NFL Picks Week 16: Great Vengeance and Furious Anger

The New Orleans Saints face their bitter rivals, the Atlanta Falcons, for the second time in three weeks, this time with even more on the line than before. The Saints currently control their own destiny and the fate of the NFC South title, but they have to win this game against Atlanta for that to continue to be the case.

The Saints, much like their fans, are angry and looking for revenge against the Falcons after their showdown two weeks ago, and now is the time for that vengeance. The stars have aligned for arguably the biggest game in the long and bitter Saints/Falcons rivalry. Lets take a look at this matchup as well as the rest of the Week 16 NFL schedule this Christmas.

Last week I went 13-3

I told you so: Patriots over Steelers!

What do I know: Seahawks over Rams?

WEEK 16

Saturday, December 23rd - Saturday NFL Special

Colts(3-11) at Ravens(8-6)

Baltimore will take the lead early in this one and Indy won't be able to recover. Baltimore wins 20-14.

Pick: Ravens

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Saturday, December 23rd - Saturday Night Football

Vikings(11-3) at Packers(7-7)

The NFC North Champion Vikings still have a first round bye and possibly home field advantage to play for, as they will bury the Pack at Lambeau. Minnesota wins 31-14.

Pick: Vikings

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Sunday, December 24th - Early Games

Lions(8-6) at Bengals(5-9)

Clinging to playoff hopes, Detroit will ride the arm of Matthew Stafford to victory in Cincy. Detroit wins 30-21.

Pick: Lions

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Dolphins(6-8) at Chiefs(8-6)

The resurgent Chiefs stay on track with a home win over the erratic Dolphins. Kansas City wins 28-23.

Pick: Chiefs

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Bills(8-6) at Patriots(11-3)

Buffalo slows this game down by controlling the tempo with their rushing game, but Tom Brady and the New England passing attack will be the difference once again. New England wins 21-14.

Pick: Patriots

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Browns(0-14) at Bears(4-10)

Cleveland’s fruitless season trudges along with another loss here, as Chicago’s defense stifles the poor Browns. Chicago wins 23-3.

Pick: Bears

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Buccaneers(4-10) at Panthers(10-4)

A crippling litany of turnovers by Jameis Winston will make for a brutally long day in Carolina against the Panthers defense. Carolina wins 20-3.

Pick: Panthers

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Broncos(5-9) at Redskins(6-8)

Although neither team has much to play for, this should make for an entertaining game, watching Kirk Cousins face the Denver defense. Washington wins 28-24.

Pick: Redskins

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Rams(10-4) at Titans(8-6)

The perplexing Titans stand to get steamrolled by the remarkably balanced Rams in Tennessee. Los Angeles wins 34-10.

Pick: Rams

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Chargers(7-7) at Jets(5-9)

Fighting for their playoff lives, and clinging to desperate hope for the AFC West crown, Los Angeles has every motivation to beat the Jets, and they will. Los Angeles wins 27-14.

Pick: Chargers

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Falcons(9-5) at Saints(10-4) - Game of the Week

Three factors will make a huge difference in this game compared to the last. Alvin Kamara will make a huge impact and will be the biggest difference maker in this crucial game. Drew Brees will avoid the type of mistake that cost his team two weeks ago. Matt Ryan will once again make the mistakes that should have cost his team two weeks ago, this time he wont be bailed out. New Orleans is the better team and will prove it in this game. The Saints will pile on the team that blew a 25-point lead in the Super Bowl. Saints win 35-14.

Pick: Saints

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Sunday, December 24th - Late Games

Jaguars(10-4) at 49ers(4-10)

Jimmy G and the Niners may be on a hot streak, but Jacksonville still has their eyes on a first round bye. Jacksonville wins 24-13.

Pick: Jaguars

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Seahawks(8-6) at Cowboys(8-6)

In what is effectively an NFC playoff game, we’ll see two teams trending in opposite directions. Dallas is returning to full-strength and regaining their confidence, while Seattle is coming off their worst loss in a very long time, one that may have destroyed their confidence. Russell Wilson will keep this one close for Seattle, but Dallas will secure the home victory. Dallas wins 20-17.

Pick: Cowboys

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Giants(2-12) at Cardinals(6-8)

Arizona gets the job done here at home against the NFL’s worst defense. Arizona wins 24-20.

Pick: Cardinals

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Monday, December 25th - Monday NFL Special

Steelers(11-3) at Texans(4-10)

Pittsburgh rallies from a bitter and crushing defeat, behind a monster game from Le’Veon Bell on the ground. Pittsburgh wins 28-10.

Pick: Steelers

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Monday, December 25th - Monday Night Football Finale

Raiders(6-8) at Eagles(12-2)

Despite fighting for the slimmest of playoff hopes, Oakland doesn't stand a chance against the Eagles in Philly, looking to lock up homefield advantage in the NFC playoffs. Philadelphia wins 34-17.

Pick: Eagles

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The Saints have the chance to get revenge on their greatest rivals, secure a playoff spot, win the NFC South title, and give Who Dat Nation the merriest Christmas ever, all in one game. Not a bad Christmas Eve if you ask me. Tell us how you see Week 16 playing out. Leave us your picks, comments, and insight below. Merry Christmas!