NFL Week Sixteen Predictions

Carolina Panthers @ Pittsburgh Steelers

I considered Carolina in this game with Polamalu out and the team finally finding some consistency, but in the end I don't think their defense can stop Mendenhall.
Prediction: Steelers

Dallas Cowboys @ Arizona Cardinals

The Cards are looking as bad now as Dallas looked earlier in the season, or even worse.
Prediction: Cowboys

New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills

With nothing to really play for the Bills could pull off an upset, but we're talking Belichick's Pats here and not the Colts.
Prediction: Patriots

New York Jets @ Chicago Bears

I do think the Bears can beat the Jets, and even are in a good position to do so.  However, the Jets finally got back on track and are fighting for their playoff lives.  The biggest factors in this game, however, are going to be Revis and the line.  I don't believe Cutler is going to be able to pass against the Jets, especially because I don't think our run game is going anywhere against them, and I don't think we're going to be able to pressure Sanchez, which is why I have to go with the Jets.
Prediction: Jets

Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns

I can't pick against Baltimore here when they're still playing for a playoff berth.
Prediction: Ravens

Washington Redskins @ Jacksonville Jaguars

See above.
Prediction: Jaguars

Tennessee Titans @ Kansas City Chiefs

CJ2K isn't going to be able to win this one on his own.
Prediction: Chiefs

Detroit Lions @ Miami Dolphins

I don't really like Detroit here, but I have sworn off picking Miami at home.  This is my upset of the week.
Prediction: Lions

San Francisco 49ers @ St. Louis Rams

I can't believe that the Rams are going to get beat by these Niners again, much less at home.  Troy Smith has played in a few more games, there's more film on him now, and the Rams know his tendencies now, so I have to go with the better QB in Sam Bradford.
Prediction: Rams

San Diego Chargers @ Cincinnati Bengals

I'm having a hard time believing the Bengals can produce against this San Diego defense, or that they can stop Phillip Rivers
Prediction: Chargers

Houston Texans @ Denver Broncos

Oh my god, this has to go down as the absolute worst matchup of the year.  Denver is bad, bad, bad, and I don't know that they can stop Arian Foster.  That Houston defense is just as bad though, and this could the point where the Denver offense finally picks up the win.  I'd rather just bury my head in the sand and pretend this matchup won't ever take place, but since I have to pick a winner, Houston.
Prediction: Texans

Indianapolis Colts @ Oakland Raiders

Another receiver goes on IR, Dwight Freeney isn't participating in practice, and the Colts go up against a scary Raiders' passing offense.  If you would have said at the beginning of the season that the Raiders are going to end the Colts' playoff hopes I'd have laughed you out of the country, but I say that's exactly what's going to happen.  This is my sleeper of the week.
Prediction: Raiders

New York Giants @ Green Bay Packers

Passing defense, I do not think the Packers are going to fare well against New York's.  The Giants are generating a ton of pressure, which has been a sore sport for the Pack, and the Giants' offense is firing on all cylinders.  The big question will be if they'll have another breakdown, but I doubt we'll see a repeat of last week.
Prediction: Giants

Seattle Seahawks @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs are still fighting for playoff life (barely), and should torch a weak Seattle secondary.
Prediction: Buccaneers

Minnesota Vikings @ Philadelphia Eagles

All Minnesota is doing now is looking ahead to next year, the Eagles are in contention for a number two seed.
Prediction: Eagles

New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons

This is turning into a hot matchup.  The Saints came within a field goal of beating the Falcons at the Superdome, and they are in a better position to win now.  Their defense seems to be in a better position than Atlanta's, and their running game and offense are firing on all cylinders.  The Birds don't lose at home, though.  It's so hard to pick Atlanta to lose at home, but I have to go with the Saints here.  This is my game of the week.
Prediction: Saints