With two games left in the 2008 NFL season let’s take a look at the NFL Week 16 Playoff Race, which will likely be decided after Week 16 or the last games of the season. Tennessee, Pittsburgh, NY Giants and Arizona have all secured a spot in the Playoffs. Be sure to get all your NFL Week 16 Playoff Race Picks in now at Sportsbook.com
Top NFL Week 16 Matchups:
Baltimore Ravens (9-5) at Dallas Cowboys (9-5)
The Ravens are in sixth place in the AFC Playoff race with Miami (9-5) and New England (9-5) close on their heels, while the Cowboys are in fifth place in the NFC Playoff race with Tampa Bay (9-5) and Atlanta (9-5) breathing down their necks. If the Ravens get past Dallas, they should be a lock with their next game at home against Jacksonville. For Dallas it isn’t any easier, after a tough game against the Ravens looming they then have to take on Philadelphia, on the road. They are 4-3 SU on the road where they’ve averaged 24.6 ppg and they’ve given up an average 20 ppg. In their last three games they are 2-1 SU and they’ve averaged 22.3 ppg and given up an average 8.7 ppg. They’ll rely on their sixth ranked running game along with their second ranked defense that is superb in all categories. The Cowboys have won four of their last five games and they beat the big bad Giants last week. They are 6-1 SU at home where they average 28.3 ppg and they’ve given up an average 19 ppg. In their last three games they are 2-1 SU and they’ve averaged 22.3 ppg and given up an average 12.3 ppg. They’ll rely on their eighth ranked offense along with their seventh ranked defense. NFL oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Cowboys as -4 ½ point home favs over the Ravens with the over/under set at 39 ½ points. Pick: Ravens +4 ½
Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3) at Tennessee Titans (12-2)
The Steelers and Titans have won their divisions and have won a first round bye, but there’s still the battle for home field advantage throughout the Playoffs. If the Steelers get past the Titans they’ll take on Cleveland at home, which will be easy. After the Steelers, the Titans have it harder with a game against the Colts on the road. The Steelers are 6-1 SU on the road where they’ve averaged 21.3 ppg and they’ve given up an average 11 ppg. In their last three games they are 3-0 SU and they’ve averaged 22 ppg and given up an average 10.7 ppg. They’ll rely on their 25th ranked offense along with the best defense in the league that is superb in all categories. The Titans are 6-1 SU at home where they’ve averaged 24.1 ppg and they’ve given up an average 17 ppg. In their last three games they are 2-1 SU and they’ve averaged 29 ppg and given up an average 10.7 ppg. They’ll rely on their fifth ranked running game along with their fourth ranked defense, which will be without their top DT Albert Haynesworth. NFL oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Steelers as -1 ½ point road favs over the Titans with the over/under set at 34 ½ points. Pick: Steelers -1 ½
Philadelphia Eagles (8-5) at Washington Redskins (7-7)
The Eagles are on the outside, of the NFC, looking in and they must win both games to get in, while Atlanta, Tampa Bay and Dallas have to lose. After this game it doesn’t get any easier with a home game against Dallas. Washington is technically still alive, but doesn’t look good with top tier teams ahead of them in the race. The Eagles are 3-3-1 SU on the road where they’ve averaged 23.3 ppg and they’ve given up an average 23 ppg. In their last three games they are 3-0 SU and they’ve averaged 32.7 ppg and given up an average 14.7 ppg. They’ll rely on their seventh ranked offense along with the third best defense in the league that is great in all categories. The Redskins are 3-4 SU at home where they’ve averaged 15.3 ppg and they’ve given up an average 18.7 ppg. In their last three games they are 0-3 SU and they’ve averaged 10 ppg and given up an average 22.3 ppg. They’ll rely on their eighth ranked running game along with the fifth best defense in the league. NFL oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Eagles as -5 point road favs over the Redskins with the over/under set at 39 ½ points. Pick: Eagles -5
Carolina Panthers (11-3) at NY Giants (11-3)
The Giants have won their division and now they’re on the hunt for a first round bye, and home field advantage, with the Panthers who can clinch their division with one win. The Giants take on Minnesota, on the road, after the Panthers game, while the Panthers end their season in New Orleans. The Giants are 6-1 SU at home where they’ve averaged 27.7 ppg and they’ve given up an average 13.9 ppg. In their last three games they are 1-2 SU and they’ve averaged 15 ppg and given up an average 15.7 ppg. They’ll rely on their ninth ranked offense along with the sixth best defense in the league. Their top RB Brandon Jacobs is still listed as day to day. The Panthers are 3-3 SU on the road where they’ve averaged 19.8 ppg and they’ve given up an average 25.5 ppg. In their last three games they are 3-0 SU and they’ve averaged 34.3 ppg and given up an average 21.3 ppg. They’ll rely on their fourth ranked running game along with their 11th ranked defense that is just average in all categories. NFL oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Giants as -3 point home favs over the Panthers with the over/under set at 39 ½ points. Pick: Giants -5 (if RB Brandon Jacobs in lineup)
The Playoff race for the AFC East is still undecided; technically the Jets are in for NOW, but they way they’ve played lately the Dolphins and Patriots like their chances.
NY Jets at Seattle Seahawks (+5)
Arizona Cardinals (+8) at New England Patriots
Miami Dolphins (-4) at Kansas City Chiefs
Other NFL Week 16 Matchups:
Indianapolis Colts (-6 ½) at Jacksonville Jaguars
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns (-3)
New Orleans Saints (-6 ½) at Detroit Lions
San Francisco 49ers at St.Louis Rams (+5 ½)
San Diego Chargers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3)
Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos (-7)
Houston Texans (-7) at Oakland Raiders
Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings (-3)
Point-Spreads.com NFL Week 16 Playoff Race Picks
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