THURSDAY NIGHT PREVIEW

BATTLE OF THE TOP 2 2021 QUARTERBACKS

JAGUARS AT JETS – 5:15PM PT/8:15PM ET [PRIME VIDEO]

The Jaguars completed an important comeback to not only force overtime but also win with a pick 6 to upset the Cowboys. Meanwhile, the Jets blew an opportunity to win after their coverage failed to stop Brock Wright’s 51-yard reception touchdown on fourth down out of nowhere. The Jaguars trend up late with four wins in their last six games while the Jets trend down with five losses in their last seven games. This is a close campaign with a likely defensive battle, but the Jaguars are figuring out ways to win. The Jags’ overall pick in 2021 has a better chance of performing late in the game than the Jets’ second overall pick in 2021.

MY PICK: JAGUARS

CHRISTMAS EVE PREVIEW

GIANTS AT VIKINGS – 10AM PT/1PM ET

The Giants win one of the most important games while the Vikings survived with a historic comeback for the ages to win the division title. Minnesota must have played their second-string team in the first half while the first stringers barely arrived in time for the second half because it was a tale of two halves. They forced turnovers and ran through the field at a nice pace to survive, force overtime, and win the NFC North for the first time since 2017. Meanwhile, rookie defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux embraced the primetime spotlight by wreaking havoc in the backfield consistently. He did enough to help New York win to stay in the playoff race. With a surge from #5 of the New York Giants, this matchup could take a different turn for both teams. It likely comes down to one possession because Minnesota has yet to run away with a victory since Week 1. The Giants will play tough, but Minnesota finds a way to survive and win again.

MY PICK: VIKINGS

COMMANDERS AT 49ERS – 1PM PT/4PM ET

By my assumption as a Niner fan, they could rest their players and just ride at #3 for the postseason, right? Not likely! They are within striking distance of stealing the second seed if Minnesota screws up this weekend and maybe next weekend (depending on the numbers). San Francisco rolls with a seven-game winning streak since Christian McCaffrey received a full-time starting role. This monstrous defense continues playing at a level that can’t seemed to be compared (with Denver not too far off). However, the offense became creative, crazy, and unpredictable with a diverse group of skilled players, led by rookie quarterback and Mr. Irrelevant (not so irrelevant anymore), Brock Purdy. Washington was on a run for a little while, even with a tie against New York the first time. But after coming off their bye, they lost by a very, very questionable penalty call that made absolutely no sense (and almost cost me a wild card win in fantasy with Brian Robinson in my lineup). However, Washington struggled to contain Kayvon Thibodeaux, and that likely repeats against the likes of Nick Bosa.

MY PICK: 49ERS

NFC EAST SHOWDOWN ROUND TWO

EAGLES AT COWBOYS – 1:25PM PT/4:25PM ET

This whole week takes an interesting turn prior to a Christmas Eve matchup. The Eagles defeated a Cooper (Kush) Rush led Cowboys team when Dak Prescott was injured. This matchup turns a 180 with Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts out with a shoulder injury, so Gardner Minshew leads Philly in this matchup. Dallas, at times, plays elite football and mostly their defense (led by Micah Parsons) and running back duo Zeke Elliott and Tony Pollard are heavily responsible for their success. However, there are moments where people question their performance, including Dak’s turnovers and mistakes and the defense not making the right plays that hurts their opportunity. Philadelphia also plays at an elite level when their team gets going. Everything runs through Jalen Hurts no matter what with AJ Brown being a close second. When their defense is on, they are tough overall, but the right run team that breaks through makes it difficult for Philly to rebound from.

I had an interesting discussion with both a Dallas and a Philadelphia fan, and both believe Dallas will win based on Philadelphia likely resting Hurts and maybe others in the latter of this matchup. Whatever the situation may be, Philadelphia will go full throttle but probably not to an extent if the game gets away from them. A loss won’t hurt Philly since they only need one win or another loss by both Minnesota and Dallas to solidify the overall seed. After that discussion, I strongly favor Dallas, but don’t be surprised if we see part three with both teams in full form in the playoffs.

MY PICK: COWBOYS

CHRISTMAS PREVIEW

PACKERS AT DOLPHINS – 10AM PT/1PM ET

This Christmas, one team’s getting a nice gift in their stocking while the other team’s getting plenty of coal to potentially use for their offseason. All metaphors aside, this matchup well decide someone’s fate when it comes to playoff positioning. The Packers eliminated the Rams to live for another week while Miami drops their third straight game during their entire road trip. Green Bay understands since they struggled during their 3-game road trip earlier, but their bye week was very helpful for their desperation and improbable run to the playoffs. Despite Miami’s troubles, they’re still a threat on their remaining schedule and must win out. Expect this game to be close, yet interesting. Miami will try assaulting Green Bay’s defense early while Rodgers and company tries keeping them in check and containing any big play opportunity. I’ll throw a wrench in this pick and say Miami wins an important game. Raheem Mostert will play a big part against a suspect Green Bay run defense.

MY PICK: DOLPHINS

THE REST OF WEEK 16 NFL PICK’EMS

CHRISTMAS EVE

BILLS AT BEARS

SAINTS AT BROWNS

TEXANS AT TITANS

SEAHAWKS AT CHIEFS

BENGALS AT PATRIOTS

LIONS AT PANTHERS

FALCONS AT RAVENS

RAIDERS AT STEELERS

CHRISTMAS DAY

BRONCOS AT RAMS

BUCCANEERS AT CARDINALS

MONDAY NIGHT

CHARGERS AT COLTS [TOTAL: 44 O/U]