Week 16 has some very solid matchups, but two of the best games look like they’ll be played on Saturday. Let’s get into it:
Key Matchups
Broncos @ Chargers – We kick the week off right with what will hopefully be an exciting Thursday night contest between division foes Denver and LA as they jostle for AFC Wildcard positioning. The Broncos are one game up on the Chargers but have a final two games of Cincinnati and Kansas City(who may rest starters in Week 18 if the 1 seed is locked up). The Chargers, on the other hand, play the Patriots and Raiders, a much more forgiving schedule. Getting an extra game here would be huge for Denver. They’ve got a real shot at the 5 seed if Baltimore/or Pittsburgh drops a few games and could end up with a first round matchup against the Texans which would be the best case scenario. All this to say that I like Denver tonight.
Texans @ Chiefs – The first of the Saturday double header. Signs are pointing towards a Pat Mahomes start this week, despite his ankle injury. We’ve seen One Leg Patty before, and he’s just as dangerous as the two-legged version, so I’m not ready to write them off in this one. Even though Houston has the AFC South locked up already, they’ve got potential to get to the 3 seed if they can close out the season strong and have a little help from Pittsburgh and Baltimore as they battle for the AFC North title. Houston’s defense has played well, but their offense has been lacking something as of late. That won’t cut it against this Chiefs D. Gimmie One Leg Patty and his band of merry men.
Steelers @ Ravens – Saturday’s second contest features a classic matchup that always comes down to the wire. For a moment, I had picked Pittsburgh. They’ve done well against the Ravens over the past few years despite Baltimore generally having a more talented team. They’re built to stop Lamar. But, the Law of Averages tells me Baltimore is due and Lamar is out for revenge. Add in the fact that George Pickens is set to miss the game this week, and I don’t see the offense being very productive for Pittsburgh. TJ Watt appears to be suiting up, but DeShon Elliot looks like another piece that will be sorely missed. The only thing that may save the Steelers is urgency. A win this week would lock up the AFC North title, while a loss would mean that Pittsburgh needs to win out against KC and Cincy to win the division or otherwise end up with same number of wins as Baltimore. The Ravens finish against Houston and Cleveland, which is certainly easier on paper. All I know is you’ll wanna bring your popcorn and a heart rate monitor to this one.
Eagles @ Commanders – Finally, a little NFC action. While a Commanders win would do little in terms of the NFC East race (Philly finishes against Dallas and NYG), it would strengthen Washington’s hold on a Wildcard spot and hurt the Eagles’ chance at the 1 seed. The Commies finish the season against a reeling Atlanta team that is giving first round pick Michael Penix Jr. his first start this week and Dallas (who they did lose to in a surprising Week 13 result). That’s a decent couple games to end on when you’ve got Seattle/LA Rams sitting just one game back. Now, those two teams do play each other still so one will have a guaranteed loss (please no ties). But who knows, Penix is still an unknown until we see him in action this week, and he could be the jump that Atlanta needs to get going. Win now, you feel a little less pressure in the final two weeks. As for Philly, like I said, their last two are cakewalks so if they take care of business, they’ll need to see the Lions drop a game (most likely Minnesota in Week 18) as well as have Minnesota lose a game to either the Seahawks this week or Green Bay in Week 17. There’s probably a couple ways it could shake out but if both of those teams win their next two, it will not be possible for Philly to get the one seed (barring a tie between Detroit and Minnesota in Week 18, please do not let this happen I beg). Exciting stuff. I like Philly because they’re clearly the better team, but I’m aware that the better team doesn’t always win. Should be a good one.
Vikings @ Seahawks – I’ve already covered a lot of what is at stake involving these two teams still keep it short and sweet (lol sike). If Minnesota wins out, they’ll get the one seed. Anything less than that and they’ll likely be the 5 seed. But dropping the last two will mean they get surpassed by Green Bay and will have to settle for the 6 seed. For Seattle, every game is important as they fight for the NFC West title, or under a particular set of circumstances, a wildcard berth. They finish against Chicago and the Rams for what could be a loser-goes-home game in Week 18. The Rams have the Jets this week and then host the Cardinals(who blew them out in Week 2) in Week 17. Given the nature of the teams involved here the only thing certain is uncertainty. Geno Smith looks like he’ll play this week, but I’m still giving the Vikings the edge based on what we’ve seen them do on both sides of the ball.
Special Shoutout
Cardinals @ Panthers – For some reason I feel like Carolina always wins this game no matter what the teams look like that year. So yeah, I’m back on the Panthers.
Gonna be an…interesting schedule next week considering the Christmas games so it may be one big post on Tuesday with everything. Or not, we’ll see.
Strong Side Sports 