Saturday, December 20, 2008

TD's Official NFL Picks - Week 16

The season has already left 13 teams wondering how the 2009-10 season will treat them. There are 14 teams vying for 7 remaining playoff spots. And 5 are in like Flynn, although 3 of the 5 are looking to secure home field advantage throughout the playoffs. That said, I have organized the picks into different categories this week: those games being played for pride alone, those games in which a spoiler can still have satisfaction, those games with teams still in the playoff hunt, and those being played for home field advantage. No Pick of the Week this week as there are multiple good games on the docket...

For Pride:
San Francisco @ St. Louis
San Fran's playing some good ball lately. Perhaps it wasn't too soon for Singletary. As for St. Louis, well, there's always next year? TD chooses: San Francisco 49ers

Cincinnati @ Cleveland
The battle of Ohio. And no one seems to care. Ken Dorsey will continue to play the part of human punching bag. While Cincinnati continues to attempt to achieve mediocrity. TD chooses: Cincinnati Bengals

Houston @ Oakland
I could envision an alternate universe in which Houston goes to the playoffs this year and Indy does not. But no. They play for pride this weekend, wondering when their time will come. Oakland? I won't even start. They're just playing because AD said so. TD chooses: Houston Texans

New Orleans @ Detroit
Need I say anything about this game? TD chooses: New Orleans Saints

The Spoilers
Miami @ Kansas City
Miami is still in the thick of the AFC East race. But I don't envy them playing in KC in late December. Not to mention the fact that the Chiefs have to be royally upset about their collapse against San Diego. Still, I think Sparano will get them ready. TD chooses: Miami Dolphins

New York Jets @ Seattle
The weather promises to be messy in Seattle for this one. But the Jets are no strangers to the cold in their eastern home. I think this one comes down to the running game. Jets? Have one. Seahawks? Not so much. TD chooses: New York Jets

Buffalo @ Denver
This game intrigues me. Two cold weather teams battling it out. Denver is on the verge of the AFC West Championship. If only they can win this one. Buffalo lacks Trent Edwards, but Losman is sufficient to get the job done. I'm going with an emotional pick on this one, because I want to see Denver and San Diego battle it out next weekend for the AFC West crown. TD chooses: Buffalo Bills

Green Bay @ Chicago
Norse division rivals. Late January. Soldier Field. Wintery weather. Awesome. Green Bay's officially out. But Chicago's still got an outside shot. I think this one is about the running game too. TD chooses: Chicago Bears

Playoff Spots at Stake
Baltimore @ Dallas
A heavyweight D against a dangerous O. My two least favorite teams in the league. I hope they beat the crap out of one another. And, in the end, TD chooses: Baltimore Ravens

Arizona @ New England
The Cards have little to play for. No chance of home field. They better just get Anquan healthy and ready for the first round. New England? They need this one. And they get it. TD chooses: New England Patriots

San Diego @ Tampa Bay
The Bucs have a stifling defense that can hammer on the Chargers. But based on last week's game against the Chiefs, I think the Chargers are hitting their stride. They believe. And again, I want to see the showdown next week for the AFC West crown. TD chooses: San Diego Chargers

Atlanta @ Minnesota
If Jackson plays the same way he did last week, Atlanta's in trouble. I don't think he will. TD chooses: Atlanta Falcons

Philadelphia @ Washington
Though only an outside chance, both teams still have the capability of making the playoffs. The Redskins, however, are spinning out of control. Meanwhile, the Iggles are taking flight. TD chooses: Philadelphia Eagles

Home Field
Pittsburgh @ Tennessee
I love this battle. This is the test to see if Tennessee can keep up after a couple questionable outings recently. I don't think they pass. TD chooses: Pittsburgh Steelers

Carolina @ New York Football Giants
Technically, Carolina has not yet secured a playoff spot. But I think they will. I just don't think this will be the game in which they do it. Primarily because the Giants have to jump start their offense and get a move on into the playoffs. Or else they will meet a first or second round ouster. I can't back away from them now. TD chooses: New York Football Giants

No comments: