Playoff Races Are Heating Up: Five Must Watch Games in Week 16

The Philadelphia Eagles have to be feeling some heat right about now.

Losers of their last three games, the Eagles face the New York Giants in the first of two games here down the stretch. Philly needs to win these last three games of the regular season if wants any shot at the NFC East title and a home playoff game.

It's hard to believe Philly is in this spot. Just a few weeks ago they were 10-1 and looked like a shoo-in for the NFC Title game, if not another trip to the Big Game.

Jalen Hurts, who has not played well in recent weeks spoke about the team re-committing itself to one another to get over the hump. We shall see how that works this week when Tommy DeVito and the Giants come to town.

Let's make some picks!

As mentioned above this is a must win situation for the Eagles who have not played well in recent weeks. They have allowed 129 points in their last four games, and are in the midst of a three-game skid. The Giants come in out of the playoffs and looking to put a dent on Philly's division title hopes. Tommy DeVito remains the center of attention both on the field for his play and off it for his restaurant autograph tours and pending branding as "Tommy Cutlets." Yep, that Jersey Mike's ad with Danny DeVito is gonna happen sooner rather than later. This week though, it's all cheesestakes.
PICK: EAGLES 27 - GIANTS 17.

A battle of wild card hopefuls in the AFC. The winner gets a huge step closer to clinching a playoff berth in 2023. The loser is in trouble with two games to go. Who knew this game would feature old time QBs Joe Flacco (Browns) against Case Keenum (Texans). It feels like 2017 all over again!  It will come down to which defense can make the bigger play at the right moment. Gotta give a slight edge to the home team.

TEXANS 24 - BROWNS 23.

Another NFC East vs. AFC East match-up that has a 90s feel to it!  Remember when this dubbed the Jimmy Johnson vs. Jerry Jones Bowl? This time around both the Fish and the Boys are focused solely on winning their divisions. The Dolphins are in great position to it, coming off a huge win over the Jets last week. They are also healthy coming into the game, as it appears Tyreek Hill will be at least questionable as he practices.

The Cowboys are licking their wounds following a 31-10 breakdown at the hands of the Buffalo Bills. The Cowboys need this one more than Miami. The question is can Dallas finally get it together on the road?

PICK: DOLPHINS 27 - COWBOYS 24 - overtime

Twas the night before Christmas

And all through the Stadium.

Not a creature was stirring because, well, Jets fans sold their tickets!

There will be Aaron Rodgers this week. He will be on the roster and on the sideline, but won't play. It might be Trevor Siemian this week as Zach Wilson is still in concussion protocol. Either way this will be a rough watch.

PICK: COMMANDERS 17 - JETS 10

Could this be a preview of the Big Game? It might be. The Ravens and 49ers are pound for pound the two best teams in the NFL right now.

Both teams play solid defense, and both teams are dynamic in their own ways offensively. The Niners are more traditional with the emergence of Brock Purdy at quarterback. On the other side, the Ravens will go as far as Lamar Jackson can run around and make plays. The Ravens have never hosted the AFC Championship Game, and they are in position to be the top seed in a topsy turvy AFC.

Gotta give an edge though to San Fran here. They have more guys who can get after the quarterback on defense, and more game breakers like Christian McCaffery coming out of the backfield.

PICK: 49ERS 26 - RAVENS 20