05 pm)

Pick: Vikings

The Vikings beat the Bears and the Seahawks lost to the Packers last week. Minnesota has had a successful season. They could possibly win this game and have the Lions lose and they would be able to take control of the NFC North. For this game, the Vikings will need to play better in terms of passing the ball. Sam Darnold was off a bit on some throws against Chicago, including the rare interception last week. The offense will need to do their due diligence against the Seahawks defense that was having a decent time of things this season. The Vikings should win this game with their offense and the defense shutting down the Seahawks offense with Sam Howell or Geno Smith. Whoever makes the start at quarterback. 

Seattle had a chance to get more of a leg up on the division. Last week against Green Bay, it all came crashing down. They lost Geno Smith to injury and the offense fell apart as expected. The defense got tired and they let the Packers push through and get a win on the road. Sadly the 12th man couldn't save them. With another NFC North team coming to down, the Seahawks will need to once again have their offense try to outscore against a team that is probably better on offense than them. I don't know if the Seahawks offense can keep up against the Vikings offense. It will be telling if the Seahawks defense can put a few stops together and get a win. I don't think it'll happen. 

All-time series: Seahawks lead 13-6

Jacksonville (3-11) @ Las Vegas (2-12) (CBS; 4:25 pm)

Pick: Raiders

The Jaguars lost to the Jets and the Raiders lost to the Falcons last week. A battle of two teams vying for the #1 pick. Sadly one of them has to win this one or at least tie. It could get ugly. Mac Jones as a Jaguar hasn't gone great. Maybe to be expected as he was slightly better when he was in New England. The experiment has kind of failed. The rest of the team isn't as better but they have some pieces to work. Tank Bigsby is certainly a capable running back that can get yards. 

Las Vegas is currently having a similar season to Jacksonville. They have had a season full of spotty quarterback play and defensive play that is just not good. Desmond Ridder is their best option for the rest of the season. The Raiders have had some history with playing against Mac Jones with his time in New England. For example, the terrible play in the 2022 game in the final seconds of the game. Maybe that might give them some insights to this game. The defense should do alright as Mac Jones as a Jaguar is just really ugly. The game reeks of awful and I don't want to think about it anymore. Raiders win. 

All-time series: Jaguars lead 6-4

San Francisco (6-8) @ Miami (6-8) (CBS; 4:25 pm)

Pick: Dolphins

Both teams lost as the 49ers lost to the Rams and the Dolphins lost to the Texans last week. San Francisco has had a slightly rough season in an NFC title defense this season. It is a season of injuries, not closing out games, not paying attention to details sort of season. The injuries happens to all teams. It is a recurring theme for the 49ers in past seasons. It might be a season where the 49ers will have to make a lot of decisions regarding keeping or letting Christian McCaffrey go or paying Brock Purdy big money. That's in the future. In this game, the 49ers might be able to get a win but they have to do better on offense with a balance on offense and take the pressure off of Brock Purdy. The defense will have its hands full with Jonnu Smith and Tyreek Hill for sure.

Miami has had a roller coaster of a season. The losses have mostly been caused by Tua Tagovailoa missing time and then the offense with Tua failing to get more points than the opposition. The offense will need to play better and protect the football. The 49ers defensive line might be down but they are not out in terms of missing key players. Defensively, the Dolphins might be finding their hands full in the game as the 49ers do have some players that are quite good with Deebo Samuel and Isaac Guerendo in the backup role of McCaffrey. The big thing is keeping Brock Purdy on the sideline. I really wish that the Dolphins would utilize their running game more often but I don't get paid enough to be an NFL head coach. I don't trust the 49ers so I'll take the Dolphins. 

All-time series: Dolphins lead 8-7

Tampa Bay (8-6) @ Dallas (6-8) (NBC; 8:20 pm)

Pick: Buccaneers

The Buccaneers beat the Chargers and the Cowboys beat the Panthers last week. The Sunday night game features a team that is trying to stay in the playoffs as a division winner while the other is just trying to get a win and hope for the best. Tampa got a big win against the Chargers. A win against a relatively good team in Los Angeles. With a healthy core the Buccaneers can make a run and make opponents in the NFC playoffs quake at their feet. I wouldn't want to face them with that tandem of wide receivers and a running game that can hurt. The Buccaneers offense isn't without faults. Baker Mayfield has been known to throw interceptions when he shouldn't. He plays the hero a bit too much at times. They need to be cautious against the Cowboys. 

The Cowboys are down but they are not out in terms of the playoffs. They need to win this game and get some help. The game itself is a night game and the teams ahead of Dallas could very well have won and the game might be more meaningless than anything. Cowboys fans might need to become Eagles fans which is kind of odd if you ask me. The Cowboys in this game might have some struggle keeping up with the Buccaneers on offense. If Dak Prescott was playing this might be a different story. Cooper Rush could very well possibly do well in the Buccaneers defense. You do have to remember he threw three touchdowns against the Panthers defense. I think the Buccaneers take this game so that we don't have to hear more about Dallas.  

All-time series: Cowboys lead 16-6

New Orleans (5-9) @ Green Bay (10-4) (ABC; 8:15 pm)

Pick: Packers

The Saints lost to the Commanders and the Packers beat the Seahawks last week. New Orleans was once upon a time the highest scoring, highest-yardage team in the NFL. That was back in Week 2 after a blowout win at Dallas. You'd be surprised to see that they are 3-9 since that time. It certainly hurts even more that their offensive leader in passing stats is injured again. Jake Haener wasn't much of a factor against Washington but his backup Spencer Rattler did provide some help to an offense that needed it. They now go to the cold of Lambeau Field a few days before Christmas. I don't trust their offense but maybe their defense can do something against the Packers. Maybe is a bit of a stretch. 

Green Bay is currently at 10-4 and will likely play 3rd wheel to the Lions and Vikings in the overpowered NFC North. It might work out well to their advantage as they can be viewed as an underdog of sorts. The offense needs to keep going and play error-free football in this point of the season. The running game has been doing well with Josh Jacobs surpassing the 1,000 rushing yard mark. The Packers defense last week did really well against the decent offense of the Seahawks, going after the quarterback. It is a formula that they should find some advantage with Spencer Rattler in at quarterback. I'll take the Pack. 

All-time series: Packers lead 18-10

Early & Late Game TV Broadcast Pairings

Note: Games in bold are being shown in my area, check local listings

CBS Early

LA Rams @ NY Jets

Kevin Harlan, Trent Green

Tennessee @ Indianapolis

Tom McCarthy, Ross Tucker, Jay Feely

Cleveland @ Cincinnati

Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta

CBS Late

San Francisco @ Miami

Jim Nantz, Tony Romo

Jacksonville @ Las Vegas

Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Jason McCourty

New England @ Buffalo

Ian Eagle, Charles Davis

FOX Single

Philadelphia @ Washington

Joe Davis, Greg Olson

NY Giants @ Atlanta

Kevin Kugler, Daryl Johnston

Detroit @ Chicago

Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma

Arizona @ Carolina

Chris Myers, Mark Schlereth

Minnesota @ Seattle (Late)

Adam Amin, Mark Sanchez

For more information on which game is being shown in your area check out: NFL 2024: Week 16 Maps

Records

2024:
Week 1: 14-2
Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 10-6

Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 3-11

Week 6: 13-1

Week 7: 13-2

Week 8: 9-7

Week 9: 12-3

Week 10: 10-4

Week 11: 11-3

Week 12: 7-6

Week 13: 14-2

Week 14: 11-3

Week 15: 13-3

Total: 160-65

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2
2019: 161-94-1

2020: 167-88-1 

2021: 173-98-1
2022: 166-103-2
2023: 161-111

See you all after the Monday night game for the Week 16 Recap! Enjoy the games!

-Tom