Fansided

NFL Week 16 picks against the spread

By Nick Villano

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 15: Jake Sindberg of Wisconsin makes bets during a viewing party for the NCAA Men's College Basketball Tournament inside the 25,000-square-foot Race
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 15: Jake Sindberg of Wisconsin makes bets during a viewing party for the NCAA Men's College Basketball Tournament inside the 25,000-square-foot Race /
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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Houston Texans @ Philadelphia Eagles (-2.5)

Last week, everything possible went right for the Philadelphia Eagles. Nick Foles looked like his Super Bowl MVP form. The Eagles went out to a big lead, and the defense was able to hold off Todd Gurley and Jared Goff. Alshon Jeffery finally broke out for 160 yards. Wendell Smallwood scored two touchdowns. Can this happen again against a really good team?

The Houston Texans bounced back from their first loss in months to take care of the Jets. Deshaun Watson looked really good, and the offense did enough to win. Watson is getting sacked way too much, getting knocked down 52 times already this year, but the Texans are working around that fact. The biggest issue is if Watson gets injured again, because no backup will be able to withstand that kind of pressure.

The Texans have everything to play for here. Sure, they haven’t really played too many great teams this season, but it’s hard to put the Eagles in that category after one big win. This is an extremely close one, but the Texans will likely come out the winners here.

Houston 31, Philadelphia 28

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Miami Dolphins (-4)

The battle of Florida comes as both teams had bigger expectations for their season, but both are now out of the playoff picture. The Dolphins showed little effort last week against the Minnesota Vikings, and their playoff hopes are basically dead. They went from the highest of highs after beating the Patriots on the last play of the game, to now questioning if their quarterback and coach will make it to next year.

The Jaguars have even more questions themselves. They came into this year as one of the favorites to win the AFC. Things went south pretty much the second they beat the Patriots themselves. They are now going through the rest of the season with Cody Kessler as their quarterback. It’s not a great position to be in.

The Dolphins have more to play for, as it seems like the Jags coach is safe for now. Ryan Tannehill and Adam Gase could lose their jobs if they lose this game. This is not a must win for Jacksonville, and we’ve seen how that’s gone this season.

Miami 14, Jacksonville 6