Even if some people think I’m the Grinch, I won’t have coal in my stocking this year.
With the holidays coming up, I received my first Christmas present last week when I went 9-5-1 with picks against the spread and 12-4 straight up. This gives me his ATS record of 110-103-11 and my straight-up pick record of 136-88. Having seven games over .500 ATS certainly feels good heading into Christmas weekend.
Let’s keep it up with a nice week 16. All I want is good vibes this Christmas, and if you choose good works for two weeks in a row, it would be a great present for me and hopefully for you too.
always east
Thursdays, 8:15pm (Amazon Prime Video)
This is an important game for both teams as it will determine whether they advance to the playoffs. The Rams are one of the surprising teams in the league with a lot of young players getting the job done on both sides. The Saints have struggled on the road, but I think their defense will hold up this time. The Rams take it, but it’s tough.
choose: Rams 23, Saints 21 (result: Rams 30, Saints 22)
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. (NBC, Father and mother)
This is essentially a playoff game, as the loser is basically out. The Bengals won three straight games thanks to Jake Browning, but it’s difficult to play against a division rival on the road. The Steelers haven’t had a good offensive record all year, so they’re relying on quarterback Mason Rudolph. He won’t make the team win, but he will be the reason the defense wins.
choose: Steelers 26, Bengals 23
Saturday, 8pm (Peacock)
The Bills have won their second straight game against two top teams and will face a Chargers team that has an interim coach and a starting quarterback for the second time. Buffalo’s offense has been playing really well the last few weeks and that will continue here. Josh Allen will likely complete more passes than the seven he hit last week as the Bills advance.
choose: Bill 31, charger 17
If you want a more analytical approach to NFL draft picks, we highly recommend checking out the SportsLine Projection Model, which has been gaining traction this year. Check it out if you want to know which side to bet on for each game in Week 16.
Sunday, 1 p.m. (Fox; Father and mother)
Both teams are still going strong, but they have the feel of teams going in opposite directions. The Falcons will have Taylor Heinicke starting at quarterback for this game. The Colts have been playing well, but I think this will be a game where the Falcons find a way for Heinicke.
choose: Falcons 23, Colts 20
Sunday, 1 p.m. (CBS, paramount+)
Titans quarterback Will Revis injured his ankle in last week’s loss to the Texans, and his condition is noteworthy. Still, I think the Titans can win this game with Levi or Ryan Tannehill at quarterback. Seattle has a short week left, but even with Geno Smith back, the Titans will find a way to win this game.
choose: Titans 28, Seahawks 24
Sunday, 1 p.m. (Fox; Father and mother)
The Lions can lock up the division if they win this game. It’s not easy. The Vikings’ defense had big problems last week against the Bengals, but I think they’ll bounce back here. The Vikings will go after Jared Goff, slow down the offense, maintain this situation and win late.
choose: Vikings 23, Lions 20
Sunday, 1 p.m. (CBS, paramount+)
So much for the idea of Aaron Rodgers coming back. The Jets are finished, but his managers are right around the corner. The Jets at least have a defense that can slow Washington down. This is going to be ugly no matter who quarterbacks the Jets, but the Jets defense will give them the win.
choose: Jets 19, Commanders 14
Sunday, 1 p.m. (Fox; Father and mother)
The Panthers won last week on Bryce Young’s late game drive. That’s important for the future. The Packers have lost two in a row, but as bad as their defense was last week, they won’t lose this time. The Packers accept, and the defense teaches Joe Barry the heat.
choose: Packers 26, Panthers 13
Please confirm that you wish to subscribe by checking the opt-in box.
Thank you for registering!
Keep an eye on your inbox.
sorry!
An error occurred while processing your subscription.
Sunday, 1 p.m. (CBS, paramount+)
This is an important game for both teams. The Browns have been playing well with quarterback Joe Flacco, but he lost his last road start. The Texans need CJ Stroud back for this game, but that’s still up in the air. Even if he returns, I think the Browns will win with some deep balls and solid defense.
choose: Browns 24, Texans 17
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. (CBS, paramount+)
Trevor Lawrence is in concussion protocol, so CJ Beathard could be the starting quarterback. But this game will hinge on Baker Mayfield’s success against Jacksonville’s defense. That unit played well against the Ravens last week and I think they can slow Mayfield down enough here. Jaguar accepts.
choose: Jaguars 23, Bucks 20
Sunday, 1 p.m. (Fox; Father and mother)
Both teams are coming off losses, but the Bears probably should have won the game. Their defense has come a long way over the past month and I think that will be the deciding factor here. Chicago made a comeback with good defense, but Arizona was persistent and just caught up.
choose: Bears 20, Cardinals 19
Sunday, 1 p.m. (Fox; Father and mother)
This is an epic match between two really good teams. The Cowboys are playing their second straight road game since losing to the Bills last week, which will be a challenge. Dallas hasn’t played very well on the road, but Miami has played well at home. Still, I think the Cowboys will find a way to make it work in this game.
choose: Dolphins 30, Cowboys 29
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. (NFL Network; Father and mother)
The Patriots are on a roll, but the Broncos are still trying to make the playoffs. Denver’s defense played badly against the Lions last week, but they will get back to playing well when they return home for the Christmas Eve game. It helps that New England’s offense isn’t very good. The Broncos take it.
choose: Broncos 24, Patriots 10
Mondays, 1 p.m. (CBS, Nickelodeon, paramount+)
The Chiefs picked up steam last week against the Patriots and can now make a push for the top seed. They beat the Raiders on the road earlier this year, but now the Raiders have a better defense. The Chiefs won, but by a close margin.
choose: Chiefs 24, Raiders 21
Mondays, 4:30 p.m. (Fox; Father and mother)
The Eagles have lost three games in a row, but this is a good chance to decide the game. The Giants have played back-to-back road games, which are always tough. When you’re running out of strings and you’re playing against a team competing for a division title, it’s more difficult. Let’s hope the Eagles can bounce back from this with a strong performance from Jalen Hurts.
choose: Eagles 30, Giants 14
Monday, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN, Father and mother)
This is the game of the week, possibly of the year. These are the two best teams in either conference. The 49ers will take a break and play back-to-back road games against the Ravens. The 49ers offense was the best of all four teams in this game and I think that’s why they win this game. Brock Purdy wins MVP battle against Lamar Jackson.
choose: 49ers 29, Ravens 21