NFL Week 16: Picks, predictions and more

With two weeks to go in the NFL’s regular season, playoff spots are on the line. NFL expert Matt Verderame tries to not embarrass himself with his picks.

All lines courtesy of OddsShark.com

Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens (-13.5)

Baltimore (8-6) is playing for the postseason, and Indianapolis (3-11) is playing for the offseason. Chuck Pagano is more than ready to get canned.

Pick: Baltimore 24, Indianapolis 14

Minnesota Vikings (-9) at Green Bay Packers

Minnesota (11-3) wrapped up the NFC North last week with a win over the Bengals. Conversely, Green Bay (7-7) is officially eliminated from playoff contention and starting Brett Hundley. This shouldn’t be much of a contest.

Pick: Minnesota 27, Green Bay 16

Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints (-5.5)

This is the best game of the holiday weekend. The Saints (10-4) can do anything from clinch the NFC South to fall into the sixth seed. Atlanta (9-5) will be very motivated, as a win would vault it over New Orleans and secure a playoff berth. Advantage? Home team.

Pick: New Orleans 34, Atlanta 31

Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots (-11.5)

New England (11-3) knows that home-field advantage is at stake, and Buffalo (8-6) isn’t getting in the way. The Bills will fight hard to stay in the playoff picture, but that won’t be enough.

Pick: New England 38, Buffalo 23

Cleveland Browns at Chicago Bears (-6.5)

If anybody subjects themselves to this on Christmas Eve, they have deep psychological issues.

Pick: Chicago 17, Cleveland 13