Week 16 NFL Picks: 4 Upsets Worth Chasing |

Week 16 NFL Picks: 4 Upsets Worth Chasing

Thursday Night Football is in the books, but the NFL has two games scheduled for Saturday, which means we’ll have a jam-packed three-day run of NFL contests. No one really wanted to bet on who would win Thursday night’s debacle between the equally inept Jaguars and Titans, so let’s steer toward some more interesting matchups as we ponder potential upsets for the remainder of the week.

Keep in mind that lines can change and that we’re not flat out picking these upsets. However, these four games should have a shot at paying off if you bet on them straight up, for points or against the spread. Let’s break them down and see why these games could be upsets worth chasing in week 16:

Buccaneers over Packers (-11.5)

No one is going to pick the Buccaneers straight up, but we have to give them a chance at this line. They’re at home, the Pack is coming off an abysmal performance in Buffalo and Tampa Bay in general has been playing more spirited football in the second half of the season. The Packers are an elite team at home this year (7-0) but they’re not quite as invincible on the road (3-4). They probably won’t lose in Tampa Bay with their division on the line, but the Bucs could give them enough hell to get you some cash via the spread.

Jets over Patriots (-10.5)

Rex Ryan isn’t likely to go quietly into the night. While Gang Green is dead and gone as far as this year’s playoffs are concerned, there’s nothing that would satisfy Ryan and his Jets more than beating Tom Brady and the Pats one more time. New England only won by two last time and this time around it’s in New York. You have to give the Jets a shot at keeping this one within 10 points. Right?

Raiders over Bills (-6.5)

Oakland has gotten destroyed at times this year and we know what the Bills can do to opposing offenses (see: Packers, week 15) but Buffalo’s offense is bland enough to allow this one to stay close. The Raiders happen to have a solid defense of their own, so as long as Derek Carr doesn’t throw this one away, we could be in for a bit of a defensive battle. This spread isn’t as kind as some of the other games, but it could be one worth chasing.

Falcons over Saints (-6.5)

The last time these two teams met, the Falcons one in Atlanta by three points. Heading into week 16, the Saints will be favored by almost twice as many points in New Orleans. That’s kind of weird considering New Orleans is oddly average at home this year, while both of these teams are below .500. There is no defense to be had, so we should brace for a lights out, high-scoring affair. That’s likely to give you the week’s highest point total (yes, go for it) and it shouldn’t be decided by more than a touchdown. Take the points.