The two Saturday games will have big implications in the playoff chase. The Washington Redskins (7-7) travel to Tennessee to face the Titans (8-6), who are in a three-way battle with Baltimore and Indianapolis (both also at 8-6) for the sixth and final AFC playoff spot.
The Redskins, tied with the Philadelphia Eagles (7-7) trail the Dallas Cowboys (8-6) in the NFC East race and are just one-half game behind the Minnesota Vikings (7-6-1) for the sixth spot in the NFC playoffs.
The night cap on Saturday will have the Baltimore Ravens playing at the Los Angeles Chargers (11-3), who are looking to move from the fifth (wild card) spot in the AFC playoff chase up to the top seed if they can win this game and then see the Seattle Seahawks (8-6) beat the visiting Kansas City Chiefs (11-3 and current top team in the AFC) in the Sunday night game.
The Ravens have one of the league's best defenses while the Chargers, despite numerous injuries this season to key players, boast one of the top offenses in the NFL. So this game should be a good one that could go down to the wire.
The Sunday games that are looming large includes the New Orleans Saints (12-2) hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5-1), who are fresh off their huge victory against the New England Patriots that kept them on top in the AFC North divisional race.
The Saints are looking to lock up "home field advantage" in the NFC race while the Steelers are seeking to hold off Baltimore for first place in the AFC North division.
Houston (10-4) travels to play the Philadelphia Eagles and a lot is at stake for both teams. The Texans are trying to stay in the number two spot in the AFC for a bye in the Wild Card round. The Eagles want the chance to get back in the playoffs and defend their Super Bowl title.
When all the dust settles this weekend, there will be just one game left on the schedule and the playoff picture will be much more clear. Here is a look at the games in capsule style with the Heftyinfo predictions following up.
Washington (7-7) at Tennessee (8-6) - The Titans looking to stay in the mix for the last playoff spot in the AFC while the Redskins have to win out and get help to make the NFC playoffs.
Baltimore (8-6) at LA Chargers (11-3) - This game is HUGE as far as impacting the AFC playoff picture. Chargers win in a squeaker.
Atlanta (5-9) at Carolina (6-8) - Panthers have lost six straight games and QB Cam Newton is out for the rest of the season.
Cincinnati (6-8) at Cleveland (6-7-1) - The Browns should win this game, but the Bengals will battle them.
Tampa Bay (5-9) at Dallas (8-6) - The Cowboys are looking to wrap up the NFC East title in time for Christmas.
Minnesota (7-6-1) at Detroit (5-9) - Vikings roll !
NY Giants (5-9) at Indianapolis (8-6) - Colts are one of the hottest teams in the NFL and they smell a playoff appearance.
Jacksonville (4-10) at Miami (7-7) - Dolphins still "in the hunt" in AFC playoff picture, Jaguars are a total mess.
Buffalo (5-9) at New England (9-5) - Patriots will look to clinch a playoff spot with a win in this game.
Green Bay (5-8-1) at NY Jets (4-10) - Two also rans playing out the schedule.
Houston (10-4) at Philadelphia (7-7) - Eagles in a must win game at home with Nick Foles playing quarterback? Take the Eagles.
LA Rams (11-3) at Arizona (3-11) - Rams win and they likely secure a "bye" in the NFC playoffs.
Chicago (10-4) at San Francisco (4-10) - Both of these teams are on a roll of late, but the Bears have a much, much better defense.
Pittsburgh (8-5-1) at New Orleans (12-2) - Saints want to lock up "home field advantage" throughout NFC playoffs . . . Steelers fighting for their playoff lives. This should be a great game decided in the final minutes.
Kansas City (11-3) at Seattle (8-6) - Seahawks are solid in "prime time" at home and they should win a close one against a suddenly slumping Chiefs team.
Denver (6-8) at Oakland (3-11) - The last Monday Night Football game of the 2018 season - Merry Christmas!
The Heftyinfo picks for Week Sixteen . . . . . . . (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)
Tennessee over Washington
LA Chargers over Baltimore
Atlanta over Carolina
Cleveland over Cincinnati
Dallas over Tampa Bay
Minnesota over Detroit
Indianapolis over NY Giants
Miami over Jacksonville
NEW ENGLAND over Buffalo
Green Bay over NY Jets
Philadelphia over Houston
LA Rams over Arizona
Chicago over San Francisco
New Orleans over Pittsburgh
Seattle over Kansas City
Oakland over Denver
Last Week's Record - 8-8
SEASON RECORD - 143-79-2
Lock of the Week Record - 13-2
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