Every week, NFL enthusiasts are completely shocked by what they witness on Thursday, Sunday and Monday. With that in mind, here’s a look at 10 bold predictions for Week 16.
Timothy Downs is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. You can ‘like him’ on Facebook add him on Google or follow him Twitter @Tidow1212
10. Rex Ryan's Defense Finally Lives Up To Expectations Against Floundering Dallas Cowboys
Brad Penner-USA TODAY SportsUnfortunately for Rex Ryan, his first year as head coach of the Buffalo Bills hasn't gone as planned. After relentless braggadocio over the summer when commenting on the potential of his defense, the unit has underwhelmed thus far. In Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys, who are starting the inexperienced Kellen Moore at quarterback, we'll finally see the Bills' defense play up to the ridiculous expectations Ryan set for them.
9. New York Jets Exploit New England's Defensive Vulnerabilities Despite Bill Belichick's Exotic Scheme
Getty ImagesThe New York Jets are in a must-win scenario against the New England Patriots in Week 16, and project to expose Bill Belichick's exotic scheme over the middle, in the flats, down the seams and seemingly anywhere else they please in front of a delighted MetLife Stadium. Tom Brady will put forth a valiant effort against New York's stout defense, but it won't be enough.
8. Carolina Embarrasses Atlanta In Front Of Irate Georgia Dome
Getty ImagesThe Atlanta Falcons have lost six of their last seven games, and have little to play for at 7-7. In Week 14, the Carolina Panthers held Matt Ryan in check (224 yards, zero TDs, one INT). Ryan's been terrible when the Falcons have needed him the most this season, and the trend will not change against one of the NFL's premier defenses. The Panthers will head home undefeated after cementing a 14-point victory to the absolute dismay of the Georgia Dome faithful.
7. Washington Clobbers Philadelphia To Cement Control Of NFC East
Brett Davis-USA TODAY SportsThe Washington Redskins, who no one thought had a chance this season, will take full control of the NFC East by clobbering the Philadelphia Eagles into oblivion in Week 16. Chip Kelly's "devil may care" offensive scheme has been a gargantuan failure this season, and will continue to disappoint in front of a nation on Saturday night. Expect a 10-point Redskins win led by an electric performance from QB Kirk Cousins.
6. Pittsburgh Needs Last-Second Field Goal To Defeat Baltimore
Getty ImagesDespite being ransacked with injuries, the Baltimore Ravens will put forth a tremendous effort against their rival Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16, as they'd like nothing more than to disrupt Pittsburgh's playoff aspirations. In the end, however, the healthier, more talented team will prevail on a last-second field goal after Ben Roethlisberger leads his team with sheer grit on a game-winning drive.
5. New York Giants Pull Off Road Win In Minnesota Despite Absence Of Odell Beckham Jr.
Danny Wild-USA TODAY SportsDespite playing without Odell Beckham Jr. against Minnesota, the New York Giants will win a thriller over the Minnesota Vikings in front of America on Sunday night. Led by an otherworldly performance from the grizzled veteran Eli Manning and a surprise game from WR Dwayne Harris, the G-Men will leave the twin cities with their heads high despite already being eliminated from the playoffs after Washington's win on Saturday night.
4. Arizona Cements First-Round Bye After Manhandling Green Bay
Getty ImagesThe Green Bay Packers have been solid this season, but they aren't built to go into the desert and beat the juggernaut Arizona Cardinals. Aaron Rodgers will be held in check all game despite Tyrann Mathieu's absence, and Carson Palmer will finish with another astronomical stat line. After winning the battle of possession by featuring RB David Johnson once they have built a lead, it will be smooth sailing for the Cardinals, and they will send Green Bay packing with a 14-point win to cement a first-round bye.
3. Denver's Defense Too Much For AJ McCarron, Broncos Defeat Bengals By 10
Getty ImagesDefeating the Denver Broncos' seemingly impregnable defense is a tough chore for even the NFL's elite quarterbacks this season, so there's reason to believe things won't go so swimmingly for AJ McCarron in Week 16. The Broncos will win this one by 10 despite receiving a substandard effort from their own quarterback, Brock Osweiler, who also lacks big-game experience.
2. Jacksonville Stays Alive By Crushing New Orleans
Getty ImagesThe Jacksonville Jaguars need some help, but they still have a chance to make the playoffs if they win their last two games. Led by an unbelievable performance from Blake Bortles, who's having an otherworldly sophomore campaign, the Jaguars will take the first step by manhandling the New Orleans Saints on the fast track of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in Week 16. Expect a 10-point victory at minimum.
1. Indianapolis Stays Alive With Upset Over Miami
Getty ImagesDan Campbell took over a tough situation as interim head coach of the Miami Dolphins, and he undoubtedly has ability, but he's going to be baffled by the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16 no matter if it's Matt Hasselbeck or Charlie Whitehurst who ultimately starts under center. The Colts are still alive in the AFC South, but they need to win and get help from the Tennessee Titans to live on another day. That's exactly what you can expect to happen.
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