NFL Week 16 Game Picks: There will be points

Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs the ball against the New York Jets during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots (12-2) at New York Jets (9-5)

The Jets must win out to sneak into the playoffs, and that proposition can barely get any tougher when you play the Patriots and at Buffalo the next two weeks. Last week’s win over the Cowboys was messy, but the victory counts. New England will look to clinch the first seed in the AFC with a ‘W’, hoping for a Bengals win in Denver.

Carolina Panthers (14-0) at Atlanta Falcons (6-8)

While there are not many things Saints fans can enjoy this year, the steep decline of Matt Ryan and complete dismantling of their defense every week is certainly one of them. Carolina can lock up home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win here, and there is no reason to believe here they will not blowout the Falcons for a third consecutive time.

Dallas Cowboys (4-10) at Buffalo Bills (6-8)

Both teams are eliminated from playoff contention, and it is for the better. Rex Ryan has done a great job eliminating his teams’ greatest strength, the front seven, as the Bills fell 20 spots in sacks accumulated around the league. The Cowboys have themselves to blame for not having a capable quarterback backing up Tony Romo, and it will be interesting to see whether they will change that come draft time.

Houston Texans (7-7) at Tennessee Titans (3-11)

It is beyond sad, but Houston is on its way to the postseason after defeating the Colts last week. Brandon Weeden will start the next three games, and the Titans are sitting Marcus Mariota as well. Tennessee is smartly in full tank-mode, hoping to be first at the buffet in late April. This game will be ugly and NOT worth watching.

Next: Sunday Funday, Part Deux