Week 16: 4 games with playoff implications

New Orleans Saints (6-8) vs. Dallas Cowboys (8-6)

The Cowboys have fought their way back into the playoff picture in the NFC with winning their past two games. The Cowboys beat the Bengals on the road and then last week they won in overtime against the Steelers. But the Cowboys have to win today against the Saints to stay in the hunt for the last playoff spot. The Saints could play spoiler for the Cowboys today and end their playoff aspirations. The Saints’ defense is still one of the league’s worst in stopping the rush and pass. The Cowboys will need to get their running game going again with DeMarco Murray leading the way. Tony Romo must have another solid game today for the Cowboys to win this game. The Saints can win this game by creating turnovers and by putting pressure on Tony Romo. Drew Brees has struggled this season but this could be a big win and a possible turning point as they try to wrap up this season on a positive note. This game will be decided by which defense has the most difficulty stopping the pass. The team with the most passing yards will win today.

Prediction: Saints 24-21

Cincinnati Bengals (8-6) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7)

This game is always a heated contest but now a playoff berth is thrown into the equation. The Bengals will all but lock up the final playoff spot in the AFC with a win today. The Steelers have struggled late this season with losing 4 out of their 5 games. The Bengals, on the other hand, have won five out of their last six games and that one loss was against the Cowboys late in the 4^th quarter. The Bengals lead the NFL in sacks this season and that will be one area that gives them an edge with their matchup against a banged up Steelers’ offensive line. The Steelers have their backs against the wall this week with the possibility of being eliminated from the playoffs. The Bengals have a matchup that favors them on offensively too and that is A.J. Green against the Steelers’ defensive backs. The Steelers will need Ben Roethlisberger to control the game and finish drives this week. The Bengals are a team on the rise with an excellent young nucleus and this game will advance that growth spurt if they win. The Steelers’ experience in big games will give them an edge and the home crowd will greet this Bengals team with towels waving.

Prediction: Steelers 28-24

New York Giants (8-6) vs. Baltimore Ravens (9-5)

The Giants are now playing for their playoff lives today after losing to the Falcons last week, causing them to lose their division lead to the Redskins. The Giants could find themselves on the outside looking in by losing this game today. The Giants have lost four out their last six games. The Ravens come into this game losing three straight games and they are trying to hold onto the AFC North division lead. The Ravens are struggling with injuries to their defense and an offense that is trying to find their identity. Ray Rice has found himself less involved in the Ravens play calling but that will change today with this important game. The Giants roll into MT&T Bank Stadium in what is now a one game season, if they lose today their playoff chances are over. The Ravens can lose their division lead to the Bengals if they cannot beat the Giants today. The Giants will need to get their offense on track after their dismal showing last week in Atlanta. The Giants are accustom to high stakes games with their current roster and they seem to play better in high pressure situations. The team that runs the most yards in this game will win the game.

Prediction: Giants 24-20

Washington Redskins (8-6) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (4-10)

The Redskins took over the NFC East division lead with their win in Cleveland last week. Kirk Cousins stepped in for Robert Griffin III and lead the Redskins to a win that has catapulted them into serious playoff contention. The Redskins can control their playoff hopes with a win in Philly today. The Eagles have an opportunity to crash those dreams of their divisional rival with a win. This game has all the buildup of a big divisional game, except this year the Redskins are the team playing to win the division. The Redskins are a team with great momentum and they will bring that energy and excitement to Philly. The Eagles will need a strong performance from their defense if they want to slow down this Redskins team. The Redskins will depend on their rookie Quarterbacks to play well and to lead this team to victory.

Prediction: Redskins 27-10

The possible playoff scenarios are massive in the NFC and the East division holds the key. The Redskins, Cowboys and Giants all have the same record and play major games today. If any of them lose today their playoff chances will be over. The NFC North also has two teams fighting for the last playoff spot. The Bears and Vikings share the same record with the Redskins, Cowboys and Giants at 8-6. The Vikings play the AFC leading Texans and the Bears play the struggling Cardinals and if they lose today their playoff hopes are gone. The AFC playoff scenario is focused on the Bengals vs. Steelers game because the winner of that game will lock up the sixth and final playoff spot. The NFC playoff picture will present a clear picture after today’s games and will have a domino effect on the week 17 games. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

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