Week 16 of the NFL season is upon us, and that means it's time for another round of bold predictions. As always, this week's edition of fearless prognostications includes a macho helping of audaciousness and abandon as we head into Saturday, Sunday and Monday's contests. Warning: These predictions are not for the faint of heart.
Giants won't clinch playoff berth in Week 16
You blue it! Giants fans weren't all that concerned heading into Week 16 about their playoff prospects, and probably still aren't despite their Thursday night loss to the Eagles. But come Monday night, it will be time to start biting nails. That's right, none of the four results that need to happen for the Giants (10-5) to clinch a playoff berth this week will happen. Aaron Rodgers splices the D.O.A. Vikings defense in a Packers (9-6) victory. Jameis Winston and the Buccaneers (9-6) come out on top in a shootout with Drew Brees' Saints. With Julio Jones in tow, the Falcons (10-5) put a 40-burger on the resurgent Panthers. Then on Monday night, New York collectively self-flagellates for even considering rooting for the hated Cowboys, who blow a 10-point fourth-quarter lead to Matthew Stafford and the Lions (10-5). All this sets up a win-and-in scenario for Big Blue against the Redskins in Week 17, likely delaying the inevitable, but delaying it nonetheless. (That is unless NYG falls to WAS, GB defeats DET and TB tops CAR.)
-- Jeremy Bergman
Bosa tallies four sacks against hapless Browns
As the Browns wind down their potentially winless season, it has been interesting to see opponents turn up the intensity in order to avoid being the team that breaks up Cleveland's winless streak. That's why I think the Chargers, who wish to avoid this setback at all costs, will let rookie Joey Bosa fly against a severely banged up offensive line. Bosa will finish the game with four sacks in a defensive performance that Chargers coaches hope will inspire ownership to keep them around a little bit longer.
-- Conor Orr
Titans rush for 250 yards, roll Jaguars
Tennessee entered the season riding a wave of exotic smashmouth hype, and for the most part, it hasn't disappointed. We reach peak exotic smashmouth in Week 16, as the Titans -- third in the league in rushing yards per game at 144.7 -- roll into Jacksonville to run roughshod over the Jaguars, who are 21st in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game and reeling from the firing of coach Gus Bradley. Interim leader Doug Marrone will only watch in despair as the Titans hand the ball off 35-plus times, DeMarco Murray tops 150 yards and Derrick Henry records another multi-touchdown game. Tennessee stays in the playoff hunt and confirms the notion that the Jaguars need to commence deKhanstruction.
-- Nick Shook
