The battle for the playoffs intensifies in Week 16, with conference battles looming. This weekend will mark the beginning of games on Saturday, and four of the top teams involved in those matchups will have to play three games in 11 days. The AFC showdowns have been front-loaded for Thursday and Saturday games, while Sunday will feature NFC road games for Detroit, Philadelphia, and Minnesota. Victories for these teams are pivotal because a loss would knock them out of the running for the number one seed. In this article, we preview the showdowns for week 16 and predict the winners.
Overall: 48-22
Last week: Bye week due to baby’s birth
1. Denver Broncos (9-5) at Los Angeles Chargers (8-6) -Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET Prime Video
The Chargers were flying high at 7-4 entering the Harbaugh Bowl on Monday Night Football against the Ravens. However, the team lost that matchup, and since then,q the team has sputtered to a 1-3 record. In the past three games, the offense has underperformed by scoring only 17 points in each contest. It is not a coincidence that the struggles started with the injury to J.K. Dobbins. The Chargers have averaged only 66.2 rushing yards per game in the last three games, which has led to Justin Herbert’s struggle in a one-dimensional offense. On the other hand, the Broncos are on a four-game winning streak and averaging 34.8 points in that stretch. Bo Nix is playing solid in his rookie season, with ten touchdowns and five interceptions in that stretch. Denver is also averaging 86.5 yards per game in the streak to provide better balance for the team. I think the Broncos are finding form, and their defense will be able to limit the Chargers.
Broncos 24-Chargers 20
2. Houston Texans (9-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (13-1)-Saturday, 1 p.m. ET NBC
It feels like the outcome of this matchup is based on Patrick Mahomes’ availability. Last week, Mahomes suffered a high ankle sprain in their 21-7 win over the Cleveland Browns. However, Mahomes was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, and it appears he will play. On the other hand, the Texans won the AFC South division last week after defeating the Miami Dolphins 20-12. The offense has not been prolific, with a loss to the Titans followed by narrow wins over the Jaguars and Miami in their last three games. In a battle of teams looking to find a way to win, I give the edge to Kansas City at home, who have 15 straight one-score games. Even if Mahomes does not play, I favor the Chiefs’ defense to slow down C.J. Stroud and to march one step closer to locking down the number one seed.
Chiefs 23-Texans 16
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4) at Baltimore Ravens (9-5) -Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET Fox
This is probably the game of the weekend since the winner will have the edge in securing the AFC North title. The rivals met in week 11, with the Steelers winning 18-16 in a defensive battle. Last week, Lamar Jackson rebounded from a tough loss to the Eagles by demolishing the lowly New York Giants. Jackson had one of his best performances by completing 21 of 25 passes for 290 yards and five touchdowns. On the other hand, the Steelers were shut out last week by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second half after trailing 17-13 at halftime. I think the Eagles’ defense made life difficult for Russell Wilson because George Pickens was not available to be a constant deep threat. Pickens will miss this upcoming game, and T.J. Watt will play but is struggling with a low ankle sprain. I think Lamar will end his four-game losing streak to the Steelers and push the battle for the division into the last two weeks.
Ravens 23-Steelers 19
4. Philadelphia Eagles (12-2) at Washington Commanders (9-5)-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET Fox
The Eagles have proven they are probably the best team in the NFC after defeating the Ravens and Steelers in two of their last three games. The City of Brother love team is riding a 10-game winning streak into the nation’s capital and are the most complete team in the conference. The defense is rounding into form by allowing 20 or fewer points in 5 of the last six games. The Eagles won the earlier matchup against Washington earlier this season, with Saquon Barley tallying 146 yards and two touchdowns. The Commanders stayed in the playoff hunt last week with a narrow 20-19 win over the Saints but have lost 3 of their last five games. Despite Barkley dealing with soreness last week, I think Jalen Hurts rediscovered his chemistry with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith which leads to another big production this Sunday. I think the Eagles clinch the NFC East this Sunday with a win.
Eagles 30-Commanders 20
5. Minnesota Vikings (12-2) at Seattle Seahawks (8-6)-Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET Fox
I think the Seahawks are in trouble in this matchup and the division because Geno Smith will at least be limited this Sunday when they welcome the Vikings. Smith had to leave Sunday’s game with a knee injury, and his status remains uncertain. It has been a disastrous week for the Seattle franchise after getting dismantled by the Packers 30-13 at home. The Vikings have one of the best pass rushes in the league, tied for 4th with 42 sacks this season. Sam Darnold will take advantage of the defense using his plethora of offensive weapons, and I think the Vikings will win this game.
Vikings 31-Seahawks 22