Week 16 Betting Preview: Predictions for every matchup

Each week during the NFL season, theScore's Dane Belbeck will handicap every matchup and offer up a three-pack of selected picks.

Week 15 record (includes TNF): 8-5-3
Overall: 116-100-8

Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints (-6)

The NFC South is suddenly the most interesting divisional race in football, with the Falcons just one game back of the Panthers and Saints. New Orleans can effectively end any threat from Atlanta with a win at home, just two weeks after falling in a close one to the Falcons. Alvin Kamara was lost early in that contest with a concussion, but he's back in the fold for the explosive offense. Look for the Saints to continue to hound Matt Ryan on defense and the two-headed monster of Kamara and Mark Ingram to have a big day in a resounding divisional win. Saints 30, Falcons 20

Los Angeles Chargers (-6.5) at New York Jets

While it's usually not advisable to bet on a west coast team playing in the 1:00 p.m. ET contest on the east coast, it's OK to make an exception when Bryce Petty is the opposing quarterback. In his first start for the injured Josh McCown, the former Baylor star completed just 19 of 39 passes for 179 yards with two picks and one touchdown. With the ferocious pass rush of Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram coming to town, expect Petty to have a long day in front of the home fans. The Chargers need a victory to keep their dim playoff hopes alive, and will get one in this favorable matchup. Chargers 27, Jets 14

Los Angeles Rams at Tennessee Titans (+7)

The Titans are still sitting in a playoff position despite their loss to the 49ers last week, and can go a long way toward locking it up with a home win over the Rams. Los Angeles is coming off a massive win at Seattle, and faces the daunting task of making the trip across country for the early kickoff. Look for the Titans to pound the ball against the league's 24th-ranked rushing defense and try to slow the game down. Todd Gurley has been brilliant this season, but the Tennessee rush defense is one of the better units in the league. Take the desperate home underdog in this one. Titans 24, Rams 23

Remaining matchups

Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens (-13.5) - Saturday afternoon

The Ravens aren't exactly an offensive juggernaut, but the Colts have been outscored 171-66 on the road by teams with a winning record this season. Ravens 27, Colts 10

Minnesota Vikings (-9) at Green Bay Packers - Saturday night

Aaron Rodgers' return lasted one game as the star quarterback has been shut down for the season. One has to wonder what that will do to the Packers as a team with their playoff hopes all but done. The Vikings have clinched the division but are still playing for first place in the conference and a bye. Vikings 24, Packers 10

Cleveland Browns (+6.5) at Chicago Bears

Neither team inspires a ton of confidence this season, so take the points in what should be a tight one. Bears 17, Browns 14

Detroit Lions (-4) at Cincinnati Bengals

This is another case of a desperate team against one just playing out the schedule. The Lions are one game back of a playoff spot, while it appears to be the end of the line for the Bengals' Marvin Lewis. Take the team with something to play for. Lions 27, Bengals 17

Miami Dolphins at Kansas City Chiefs (-10.5)

Kareem Hunt's resurgence the past couple weeks has gotten the Chiefs' offense back on track. That will continue again at home with the Dolphins coming to town. Chiefs 30, Dolphins 13

Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots (-12)

It doesn't seem likely that much will change from the Patriots' 20-point road win over the Bills three weeks ago. Patriots 30, Bills 10

Denver Broncos at Washington Redskins (-3.5)

Two teams with nothing to play for is never a good matchup to bet on. Since we must, grab the home team at the small number. Redskins 24, Broncos 17

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers (-10)

Cam Newton is absolutely rolling right now, and with nothing to play for, don't be shocked if the Buccaneers struggle from the opening kickoff. Panthers 28, Buccaneers 14

Jacksonville Jaguars at San Francisco 49ers (+4.5)

The 49ers were 1-10 before before Jimmy Garoppolo came to town. They're 3-0 since the former Patriots quarterback became starting quarterback. This one will be the biggest of his brief tenure. 49ers 27, Jaguars 24

Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys (-5)

After the Rams absolutely pounded the Seahawks last week, it's tough to see Seattle heading into Dallas and competing with the Cowboys. Did we mention that Ezekiel Elliott is back? Cowboys 30, Seahawks 21

New York Giants at Arizona Cardinals (-3.5)

The Cardinals have taken care of business against lesser opponents at home this season, and the Giants fit that description perfectly, Cardinals 20, Giants 13

Pittsburgh Steelers (-9) at Houston Texans - Monday afternoon

The Texans have lost the last four games by a combined 118-52 scoreline, and with T.J. Yates likely to start at quarterback, that trend won't change on Christmas Day. Steelers 31, Texans 13

Oakland Raiders (+9) at Philadelphia Eagles - Monday night

This game could be largely meaningless for the Raiders by the time it kicks off, but Derek Carr will cover the spread with a backdoor touchdown in the final quarter. Eagles 28, Raiders 20