NFL Week 16: Picks and predictions

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Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) and quarterback Matt Ryan (2) celebrate the win over the Denver Broncos in the second half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Falcons defeated the Broncos 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Falcons (-2.5) at Carolina Panthers

Why would the Panthers (6-8) win this game? The Falcons (9-5) are playing for everything and the stadium will be half-empty in Charlotte. Look for plenty of points.

Pick: Atlanta 34, Carolina 17

San Diego Chargers (-6) at Cleveland Browns

Until the Browns (0-14) win a game, I’m not picking them to do so, or cover. The Chargers (5-9) will roll.

Pick: San Diego 26, Cleveland 16

New York Jets at New England Patriots (-16.5)

The Patriots (12-2) are looking to wrap up home0field advantage. They aren’t going to lose out on that by falling to the Jets (4-10), who just need to go home.

Pick: New England 30, New York 10

Indianapolis Colts at Oakland Raiders (-4)

This is going to be an absurd game. Both the Colts (7-7) and Raiders (11-3) can score points. Ultimately, take the better team at home, but it could go either way.

Pick: Oakland 38, Indianapolis 35

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints (-3)

The Saints (6-8) are dangerous but no longer the dominant force they once were at home. The Buccaneers (8-6) are playing for everything here.

Pick: Tampa Bay 27, New Orleans 24

Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks (-9)

After clinching the NFC West last week, the Seahawks (9-4-1) are looking for a first-round bye. The Cardinals (5-8-1) are completely dead behind the eyes at this juncture.

Pick: Seattle 23, Arizona 16

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