SOME WEEK 16 STUFF

[Old School]

super read
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/pag...uide-score-predictions-playoff-scenarios-2018




The Ravens have to go cross-country on a short week, and the Chargers play at home on eight days' rest. This isn't an ideal situation for Baltimore, especially when considering the Ravens' history. Since 2013, Baltimore is 1-6 when playing on the road against teams from the AFC and NFC West.
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The Colts have the eighth-ranked rushing defense, which will put the pressure on the Giants' passing attack without Odell Beckham Jr.


The Colts shouldn't have a problem running the ball against the Giants, who are 28th in the NFL when it comes to stopping the run.

A win would bolster the Colts' wild-card chances, but they can neither clinch nor be eliminated in Week 16. .................................................................................................................................



The Cowboys have the second-worst red zone offense in the NFL, scoring touchdowns on 19 of 43 trips inside the opponent's 20. Maybe it's a good thing they are seeing the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay has the worst red zone defense, giving up 40 touchdowns in 51 inside-the-20 drives. The Cowboys don't want to face a win-or-else game in Week 17, so it will be imperative for them to finish off drives with touchdowns. And if they win and clinch a playoff spot, red zone opportunities will become even more important in the postseason.
The Cowboys can clinch the NFC East title with a victory
The Eagles play Sunday at 1pm also
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For as bad as this season has been for the Falcons, one of their five wins was a 31-24 triumph over the Panthers back in Week 2. In that game, Cam Newton threw for 335 yards and three touchdowns. Well, Newton won't play this time around due to a shoulder injury, leaving the Falcons to face Taylor Heinicke, who has thrown five career passes. If the Falcons can't figure out a way to pull out this road victory against the Newton-less Panthers -- especially with Pro Bowl linebacker Deion Jones in the lineup this time around -- then there might be more turnover this offseason than initially anticipated.
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[Old School]

In case you missed it: QB Newton to sit out Panthers' final two games ... With Newton's deep ball on ice, Panthers turn to backup ... QB Ryan on playing into his 40s: 'I don't see why not' ... Falcons DT Jarrett deserves new contract
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Courtney Cronin's pick: While the Vikings control their own playoff destiny, it's not as simple as "win and in" for Minnesota in Week 16. But Minnesota can do its part against the Lions the same way it notched a win over its division rival in Week 9: pressure Matthew Stafford early and often. The Lions QB was sacked 10 times in their first meeting and now has even fewer weapons to work with on offense after Marvin Jones Jr. and Kerryon Johnson went on IR, though he is making a concerted effort to get the ball out faster. Kirk Cousins and the offense should be able to build some consistency after finally getting the running game going in Week 15. Vikings 31, Lions 20
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Rob Demovsky's pick: The Packers have lost nine in a row on the road dating to last season, and this is the last chance to avoid going winless on the road this season. If they don't notch a victory, it will be their first winless season on the road since 1958. As Aaron Rodgers said, "I think it's important for us to not be a statistic next to the [1958] Packers." That's about all they have to play for, but it's more than the Jets have. Packers 23, Jets 11
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Pat McManamon's pick: The Browns no longer have the edge of a real chance at the playoffs, but they will be playing in front of a sellout crowd for the home finale as they seek to finish with a winning record for the first time since 2007.:0corn The Browns had a little fun at the Bengals' expense four weeks ago, but this game should be more competitive. Quarterback Baker Mayfield's 111.1 rating since Freddie Kitchens took over as offensive coordinator is the defining statistic for this game. The rookie is just playing too well for the Browns to lose. Browns 24, Bengals 16