We Have the Perfect Holiday Gift: Our NFL Week 16 ‘Locks of the Week’!

Intern Mike’s Season Record: 41-31-3 .569 W/L %

Buffalo Bills @ Los Angeles Chargers, 8:00 (SAT), Peacock

The question that we’ve been asking about the Bills for the past half decade has seemingly been answered.

Can they win games without solely relying on the heroics of Josh Allen? They more than proved that last week, with Allen attempting just 15 passes in a 21 point win over the red hot Dallas Cowboys. James Cook went for over 200 scrimmage yards and two scores. The Chargers recently fired HC Brandon Staley, but this team seems like it’s already making tee times for January.

This number is oddly tight for two teams trending in complete opposite directions. Despite the Bills impressive offensive outings over the past four weeks, they still remain on the outside looking into the playoff picture, making every game for them going forward a must-win.

PICK: Bills -11.5: (Pick made with Thursday’s betting line)

Seattle Seahawks @ Tennessee Titans, 1:00, CBS

How about these Seattle Seahawks?

After a disastrous November, they find themselves in the thick of the NFC wild card race, after a gutsy win against the reeling Philadelphia Eagles. Seattle has been impressive on the road this season, covering five of seven away from Lumen Field. For Tennessee, they may be forced to turn to Ryan Tannehill, after a right ankle injury to first year QB Will Levis.

Seattle’s defensive front has been improving by the week, and they now get a road date with a team who just allowed seven sacks on their quarterback. The Titans will also have to account for Geno Smith being back healthy, with a myriad of weapons at his disposal. Seattle gets a win on the road, one they need to stay alive.

PICK: Seahawks -2.5: (Pick made with Thursday’s betting line)

Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings, 1:00, FOX

The Lions got right back on track last week in a convincing win over the Denver Broncos.

The Vikings were showing signs of improvement on the defensive side of the ball in their road loss to Cincy, and then the fourth quarter happened. This defense can’t be trusted in a spot like this, with the Lions looking as good as ever on offense, averaging 30.3 points per game since November.

Simply put, betting on Nick Mullens to beat a 10-4 Lions team looking to win this division for the first time in 30 years is something that I can’t get on board with. Goff is certainly a different quarterback when he’s on the road, but he’ll still be in a dome for this one, a setting in which he can be trusted.

PICK: Lions -3

Dallas Cowboys @ Miami Dolphins, 4:25, FOX

Gotta bet the game of the week, right?

The Cowboys are off an embarrassing loss to the Buffalo Bills. Their run defense was dreadful, allowing over 250 yards rushing to Buffalo, including surrendering 7.2 YPC to James Cook. However, Dallas was uncharacteristically bad when it came to tackling, missing 12 against the Bills. Miami, on the other hand, looked terrific on all phases against the Jets, getting their first shutout win since 2020, also of course against the Jets.

Miami has a litany of injuries heading into this one, with some starters on the OL already ruled out, and Tyreek Hill not back yet fully at 100%. One philosophy that’s rarely let me down; take good teams off bad losses. The Cowboys will be sharper on defense in this one and get a lighter challenge taking on a depleted, but still dangerous Miami front seven.

PICK: Cowboys +2

New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles, 4:30 (XMAS), FOX

Not exactly the spread that NFL schedule makers were hoping for on this Christmas Day tilt, but a very intriguing game nonetheless.

Many questions will be answered in this game, starting off with how legit Giants QB Tommy Devito can be in a road divisional matchup. I’ll admit, Devito has been far more successful than I had anticipated, looking more confident throwing the ball down the field than any other Giants quarterback this season. The Eagles on the other hand, are now on a three game skid, after losing on a 92 yard game-winning drive to the Drew Lock led Seahawks.

Hurts and this offense have to get back to what they do best, running the football. The Giants have given up the fifth most rushing yards to opposing offenses this season, and now have to deal with a pissed off Eagles team in Philadelphia. Jalen Hurts and this offense will get back on track here by dominating the clock and forcing mistakes from Devito and the Giants. The Eagles get their fourth straight win against the G-Men on Christmas.

PICK: Eagles -13.5