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Image: USA Today
Stuck in the house? Tired of your family already? We've got you covered. Here are Will Tondo and I's top picks for ten Sunday games in Week 16, so you can cash in and blow it all at the bar on New Year's.
Basel's ATS 2021: 50-35-2 (2-3 Week 15)
Tondo's ATS 2021: 43-42 (4-2 Week 15)
Basel's Week 16 Picks
1 PM Games
Los Angeles Rams at Minnesota Vikings
Right as they're looking to make a serious playoff push, the Vikings enter one of their toughest late season tests yet. Unfortunately, their pass defense likely won't be able to compete with this year's LA Rams, who not only come out of this year's best divisions in football, but are pretty dang good themselves. offensively. Minnesota has allowed over 250 yards per game so far this year, giving Stafford, Beckham, and company plenty of room to put up a decent performance. While Minnesota's offense is pretty good themselves, they'll go up against some of the scariest pass rushers in football, most notably Aaron Donald. Expect the Rams to take this one by at least a touchdown.
Rams -3.5
Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets
Woof. If there's any positives than can be gleaned from watching this game, it's the chance to see two top quarterbacks from this year's draft go head to head with each other. Now in their second game without Urban Meyer, maybe this could be where we see Trevor Lawrence really shine in a less toxic system, and against one of the worst defenses in the league. Don't expect a lot out of this game, but expect Lawrence to be the better quarterback on the field today.
Jaguars +1.5
Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans
Come on. Even with the injuries that the Chargers are working with right now, I really can't see the Texans covering in this one. Justin Herbert will have his full arsenal on display, and Davis Mills, a turnover prone quarterback, will go against a defense prone to forcing turnovers. After a tough loss to the Chiefs in overtime, the Chargers are floating towards the bottom of the wild card race, meaning that they won't hold back on a weak team to ensure a win.
Chargers -10
4 PM Games
Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders
A close spread in a close division, I'm gonna have to go with the Broncos in this one. If Darren Waller was active today I might lean a bit more towards Vegas, but the Broncos haven't been too bad as of late. Their defense has held their last 4 opponents to under 25 points, and if they can keep this one close, they'll come away with the win.
Broncos -1
Sunday Night Football
Dallas Cowboys at Washington Football Team
Dallas is one of the best offensive teams in the league, and Washington...well, they're not. The Cowboys are the NFC East representative this year, and they'll look to secure that today with a big win.
Cowboys -10
Tondo's Week 16 Picks
1 PM Games
Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons
5-1 ATS in their last 6, and a big time win against the Cardinals… how about them Lions?! Easily the upset of the season and a major morale boost for the Lions, I’ll continue to ride them week after week. The Falcons are 1-5 against the spread this season when the line is greater than four points.
Lions +6.5
Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals
The battle of the AFC North is brewing, and the Ravens have been hit yet again. No Lamar Jackson, and no Tyler Huntley this week. It’s all in the hands of former Jet, Josh Johnson. While the Ravens have faltered, the Bengals have blossomed, I’m going with Bengals -7.
Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots
Better weather calls for a better game, one where the ball will actually be thrown. However, in order for Buffalo to win, they need to stop the run and generate their own running game too. I think this is a must win for the Bills, and I’ll take them with the upset.
Bills +1
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
The Giants beat them once this season, and I think they can cover again. I know, the Eagles have won three straight but the sound of saying Jake Fromm Season feels right. Giants +11
4 PM Games
Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have been dawned Super Bowl favorites yet again, while the 7-6-1 Steelers are still hanging around the playoff picture. Both teams have a fair share of injuries and Covid protocols, and I think is a trickery spread, but I don’t think the Steelers can cover. Chiefs -10
See you next week!