2014 NFL Predictions Week 16: New England Patriots Inch Closer To One Seed With Win
By Cyrus Geller
Oct 16, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones (95) sacks New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots defeated the New York Jets 27-25. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Here are my week 16 NFL predictions:
Patriots 30 Jets 16
This is a mismatch on paper, and ultimately, I think the Patriots will pull away for a comfortable win. But for the first 45 minutes, I expect Rex Ryan’s team to give New England all they can handle. Ryan knows how to give Tom Brady-led offenses fits, and he will be pulling out all the stops tomorrow.
The Jets have an excellent front four, so if they can pressure Brady early, this game will turn into a knock down, drag out fight to the death. Fortunately for the Pats, New York’s secondary is just pitiful, and Brady should have no trouble finding open receivers in this one. If the Pats can give Tommy time in the pocket, he will have a huge game.
On the other side of the ball, it comes down to stopping Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson on the ground. If the Patriots can do that, the Jets will get smothered. Look for Bill Belichick to feature a lot of Alan Branch and Sealver Siliga tomorrow afternoon.
Eagles 37 Redskins 17
Philadelphia needs to keep winning to have a shot at getting into the playoffs, and despite getting exposed a bit over the last two weeks. the Redskins defense will be no match for Chip Kelly’s offensive unit. LeSean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin have huge games to propel Philly to a much needed win.
Chargers 20 49ers 17
This one is going to be dominated by the two defenses, and the outcome will be decided by which offense can make less mistakes. And when I look at these two offenses, I’m taking Philip Rivers over Colin Kaepernick every single time. San Diego is still in the playoff hunt, and they need to win this game to stay alive.
Vikings 23 Dolphins 17
I think this is where the wheels completely come off for Miami. The Pats pretty much knocked them out of the playoffs this year, and believe it or not, the Vikings are playing some decent football right now. Teddy Bridgewater is going to be an excellent quarterback in the future, and I honestly will take him over Ryan Tannehill as of this moment. Minnesota’s defense makes a few big plays late to get the win.