NFL Week 16 Predictions: Current Form Model

The playoff picture is coming into focus with just three weeks remaining. Denver and Los Angeles have already punched their tickets, while several teams can clinch this week. Our model uses the last seven games of data to capture which teams are playing their best football right now. Here’s what the numbers say with picks for every game on the board.

Rams at Seahawks – The NFC West showdown of the year. Both teams sit at the top of the conference, and this one could determine both the division title and the NFC’s top seed. Seattle can clinch a playoff spot with a win, their first postseason appearance since 2022. The model likes the home team in a tight one. Model: Seahawks 27, Rams 23

Packers at Bears – Chicago has moved back into first place in the NFC North and can clinch a playoff berth with a win and some help. Green Bay is clinging to wild card positioning after losing Micah Parsons to a torn ACL last week. The model sees a deadlock in this classic rivalry. Model: Packers 22, Bears 22

Eagles at Commanders – Philadelphia can punch their playoff ticket with a win here. Washington’s season hasn’t gone as planned after last year’s breakout, but they’re always dangerous at home in division games. The Eagles’ defense should control this one. Model: Eagles 23, Commanders 13

Bills at Browns – Buffalo keeps finding ways to win and remains in the AFC East hunt behind New England. Cleveland’s season has been a struggle. The Bills should roll here and keep their playoff hopes alive. Model: Bills 38, Browns 16

Jets at Saints – Two teams whose seasons have gone sideways. New York just released Allen Lazard and fired their defensive coordinator, while New Orleans continues to flounder. The Saints get the edge at home in this battle of disappointments. Model: Saints 22, Jets 16

Vikings at Giants – Minnesota has been solid but inconsistent this season. New York is already looking toward the draft. The Vikings handle business on the road, though the Giants keep it closer than expected. Model: Vikings 24, Giants 20

Patriots at Ravens – New England’s resurgence has been one of the year’s best stories, sitting at 11-3 and in control of the AFC East. A win clinches their playoff spot. Baltimore is fighting to stay in the wild card picture after a disappointing season. The model sees a surprisingly tight game. Model: Ravens 20, Patriots 20

Buccaneers at Panthers – Tampa Bay controls the NFC South at 7-7, but Carolina is right there and can’t afford to fall further behind. This is essentially a division title game. The model likes the home underdog Panthers to pull the upset. Model: Panthers 22, Buccaneers 20

Chiefs at Titans – For the first time since 2014, Kansas City has been eliminated from playoff contention. A stunning fall for the dynasty. Tennessee is playing out the string as well. The model still favors KC’s talent in a low-stakes matchup. Model: Chiefs 23, Titans 19

Chargers at Cowboys – Los Angeles can clinch a playoff berth with a win and an Indy loss. Dallas is on the outside looking in and running out of time. The Chargers should take care of business on the road. Model: Chargers 28, Cowboys 23

Falcons at Cardinals – Neither team is in playoff position, but both are still mathematically alive. Arizona has been feisty at home all year. The model sees the Cardinals putting up points in the desert. Model: Cardinals 33, Falcons 24

Jaguars at Broncos – Jacksonville’s turnaround has been remarkable, sitting at 10-4 after being written off a year ago. Denver is the AFC’s top seed and can clinch the division with a win and a Chargers loss. This should be a heavyweight battle. The model sees the Broncos surviving at home by the slimmest of margins. Model: Broncos 25, Jaguars 24

Steelers at Lions – Pittsburgh holds down the AFC North at 8-6, while Detroit’s playoff hopes are fading fast after last week’s loss to the Rams. The Lions need this one badly. The model gives the edge to Detroit at Ford Field. Model: Lions 31, Steelers 25

Raiders at Texans – Houston has been on fire, climbing from 0-3 to 9-5 and right in the thick of the AFC South race. Las Vegas has been a disaster all year. The model sees a blowout in Houston. Model: Texans 30, Raiders 9

Bengals at Dolphins – Two teams whose seasons haven’t met expectations. Cincinnati has underperformed, and Miami has battled inconsistency. The model likes the Dolphins at home in this one. Model: Dolphins 28, Bengals 20

49ers at Colts – San Francisco sits at 10-4 and can clinch a playoff spot with a win. Indianapolis is still alive in the AFC South hunt but needs to win out and get help. A 49ers win could eliminate the Colts from contention. The model sees the Colts pulling the upset at home in prime time. Model: Colts 28, 49ers 22