NFL Picks Week 16 – Division Crowns In The Spotlight In Week 16

In one of the closest finishes in recent memory, only one division winner had been crowned heading in to week 15 in the National Football League. One week later there is still a lot to be determined across the board, with five of the eight divisions still wide open. Here are some previews and NFL picks week 16:

New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons

Monday, 8:20 PM ET

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Although the Falcons have already clinched the NFC South division, this game is big for a couple of reasons. Atlanta still needs one win to clinch home field advantage throughout the postseason, and given that they are 6-0 at the Georgia Dome this year, that would be a major boost to the franchise come January.

For the Saints, a 30-24 loss to the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday ended a five-game winning streak and any chance of catching the Falcons at the top of the division. However, with the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants still alive in the NFC Wild Card race, New Orleans needs one more win to secure their spot.

The Saints feel they deserved better in the first meeting between these teams, a 27-24 loss in which kicker Garrett Hartley missed a chip shot field goal that allowed Atlanta to come back and get the game-winning kick in overtime.

NFL Betting Picks Week 16: Saints +2.5

San Francisco 49ers @ St. Louis Rams

Sunday, 1:00 PM ET

In what is and has undoubtedly been the worst division in football over the past few years, two of the top three teams will clash on Sunday. The St. Louis Rams have kept the chances of a 6-10 team clinching the NFC West alive with consecutive losses, and are tied with the Seattle Seahawks for top spot, but would like to end that trend this week when they entertain the 49ers.

San Francisco was the team many projected would be above the rest in the NFC West this season, but a tough schedule and inconsistent play have led to their undoing. The fact that they are still alive for a division title at 5-9 is scary, but that doesn’t make it untrue.

NFL Betting Picks Week 16: 49ers +2.5

Seattle Seahawks @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sunday, 4:15 PM ET

The 6-8 Seahawks are right there with the Rams and 49ers in the NFC West amazing race, and of the three teams have the worst point differential at -84. As underlined earlier however, Seattle can still clinch the division with consecutive wins.

It wont’ be easy against a Tampa Bay team that has taken advantage of a weak schedule to stay within reach of an NFC Wild Card spot at 8-6, but they should be able to keep it close regardless.

NFL Betting Picks Week 16: Seahawks +6.5

Indianapolis Colts @ Oakland Raiders

Sunday, 4:05 PM ET

With their MVP quarterback having thrown 11 interceptions through three losses, and the Jacksonville Jaguars taking advantage of a soft schedule, it seemed as though Indianapolis’ chances of repeating as division champions were slim.

Much has changed since the Colts snapped that losing streak and after taking down the Jaguars a week ago, Indianapolis is now in the driver seat to get back to the postseason. Consecutive wins will punch their ticket in the AFC South, beginning this week against an Oakland team that has been very inconsistent all year.

NFL Betting Picks Week 16: Colts -3