Divisional rivalries and races are getting close. Currently there are 3 divisions that are won. There are currently 4 divisions that are separated by a game at the top. We got games all weekend as there are games on Saturday and Sunday this week.
Thursday Night Football…
Denver Broncos AT Los Angeles Chargers, (LAC by 3)
Both of these teams are AFC West rivals. And while the division was wrapped up already by the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs, these two teams are fighting to maintain their lead over the teams chasing them down for a wildcard spot. The Chargers are coming off a terrible showing against the Buccaneers where their defense was bludgeoned by Baker Mayfield Mike Evans and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Chargers are a young bunch but with their first year with head coach Jim Harbaugh they have played good defense this year. So it was a bit upsetting to see how easy Tampa went through this team. The Broncos, however, managed to help both teams playoff chances by beating the upstart Colts. The Colts are behind both teams but are the first AFC team outside of the playoffs as far as record. The Denver defense has played well against teams that are outside the playoffs but struggle to beat teams that are currently in the playoffs (1-4 record). Including losing to this very Chargers team earlier this year 23-16. Roookie of the year candidate Bo Nix has played well enough to put the Broncos in the playoff hunt and I can see that continuing against the Chargers.
Broncos win 21-17
Two division winners and one game for the division on Saturday…
Houston Texans AT Kansas City Chiefs, (KC by 3)
Both of these teams have clinched their division already but seeding could be affected for the loser of this game. The Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes literally is limping into this week after an ankle injury. That isn’t a good look going against this dominant pass rush of Danielle Hunter and last year’s defensive player of the year Will Anderson chasing after him all day. The front line for the Chiefs are having struggles with consistency this year. They do get Hollywood Brown for the first time this year after an ankle injury and rehab. Putting Derek Stingley Jr. on Hollywood is a tough task for your first game back. Houston defensively especially in the passing game, coverage and pass rush, has been really good all year. I think this is going to be a defensive game. Both offenses are meddling this year as CJ hasn’t played as well as his rookie of the year season. However, if they can get the offense going and force Pat to have to do more than he’s comfortable with on that ankle this game could turn in Houston’s favor.
Chiefs over Texans, 24-21
Pittsburgh Steelers AT Baltimore Ravens, (BAL by 6.5)
I say this every time they match up. Throw out the records. Throw out the predictions. Throw out whatever they have been through. When they play each other, whether they are 3-10 or 10-3, these teams and coaches are mirrors of each other. And they HATE the reflection. The Ravens are at home this time, and this is Lamar Jackson’s first time playing them at home with a sold-out crowd. The only other time he played them at home was during the covid season without fans in the stands. Yes! Lamar and the Ravens struggled against this team no matter where they played but remember what I said. Throw out whatever they have been through. Throw out the records. The Steelers are coming into this game after losing to the Eagles last week. The Steelers played the ground game well stopping Saquon Barkley but the Eagles was able to take advantage with clutch first downs and going through the air game. The Steelers offense struggled to stay on the field and if George Pickens who hasn’t practiced yet this week is still out the offense could struggle again. The Ravens off a bye week might be hitting their stride going into the playoffs. Lamar Jackson and Derek Henry has played well all year and you can argue that their worse game this season has been against these same Steelers. Remember what I said though, throw ALL of that out. Its hardnosed, cold weather, black and blue AFC North football.
Ravens beat Steelers, 24-17
On to Sunday…
Philadelphia Eagles AT Washington Commanders, (PHI by 3.5)
The Philadelphia Eagles are playing the best football in the NFL. They have the longest win streak in the NFL currently and they can beat you in multiple ways. They are in a three-way tie atop the NFC with the Lions and the Vikings. The Commanders are currently in the last spot of the playoffs in the NFC holding on to a slight lead over the Seahawks by a game. Jayden Daniels and the Commanders snuck out of the Big Easy with a win over the Saints 20-19. The Commanders can clinch a playoff spot with a win and a Falcons loss and Rams or Seahawks loss. Anything can happen with these divisional matchups but the margin of error for the Commanders to win is razor thin.
Eagles over Commanders, 38-21
Minnesota Vikings AT Seattle Seahawks, (MIN by 4.5)
There is a consensus around the league that the 12-2 Minnesota Vikings is the most underappreciated team in the NFL. In the year of the running back resurgence Aaron Jones is being forgotten about in the division compared to the Sonic and Knuckles tandem in Detroit, the Josh Jacobs in Green Bay and then around the league compared to Derrek Henry in Baltimore and Saquon Barkley in Philadelphia. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison is one of the best wide receiver tandems in the league, but the attention (rightfully so) is going to the tandem of Jamarr Chase and Tee Higgins and AJ Brown and Devonta Smith. Flying under the radar are players like Andrew Van Ginkel and the ageless wonder Harrison Smith. This defense is balling out. But just like the offensive side of the ball the Seahawks defense under rookie head coach Mike MacDonald might be getting more chatter. Geno Smith and Sam Darnold since leaving the green side of New York have played a lot better. The Seahawks and the Vikings are one game out of each of their respective division leads. I can see this being a close game. The Seahawks lost to the Green Bay Packers last week just like the receivers for the Vikings are getting outshined, lets not forget that the Seahawks have DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Tyler Lockett playing well.
Vikings over Seahawks, 28-24
And now the nightcap…
Tampa Bay Buccaneers AT Dallas Cowboys, (TB by 4.5)
The disrespect of Baker Mayfield has been screamed from the heavens from me. So, it is only right that when he corrects his play from his early part of his career that I to stand corrected. Baker Mayfield has played very well leading this Buccaneers team and has them primed for the 4 spot of the NFC. They hold a slim lead over the Falcons. So they have a slim margin for error. Mike Evans, even after missing three games with a hamstring injury ,has a good shot over these three games to continue his 1,000 yards in a season streak. Going against a Dalals Cowboys defense that will be without Trevon Diggs for the rest of the season. The Cowboys aren’t completely out of it just yet but they are coming off a much needed win over the Carolina Panthers. The Falcons are praying for the upset over the Buccaneers but I honestly don’t see it with how well Baker and Mike have played his year and the addition of Rachaad White to the backfield this team is hitting their playoff stride right now.
Buccaneers over Cowboys, 34-17
The rest of Week 16…
Bengals over Browns
Falcons over Giants
Lions over Bears
Colts over Texans
Rams over Jets
Cardinals over Panthers
Bills over Patriots
Jaguars over Raiders
Dolphins over 49ers
Packers over Saints
All point spreads are as of Wednesday morning. Gamble responsibly. Athletically Challenged, Al U Buggin, and all sponsors will not be held liable. Â
