NFL: Week 16 Predictions (with added stud) – Part II
In what was labelled #StatementSunday, week 15’s games were surprising, interesting and confusing in equal matter. For those of you who do power rankings, I would be surprised if you have any hair left, as while your top 7 or 8 teams may be the same, the order is just impossible to judge right now.
By the end of 15 weeks, you would expect the playoff picture to be predictable, but in many cases, it is as clear as mud at the moment (see NFC East). But this week will really sift through the mud, and it is the last chance for many teams, players and coaches to play in January.
As many of you will be playing for your fantasy championships this week, I have also picked a player for you to rely on in every game.
Sunday 9:05pm
Cleveland Browns 10-30 Denver Broncos
I said about six weeks back that the Broncos could easily win out and take a first round bye. This is looking more and more realistic, especially with the downturn in production for Trent Richardson. Last week I said Brandon Weeden was playing ok because you didn’t hear much about him. Unfortunately he reverted to his horrible early-season mistakes again last week, and Denver won’t let him come out of that slump easily with Von Miller around.
Fantasy Stud: RB – DEN – Knowshon Moreno : Moreno has capably filled the Willis McGahee void and his leap over Ed Reed showed the confidence he has right now. 100 combined yards and a TD isn’t out of the question.
Sunday 9:25pm
Chicago Bears 27-6 Arizona Cardinals
This should be a game dominated by defense and ugly offensive plays, but the Bears need this more than the Cardinals, and I’m sure Lovie Smith will do everything in his power to win this one. Prepare for a real show from the Bears’ D, especially their defensive line, who will give whoever is at QB in Arizona nightmares for weeks.
Fantasy Stud: D – Chicago Bears : This Bears defense has been a huge fantasy asset this year, and it should be again with Arizona’s disjointed, farcical and often scandalous play on offense. I’m having the Bears come away with 5 sacks, 2 INT’s and a defensive score.
New York Giants 30-20 Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens, on a three game skid, are already in the playoffs and a Giants team fresh off a beating at the hands of Atlanta come to Baltimore with their playoff hopes still in the balance. Traditionally, the G-Men get beat just before the playoffs, then win out in the regular season to begin their run into the post-season. Why should this season be any different eh? The Ravens’ defense is struggling big time, and their offense looked stagnant under a new OC, so the Giants come into Baltimore and get a reaction from last week’s embarrassment.
Fantasy Stud: RB – NYG – Ahmad Bradshaw/David Wilson : If Bradshaw can’t go, Wilson is just as good a replacement against a Baltimore run defense that is one of the poorest in the league right now, expect 80 yards and a TD from the NY running back, whoever he is.
Monday 1:20am
San Francisco 49’ers 16-13 Seattle Seahawks
Well well, the Seahawks are really putting up a fight for this division, and look a seriously good team, especially on defense. They are hard-nosed and make plays, giving Russell Wilson and their average-looking offense the freedom to make even more plays. Of course Marshawn Lynch is a huge part of this team, and the Niners’ first priority will be to stop ‘beast mode’ and then to make sure Wilson stays in the pocket, as his mobility is a real threat. San Francisco faces a tough task in Seattle, but they went into Foxborough and won last week, so their bottle isn’t in doubt, and I think they can go to the Seahawks and win, but it will be close, and it will be a real fight. Both of these teams could go deep into the playoffs, and it wouldn’t be the biggest shock to me if these two meet each other again after today.
Fantasy Stud: RB – SF – Frank Gore : The Niners’ running back has to have a good game to make sure that the game isn’t placed on the shoulders of Colin Kaepernick, and Gore should put up a performance of 60 yards and a TD at least, which, in a tight game like this promises to be, could be invaluable to the 49’ers, and your fantasy lineups.
(Editor’s note – No betting this week with the fantasy stud selections, but to find out the best odds if you want a flutter visit www.oddschecker.com)