NFL 2014 Week 16 picks

I'm picking a lot of visiting teams this week.  That always makes me nervous.

Thursday night:  Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars:  Does anyone really care who wins this game?  Oh, perhaps the Raiders or Jets, who will be competing with the loser for the Number One draft pick.  Other than that, this game won't draw a big crowd.  TITANS, 17-16

Saturday games
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins:  After losing two in a row, the Eagles need a strong victory to get back on track.  Given the problems having in the Redskins organization, I'm not sure how much enthusiasm these players really have to win.  EAGLES, 27-17

San Diego Chargers at San Francisco 49ers:  The 49ers are not living up to potential.  Will all of the media coverage, as well as the incentive of beating the team from nearby San Diego, get them motivated?  Perhaps, but previous motivational opportunities haven't worked, so I can't believe any this time will.  CHARGERS, 21-17

Sunday early games
Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints:  Probably the battle for the NFC South, since the Saints face the Bucs next week.  A Saints win basically clinches a divisional title, and the probability that they will not have a losing season.  Just for the sake of the integrity of the playoffs, I'm hoping for that.  SAINTS, 27-23

Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans:  JJ Watt has been a dynamic player, but the Ravens are better manned both defensively and offensively.  RAVENS, 23-20

Cleveland Browns at Carolina Panthers:  Here's a fun game to pick!  If Manziel was still on the bench, I'd pick Cleveland quickly, but he brings these guys down.  Carolina can be their own worst enemy, too, but I like their chances better, especially since Cam Newton returns under center.  Besides, I need to pick more home teams.  PANTHERS, 16-14

Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears:  The Bears have actually scored more points than Detroit this season, but their porous defense gives their opponents a great chance to score more than normal, and that will fuel the Lions.  LIONS, 31-20

Green Bay Packers at Tampa Bay Bucs:  This edition of the "Battle of the Bays" should be an easy victory for the Pack.  They'll need it, as they face the Lions next week for the NFC North title.  PACKERS, 30-13

Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers:  KC has power, but the Steelers at home have been brutal this season. KC's defense will have their hands full with this team at home, who has scored more than 30 points in five home games.  They may not do that against the Chiefs' defense, but they'll score enough to win.  STEELERS, 27-23

Minnesota Vikings at Miami Dolphins:  Another team with a strong defense, Miami has also been putting up impressive numbers, thanks to a banner year by Ryan Tannehill.  That defense will bother Teddy Bridgewater, who is having the best year of all rookie QBs.  DOLPHINS, 21-13

New England Patriots at New York Jets:  The Jets are competing for the Number One pick.  This game will help.  PATRIOTS, 31-16

Sunday late games
Buffalo Bills at Oakland Raiders:  The Raiders are also in the running for the top draft pick.  Buffalo's defense will keep them in that race.  BILLS, 26-13

Indianapolis Colts at Dallas Cowboys:  This squad of Cowboys seems strong enough to prevent their traditional December slump.  They say they will play DeMarco Murray, but how well can he hold the ball with his broken hand?  Two turnovers may turn the tide against them, and help the Colts.  COLTS, 30-23

New York Giants at St Louis Rams:  The Rams should be able to hold back the Giants, although this is often the time of year when they make a resurgent march.  RAMS, 20-16

Sunday night:  Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals:  This game could decide the NFC West.  Arizona leads, but they are relying on their defense as the offense sputters with their third string QB.  Seattle's defense has stiffened, which should make this an interesting contest.  SEAHAWKS, 20-17

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:  Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals:  Coming into this game, the Bengals will likely trail the Steelers for the AFC North lead.  Following this game, they will trail them even more.  The Broncos offense will overwhelm the Bengals defense, and the Bengals offense can't keep up with them.  BRONCOS, 31-24