NFL Picks Week 16: Expert Predictions Include Patriots, Steelers, Eagles, Cowboys, Seahawks


NFL picks for Week 16 of the season from the experts at CBS Sports are in, and many of them are in agreement for the majority of outcomes. While the experts agree that the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, and Seattle Seahawks will easily win their games against inferior opponents, there is some doubt in a few of the more important matchups. After being thoroughly dominated and embarrassed by the Arizona Cardinals last week, the Philadelphia Eagles are set to do battle with the Washington Redskins on Saturday night, and it could very well be for the NFC East division crown. Another intriguing matchup is the Denver Broncos and Cincinnati Bengals game, which could be for a first round bye in the AFC. All of the NFL Week 16 picks by the eight experts can be viewed at CBS Sports, but here are a few of the more important predictions.

New England Patriots at New York Jets

On the surface, all things point to the Jets having a real shot at winning this game. Historically, the Jets have played the Patriots extremely tough, and have even upset them a couple of times in recent years when they were heavy underdogs. With a 9-5 record, the New York Jets are a team on the rise, and have a realistic chance at making the playoffs as a wildcard this year. To further help their cause, the game will be played on the Jets’ home field, where they have a very respectable record of 5-2. In spite of all of that, Vegas Insider has the Patriots as three and a half point favorites. Seven out of the eight CBS Sports NFL experts also agree, and the Patriots are the consensus pick to defeat the New York Jets this Sunday.

Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles

For a division that prides itself on being one of the best and most competitive in the NFL, the NFC East has been an embarrassment this year. With the Dallas Cowboys eliminated from playoff contention and the New York Giants coming off of a heartbreaking loss to the Carolina Panthers and a difficult game upcoming against the Minnesota Vikings, it appears as though the division will come down to the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles. Neither team is likely to make any noise in the playoffs, but one of them has to get in, and six out of the eight CBS Sports experts believe it will be the Washington Redskins. Unlike the Jets and Patriots game, Vegas Insider actually has the Eagles as high as four point favorites. While the line is not everything, it is usually a reliable indicator of which team is going to win the game. Regardless, the experts believe the Redskins will win this game, and ultimately take control of the NFC East for good.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens

Despite suffering numerous injuries to important offensive skill players this year, the Pittsburgh Steelers still have an excellent chance at grabbing one of the two AFC wildcard spots. They will face a team with even more injuries this week, when they take on the Baltimore Ravens, one of their more hated division rivals. After losing quarterback Joe Flacco, wide receiver Steve Smith Sr., and running back Justin Forsett, the Ravens have struggled mightily. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and wide receiver Antonio Brown are arguably one of the greatest combinations in NFL history, and the Ravens are going to struggle to contain the offense. Vegas Insider has the Steelers as massive 10-point road favorites, and seven out of the eight CBS Sports analysts believe the Steelers will win the game.

Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos

Out of all of the NFL picks for Week 16, this is probably the most split matchup. Despite losing quarterback Peyton Manning, the Broncos are still playing great football, and lead the AFC West with a 10-4 record. The Bengals also recently lost their starting quarterback, Andy Dalton, but they already have the ACF North division clinched. Since the second bye in the AFC is still up for grabs, this game is extremely important for both teams. With a win, the Bengals can actually clinch the bye this week, which will allow them to rest their starters Week 17 if the Patriots clinch the top AFC seed this week. Vegas Insider has the Broncos as three and a half point favorites, which is fairly standard for two teams that are fairly evenly matched. Five out of the eight CBS Sports NFL experts are picking the Broncos to win the game, while the other three believe the Bengals will come out victorious.

More CBS Sports NFL Picks for Week 16

Raiders Over Chargers

Panthers Over Falcons

Lions Over 49ers

Buccaneers Over Bears

Bills Over Cowboys

Chiefs Over Browns

Saints Over Jaguars

Cardinals Over Packers

Seahawks Over Rams

Vikings Over Giants

How accurate were the experts on their NFL picks for Week 15 last week? Check out an analysis from the Inquisitr on which experts were right, and which ones were wrong.

[Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images]

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