With just two weeks left in the regular season, there is plenty still up in the air. All 12 teams in playoff position are jockeying for position while a handful of other teams are trying to get in. That means this week’s slate includes plenty of games with significant playoff implications. Here is your NFL Week 16 rundown.
Indianapolis Colts @ Baltimore Ravens
Odds: Baltimore -14
The Ravens are coming off a win over the Cleveland Browns and should benefit from a favorable schedule over the final two weeks to clinch an AFC wild card. Baltimore needs to beat the Colts and Cincinnati Bengals at home to clinch a playoff berth.
This will be one of the two Saturday games this week.
Los Angeles Rams @ Tennessee Titans
Odds: Los Angeles -7
The Titans are coming off a crushing loss in San Francisco and suddenly find their playoff hopes in jeopardy. Tennessee returns home following back-to-back losses to be a touchdown underdog to the NFC West-leading Rams. The Titans are averaging just 18.2 points per game over their last five and they’ll need to do better against one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. Led by Jared Goff and Todd Gurley, the Rams have averaged 33.8 points per game over their last four.
Cleveland Browns @ Chicago Bears
Odds: Chicago -6.5
Cleveland is two losses away from an 0-16 season heading into Week 16. This is their best chance as they head to Pittsburgh in Week 17. The key for the Browns is to avoid the crippling turnovers. DeShone Kizer accounted for three more last week.
The Bears have shown signs of progress with rookie quarterback Mitchell Trubisky under center. At the same time, they have dropped six of their last seven. Losing here would likely cost John Fox his job – if he’s not going to get fired already.
Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints
Odds: New Orleans -5.5
The NFC South will be determined in the final two weeks with the three teams currently in playoff positions battling it out. The Saints are the front-runners at 10-4 but have looked shaky since their winning streak ended. They are 2-2 over their last four. This will be an important test for them as the playoffs approach.
Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
Odds: New England -13
The Bills are still a long shot to make the playoffs at 8-6 because they have to go to New England this week. There are four teams at 8-6 from the No. 4 to No. 7 slots in the AFC, so the Bills are not out of it with a loss. However, they’re a huge dog at New England this week and then visit the Dolphins in Week 17. They have an uphill climb.
Seattle Seahawks @ Dallas Cowboys
Odds: Dallas -5
The Cowboys kept their playoff hopes alive with a close win over the Raiders. Now they welcome back Ezekiel Elliott for a date with a Seahawks team that was embarrassed at home by the Rams in Week 16. Gurley ran all over the Seattle defense in Week 15 so it only makes sense to expect the same from Elliott in his return this Sunday. The Cowboys and Seahawks are tied at 8-6, so this is an important game for the playoff race.