Week 16
Games to watch:
- Miami Dolphins (projected 9-5) @ Las Vegas Raiders (projected 8-6)
- Cleveland Browns (projected 9-5) @ New York Jets (projected 0-14)
- Indianapolis Colts (projected 10-4) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (projected 12-2)
- New York Giants (projected 6-8) @ Baltimore Ravens (projected 9-5)
The Dolphins must travel to Las Vegas for a Saturday night primetime showdown against the Raiders. The good news for the Dolphins? The Raiders’ defense is abysmal and the team doesn’t do a lot of the “little things” that Miami does to separate themselves from the pack. That bodes well for Miami, as does the recent downturn of Las Vegas’ rushing attack, which hasn’t logged over 100 yards as a team since Week 10. The Raiders’ last four weeks rushing? 89 yards, 40 yards, 72 yards and 79 yards. Oh, right. With 11 turnovers over those four games as well. Look for a Dolphins victory to gift Miami fans a late present this holiday season.
The rest of the AFC playoff field feels destined to once again hold serve as well — except for the loser of the Colts and Steelers game. Indianapolis is an indoor team that must play outside against a ferocious Steelers defense. We’ll take the Steelers here.
Predicted AFC Standings after Week 16:
- Kansas City Chiefs — 14-1*
- Pittsburgh Steelers — 13-2*
- Buffalo Bills — 12-3*
- Tennessee Titans — 11-4*
- Miami Dolphins — 10-5
- Baltimore Ravens — 10-5
- Cleveland Browns — 10-5
In the hunt: Indianapolis Colts (10-5)
*denotes clinched playoff berth