Happy Christmas To One And All!

Week 16 NFL Preview

Best wishes for a Happy Holiday from your clueless forecaster. There really aren't a lot of clear cut matchups this week, but we shall take our best crack at the games. Have fun and be safe.

At Buffalo -4.5 Tennessee 36.5

Buffalo in December, with the wind whipping off of the Lake ought to be a lot of fun. Both teams have been on a roll of late which is really nice to see, especially for the Bills. Vince Young has piloted the Titans to a number of “Fantastic Finishes” in recent weeks, but at some point, the merry-go-round’s gotta stop.

Projected Final Score: Buffalo 21, Tennessee 16.

At NY Giants -3 New Orleans 47

Is there anything left in the tank for the G-Men? Both teams lost last week and if New York loses on Sunday, there will be no trip to the tournament. Meanwhile, the Saints backed into the NFC South title last week, so there’s not a whole lot to prove except to play well going into the playoffs. The Giants are the proverbial cornered animal, though if they do pull it out it’ll be a squeaker.

Projected Final Score: NY Giants 24, New Orleans 20.

At Atlanta -6 Carolina 41

Based on both teams disappointing efforts this year, justice would dictate that both teams lose. Unfortunately, somebody’s gotta come out on top. Delhomme’s out, so that pretty much means that Vick will find a way to win.

Projected Final Score: Atlanta 27, Carolina 13.

At St. Louis -2.5 Washington 43.5

Another in the classic “Dud Bowl” Series: Washington stuck it to the Saints last week while the Rams pitched a shutout against Oakland. Picking a winner here is much like picking through the trash. Hold thy nose and watch out for sharp objects.

Projected Final Score: St. Louis 24, Washington 20.

Indianapolis -9 At Houston 47

Last week the Texans were about as awful as awful gets while Indianapolis got their defense back in gear and Manning went wild on Monday night. The Texans aren’t as bad as they played last week and maybe there may be a letdown by Indy. They’ll probably win, but Houston will give ‘em a fight.

Projected Final Score: Indianapolis 31, Houston 20.

At Pittsburgh -3 Baltimore 36

The last time these two made acquaintances Coach Cowher’s crew got their asses kicked. McNair went out early last week and the end result of this one only matters to the Steelers. They’re desperate to get back to the playoffs and would really want to avenge the previous defeat.

Projected Final Score: Pittsburgh 23, Ravens 17.


At Cleveland -3 Tampa Bay 35

Here are two more teams going nowhere fast. Both starting QB’s will be watching the action in civvies and there’s really not a great deal of excitement going on here. Flip a coin and keep movin’.

Projected Final Score: Cleveland 23, Tampa Bay 14.

Chicago -4.5 At Detroit 42

Forget the disparity in the teams and their records. This is old school, here. It is a matter of pride between ancient and honorable rivals, at least that’s what the Lions have to remind themselves on every play. If Detroit wins (and that’s A VERY BIG IF) their entire year isn’t a complete loss. The Bears are limping into January with injuries and discipline problems. Maybe they’re down and the Lions are up. Maybe it’s Detroit’s day to shine. Hey, it’s Christmas Eve, why not?

Projected Final Score: Detroit 21, Chicago 20.

At Jacksonville -2.5 New England 37

Jacksonville’s a true Jekyll and Hyde team, brutal on the road and unstoppable at home. The Patriots are a good road team, but…this will be a day for the Jaguars. Jones-Drew will pound the ball and the Jags’ defense will keep Brady & Co. in check.

Projected Final Score: Jacksonville 23, New England 16.

At San Francisco -4 Arizona 45.5

A pretty good NFC West matchup, the ‘Niners enter with a chance to make the tournament while the Cardinals are letting the clock tick down. San Francisco’s well rested and ready to kick ass.

Projected Final Score: San Francisco 24, Arizona 17.

At Denver -3 Cincinnati 44.5

Bengals go Mile High, and end up beneath sea level before all’s said and done. The Broncos’ D will be in Palmer’s face all afternoon. Denver’s just a tough nut to crack at home.

Projected Final Score: Denver 24, Cincinnati 20.

San Diego -5 At Seattle 46.5

The Chargers are the best team in football. The Seahawks could’ve been before injuries derailed them early on. Sure, they’re back on the track but they’re chasing after the leaders who already have sufficient momentum.

Projected Final Score: San Diego 27, Seattle 20.