Forecaster Frank NFL Week 16: Holiday Rush

After two straight weeks of sub .500 play, I went 9-7 in Week 15. My season record is 122-96-6.

Thursday Night

• LAC -3 (o/u 41.5)
• Chargers 24 Broncos 20

This game will go a long way in deciding the AFC playoff picture. As of now, both teams will be in the postseason. The Chargers won earlier in the season in Denver. The Broncos will secure a spot with a win; the Chargers will be in a strong position if they win. The Broncos defense can force turnovers, but Justin Herbert's experience will be the difference.  

Saturday

• Hou +3.5 (o/u 42)
• Texans 20 Chiefs 16

With Patrick Mahomes' ankle making his status questionable, taking the Chiefs is a mistake, especially with them playing again in four days on Christmas day. The Texans are a division champ and have a solid defense. The Chiefs have trouble covering and are due for a loss. 

• Pit +6 (o/u 45)
• Ravens 20 Steelers 17
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No matter who wins, the game between these two division rivals is often just three points. The Steelers won the first meeting by 18-16. I expect it to be just as close this time around as the Ravens get the win. 

Sunday at 1

• Atl -8.5 (o/u 42)
• Falcons 30 Giants 10

A rookie quarterback, Michael Pennix, is making his first NFL start, and the Falcons are 8.5-point favorites. Yes, the Giants are that bad. Maybe Daniel Jones was not that bad; since his departure, the Giants are no longer even staying close in these games, as they are in line for the #1 pick. 

• Car +4.5 (o/u 47)
• Cardinals 23 Panthers 20

The Cardinals ended a three-game losing streak, while the Panthers failed in their first game as a favorite in two years. I expect the Panthers to rebound, while the Cardinals need another clutch field goal to escape with a win. 

• Det -6.5 (o/u 48)
• Lions 38 Bears 16

The Lions saw their 11-game winning streak end last week, but a loss to the Bills is hardly a concern. They will need a win to stay ahead of the Vikings. I expect them to come out strong and dominate this game, as the Bears have been reeling since their loss in Detroit on Thanksgiving. 

• Cin -7.5 (o/u 47)
• Bengals 30 Browns 20

The Bengals are trying to make a late playoff run after a disappointing season, but their hopes are on life support. The Browns are a beaten team. Expect the Bengals to put up big numbers again, as Joe Burrow has another big day to keep the Bengals in the playoff hunt.  

• Ind -3.5 (o/u 42.5)
• Colts 27 Titans 17

After their loss in Denver, the Colts are on life support as they need a miracle to make the playoffs. The Titans have been in rebuild mode all season and are focused on next year. The Colts have three winnable games and know they need to come out strong to have the right state of mind heading into the final two games.  

• NYJ +3.5 (o/u 46)
• Jets 27 Rams 20

No team knows how to frustrate and tease their fan better than the Jets. The playoff hopes are gone; fans would rather lose to get a better draft pick. That is when the Jets play their best games of the season while the mediocre Rams stumble. 

• Phi -3.5 (o/u 45.5)
• Eagles 31 Commanders 17

The Eagles can clinch the NFC East with a win and stay in position to have a shot at the top seed in the playoffs. Expect the Eagles to come out flying as Saquon Barkley has another big game day against Washington, inching closer to 2,000 yards. 

Sunday Late Game

• Sea +3 (o/u 43.5)
• Seahawks 23 Vikings 20

The Vikings have won seven straight games. They have two big games that could get them the top seed and win the NFC North. The Seahawks have been wildly inconsistent all season, but this feels like a trap game for the Vikings, with the Seahawks needing to bounce back after a bad loss last week. 

• Buf -14 (o/u 46.5)
• Bills 48 Patriots 17

Josh Allen is taking the lead in the MVP race. The Bills have a shot at getting home field if the Chiefs stumble. In the last two weeks, the Bills have topped 40 points. Look for that trend to continue. 

• Jax +1 (o/u 40)
• Jaguars 17 Raiders 13

Two teams out of the race who have had terrible seasons. The Raiders played well on Monday night, while the Jaguars lost at home to the Jets. The Raiders do not want to win; they hope to land the top pick. The Jaguars have better players and a better coach and will win. 

• SF +1 (o/u 44.5)
• 49ers 29 Dolphins 17

The 49ers have been ravaged by injuries and need to win out and get help to make the playoffs. The Dolphins also have faint playoff hopes but look like a team about to implode, with Tyreek Hill asking for a trade. 

Sunday Night

• TB -4 (o/u 48.5)
• Buccaneers 30 Cowboys 20

The Buccaneers are sailing atop the NFC South. They have four straight wins and are playing their best football of the season. The Cowboys have struggled at home all season. This one feels like a big game for Baker Mayfield as the Cowboys' last hopes wither away with the Bucs winning again. 

Monday Night

• GB -14 (o/u 42.5)
• Packers 38 Saints 13

The Packers are playing great; the Saints are down to a third-string quarterback. This feels like a blowout.