Playing for your fantasy football league championship? Check out our fantasy football sleepers for Week 16, including some of our best fantasy football picks.

Rex Grossman vs. Minnesota Vikings
Grossman has been effective over the course of the last few weeks, putting up at least 14 fantasy points in three of his last five games. Now, the former Florida Gator is going against a Minnesota defense which is absolutely terrible against the pass. The rushing game for Washington just hasn’t been all that great, and because of that, there has to be a thought that the passing game is going to really be in for a good effort. There aren’t many reasons to care about this game, but this is a big reason. Grossman could surprisingly be one of the more effective fantasy football quarterbacks in championship weekend.

Brandon Marshall vs. New England Patriots
The Dolphins are playing their Super Bowl this week against the Patriots on the road, and we really think that they are going to put up a heck of a fight. New England’s secondary is still suspect at best, while Miami’s offense has been doing better and better of late, and Marshall has caught a TD in three of the last four weeks. He’s getting a ton of looks as well, and though he only has had a total of 11 receptions over the course of the last three weeks, a lot of looks are going deep. Marshall has had 12 catches for 236 yards in his last two games against the Pats, and we absolutely feel as though he is in for a big time game.

Jeremy Shockey vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Panthers had a big time game last week against the Houston Texans, and now, they are going to try to stretch their winning streak in a game in which they really should win against the Bucs. Shockey has found the end zone in two straight games, and he and TE Greg Olsen both really make great plays this week against a Tampa Bay defense which ranks No. 22 in the league against tight ends. Shockey doesn’t quite get the same types of targets that Olsen does, but with seven red zone targets, most of which have come in the last month and a half or so, we think that this is a great play if you’re short on tight ends.

CJ Spiller vs. Denver Broncos
The Patriots really got the job done against the Broncos last week in part to their ground game, which isn’t normally all that imposing. That being said, Spiller had a mammoth game this past week, coming up with a whopping 28 points in a game that really looked like it was had by the man on IR in this backfield, RB Fred Jackson. Spiller is only averaging right around a dozen carries per game in his starts with Jackson out of the fold, but he is really making the most of those carries, averaging well over six yards per tote. The Broncos are going to probably make this a pretty short game, but you can really make up the difference with Spiller by putting him in at wide receiver in most fantasy leagues.

Week 16 of the 2011 NFL campaign is going to get underway this weekend. Below you will find the current list of 2011 Week 16 NFL lines and spreads along with a breakdown of the Week 16 NFL odds. Be sure to check out the free NFL picks from the expert handicappers at Bankroll Sports this week…

It is definitely an odd week of NFL betting action, as the NFL television schedule calls for most of the games to be played on Saturday and not on Sunday because of Christmas falling right at the start of the week.

That being said, there are still plenty of games to dive right into, and we have a heck of a lot that we are already keeping our eyes on when we analyze the NFL odds for this week.

We’ll start right at the top with the Houston Texans, who are two wins away from locking up a first round bye in the playoffs. They are going to be heavily favored in their last two games, but they were big time favorites last week when they laid an egg against the Carolina Panthers as well. This week, in just their second appearance on Thursday Night Football in team history, they’ll take on the Indianapolis Colts. Houston has never won a game on Thursday in franchise history, and it is 0-9 all-time playing here in Indianapolis, whether it be at Lucas Oil Field or the old RCA Dome. That being said, the oddsmakers have some understood confidence in Houston even though the Colts have covered three in a row and logged their first win of the year last week. The Texans are favored by six.

A ton of the teams that are in the thick of the fight in the AFC playoff picture also have what should be some relatively easy games to play this week on the NFL Week 16 betting lines.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, in spite of the fact that they looked horrible in Week 15 against the 49ers, are laying 15.5 to the St. Louis Rams at home. This is probably a game that they have to win if they have dreams of winning the AFC North this year, because a loss parlayed with a win by the Baltimore Ravens against the Cleveland Browns will send the black and gold on the road in the playoffs. Baltimore is laying 13 against the Browns, who are likely going to be playing this one without QB Colt McCoy.

All of the teams that we have mentioned so far are chasing the New England Patriots, who are 11-3 and know that they control their own destiny for the top seed in the AFC. The Brady Bunch is laying 10 points on Sunday, though the task could be tough, as this is the Super Bowl for the visiting Miami Dolphins. Miami remembers allowing over 500 passing yards to QB Tom Brady in Week 1, and now that it is playing a heck of a lot better football, it would love to be a big time damper on New England’s Christmas list, which includes getting the top seed in the AFC.

Meanwhile, the rest of the teams in the AFC playoff race are in a for tremendously more difficult tasks. The only should-be slam dunk of the bunch is the Tennessee Titans, who are laying eight against the Jacksonville Jaguars at home at LP Field, but we have to remember that Tennessee was already beaten once by Jacksonville this year, and the team did lose last week to the previously winless Colts.

The Kansas City Chiefs are one point favorites against the Oakland Raiders in a game that is probably going to act as a de facto elimination game in the AFC West race. Oakland has been reeling, losing three games in a row, including last week at home in crippling fashion to the Lions at the gun. The Chiefs just beat the previously perfect Packers in the biggest upset of the season last week, and they are going to be out for blood in this one. KC is favored by a point, but even if it wins this game, it will mean nothing to it if the Denver Broncos knock off the Buffalo Bills as three point favorites at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

The other team in the race in the AFC West, the San Diego Chargers, are 2.5 point underdogs at Ford Field against the Detroit Lions. They need Denver to lose as well to have their division title hopes still be alive, but they are also fighting in the AFC Wild Card race. The Lions will have the celebration of all celebrations if they can win this game, as they would lock up their first playoff berth since the turn of the millennium.

These teams are all chasing the Cincinnati Bengals and the New York Jets. Both the Jets and the Bengals are at home this week, but neither one has to feel all that great about it. The Bengals host the Arizona Cardinals, while the Jets host their stadium mates, the New York Giants. Both Arizona and New York probably have to win to keep their seasons alive, as they are both 7-7 and know that they are going to have a hard time getting into the postseason at 8-8. Cincinnati is favored by four against the surging Cardinals, while the Jets are laying three against the Giants in a battle of teams that are coming off of devastating losses in Week 15.

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Elsewhere in the rare NFL Saturday, the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles meet in what should be an awesome showdown. Philly needs a win and a New York loss in Week 16 to keep its playoff hopes alive, while Dallas knows if the Giants lose, this will be its chance to stamp its ticket to the playoffs once and for all. A loss this week, and the Cowboys’ playoff hopes will be determined next week in the Meadowlands against the Giants, meaning the stakes are clearly higher for the Eagles. Of course, if the Giants win earlier in the day, this game doesn’t mean anything to anyone (save for Dallas’ slim Wild Card hopes at that point). The hosts have already been beaten by New York two weeks ago here in Arlington, and that’s why the oddsmakers have chickened out and lined them just a -2 against a red hot Philly team that has clearly hit its stride.

The San Francisco 49ers are still trying to get the top seed in the NFC, and they are two wins away from a first round bye in the playoffs. They have a tricky, tricky test this week against a Seattle Seahawks team that challenged them in Week 1 of the season at Candlestick Park. Now, Seattle has a chance to keep its season alive with a win, and it will be right in the thick of the playoff race going into Week 17 as long as either Detroit and/or Atlanta lose. The Hawks are three point dogs in this one, but between how well they have played at home historically and how badly the Niners looked on the road two weeks ago versus a comparable Arizona team, no one would be surprised at an upset. A stat to watch in this one, though… RB Marshawn Lynch has scored at least one TD in 10 straight games. The Niners haven’t allowed a rushing touchdown all season long.

We definitely aren’t without football on Sunday even though it is Christmas Day, though. The Green Bay Packers are going to try to open two great Christmas presents with one game. They can lock up home field advantage throughout the playoffs and can knock the Chicago Bears out of the playoffs in one shot. This game is currently off the board, but we know that Green Bay is likely to be a double digit favorite even though its perfect season went out the door last weekend.

Finally on Monday Night Football, the NFC South could be settled when the Atlanta Falcons face the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans wins the division with a victory, and at the same time, that would make Week 17 be tense for the Falcons, who likely will not have a playoff spot wrapped up at that point. Atlanta lost in overtime the first time around when these two teams met, and it is going to try to get back on track in the Bayou. The Saints, who lost to the Falcons last year at home, are seven point favorites to get some revenge and to keep on a pace to challenge for the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.

2011 NFL Week 16 Odds @ SportBet Sportsbook (as of 12/22/11):
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Week 16 NFL Betting Odds for Thursday, December 22nd
101 Houston Texans -6.5
102 Indianapolis Colts +6.5
Over/Under 40.5

Week 16 NFL Point Spreads for Saturday, December 24th (1:00 ET Kickoffs)
103 Oakland Raiders +2.5
104 Kansas City Chiefs -2.5
Over/Under 41.5

105 Denver Broncos -2.5
106 Buffalo Bills +2.5
Over/Under 41.5

107 Jacksonville Jaguars +7.5
108 Tennessee Titans -7.5
Over/Under 40

109 Arizona Cardinals +4
110 Cincinnati Bengals -4
Over/Under 40.5

111 Miami Dolphins +9.5
112 New England Patriots -9.5
Over/Under 48.5

113 Cleveland Browns +13
114 Baltimore Ravens -13
Over/Under 39

115 New York Giants +3
116 New York Jets -3
Over/Under 45.5

117 Minnesota Vikings +6.5
118 Washington Redskins -6.5
Over/Under 44

119 Tampa Bay Buccaneers +7.5
120 Carolina Panthers -7.5
Over/Under 47.5

121 St. Louis Rams +15.5
122 Pittsburgh Steelers -15.5
Over/Under 37.5

Week 16 NFL Spreads for Saturday, December 24th (4:00 ET Kickoffs)
123 San Diego Chargers +2.5
124 Detroit Lions -2.5
Over/Under 52

125 San Francisco 49ers -1
126 Seattle Seahawks +1
Over/Under 38

127 Philadelphia Eagles +1
128 Dallas Cowboys -1
Over/Under 50.5

NFL Week 16 Betting Lines for Sunday, December 25th
129 Chicago Bears +13
130 Green Bay Packers -13
Over/Under 44

Monday Night Football Week 16 Lines for Monday, December 26th
131 Atlanta Falcons +7
132 New Orleans Saints -7
Over/Under 52.5

The Current NFL Week Sixteen NFL Odds @ Bovada Sportsbook
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Week 16 of the 2010 NFL campaign is going to get underway this weekend and the . Below you will find the current list of 2010 Week 16 NFL lines and spreads along with a breakdown of the Week 16 NFL odds. Be sure to check out the free NFL picks from the expert handicappers at Bankroll Sports this weekend…

The playoff races can really get sorted out once and for all in Week 16, as virtually every single spot in the postseason can be clinched this week with the right results, while other teams are just narrowly hanging on for dear life for that last slender shot at capturing the Lombardi Trophy.

The weekend is going to kick off on Thursday night, as the Pittsburgh Steelers can help make the race in the AFC North a heck of a lot less interesting if they can beat the Carolina Panthers. Carolina showed its pulse last week by beating the Arizona Cardinals at home, but this is obviously a totally different situation, especially with the men in black and gold coming off of their loss to the New York Jets in Week 15. You’ll want to make sure you keep track of our NFL picks in this one, as Pittsburgh is being asked to lay a hefty 13.5 points. A win parlayed with a Baltimore Ravens loss wins the AFC North and clinches a first round bye in the playoffs in the AFC.

The New England Patriots are just one win away from snaring the No. 1 seed in the playoffs as well. The pressure is really off of QB Tom Brady and company in this one, as there are two chances to get the job done. You can bet that the Bills, who have been playing tough ball of late, are going to want to continue their streak of games having stuck within at least three points. New England is favored by 8.5 points on the NFL betting lines, though.

One of the most interesting games of the second to last Sunday of the regular season happens at the Edward Jones Dome, where the St. Louis Rams and San Francisco 49ers meet up. The Rams probably need to win both of their final two games to get into the playoffs this season, which would complete a remarkable turnaround from a season in which they went just 1-15. St. Louis might only be 6-8 this year, but it can ensure that next week’s game becomes a de facto NFC West title game against the Seattle Seahawks by putting San Fran out of its misery once and for all. Somehow, the 49ers just continue to stick around in this division race, and two wins will most likely win the division at 7-9. In this one though, they are 2.5 point underdogs.

The Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs put their playoff hopes on the line at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday as well. The Titans need two wins paired with two losses by both the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts to get into the playoffs, something that is going to be very difficult, yet at least potentially reasonable. KC wins the AFC West with a win and a loss by the San Diego Chargers in Week 16. Even though they are 6-0 at home this year, the Chiefs feel like they are getting disrespected on the opening Week 16 lines in this one, as they are favored by just five points over a team that is most likely finishing below .500.

As for the Colts as Jags, they’re both favored in their week 16 games. Jacksonville should have a significantly easier time against the Washington Redskins, where it is favored by 6.5 points, than Indy will against the Oakland Raiders, where it is a field goal choice of the oddsmakers. Indianapolis needs a combination of two wins or two Jacksonville losses to get into the playoffs by winning the AFC South.

Though the contest probably means very little, the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints will meet on Monday Night Football, the final one of the 2010 campaign. Atlanta wins the NFC South and the No. 1 seed in the playoffs with a win, but the exact same thing will be accomplished with a win next week against the Carolina Panthers at home. New Orleans can clinch a playoff berth with a win as well on Monday, though that spot might already be clinched with some help prior to this kickoff. The Falcons won the battle between these two teams at the Superdome in OT earlier this year, and they are 2.5 point favorites to pick up the season sweep on MNF.

2010 NFL Football Week 16 Lines @ BetUS Sportsbook (as of 12/20/10):
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Week 16 NFL Lines for Thursday, 12/23/10

101 Carolina Panthers +13.5
102 Pittsburgh Steelers -13.5
Over/Under 37

Week 16 Spreads for Saturday, 12/25/10

103 Dallas Cowboys -6.5
104 Arizona Cardinals +6.5
Over/Under 45

Week 16 Lines for Sunday, 12/26/10

105 Detroit Lions +3.5
106 Miami Dolphins -3.5
Over/Under 41.5

107 Minnesota Vikings OTB
108 Philadelphia Eagles OTB
Over/Under OTB

109 Washington Redskins +6.5
110 Jacksonville Jaguars -6.5
Over/Under 45.5

111 San Francisco 49ers +2.5
112 St. Louis Rams -2.5
Over/Under 39.5

113 Seattle Seahawks +6
114 Tampa Bay Buccaneers -6
Over/Under 43

115 New England Patriots -8.5
116 Buffalo Bills +8.5
Over/Under 44.5

117 New York Jets OTB
118 Chicago Bears OTB
Over/Under OTB

119 Baltimore Ravens -3
120 Cleveland Browns +3
Over/Under 39.5

121 Tennessee Titans +5
122 Kansas City Chiefs -5
Over/Under 41.5

123 Indianapolis Colts -3
124 Oakland Raiders +3
Over/Under 47

125 Houston Texans -2.5
126 Denver Broncos +2.5
Over/Under 48.5

127 New York Giants OTB
128 Green Bay Packers OTB
Over/Under OTB

129 San Diego Chargers -7.5
130 Cincinnati Bengals +7.5
Over/Under 44.5

Week 16 Spreads for Monday, 12/27/10

131 New Orleans Saints +2.5
132 Atlanta Falcons -2.5
Over/Under 48.5

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Note: Below this post, there is a complete listing of all the NFL week 16 lines (sides & totals) from BetUS Sportsbook (100% signup bonus when you click here) if you would like to skip our weekly NFL lines breakdown.

Last week in the NFL, scoring returned in a big way. After a couple weeks of really low scoring, there were a ton of points score in week 15. In fact, six different games had more than 50 points scored while 3 of those contests combined for more than 65 total point a piece. As a result, the over totals held an 8-6 advantage over the under totals this past weekend. However, heading into week 16 there is not a single game with a total over 49 which should be something to keep an eye on if scoring surges again. Another popular trend last week was the number of impressive road performances. The road teams were 8-5 SU last week. As a whole, road teams were 8-4-1 ATS against the home field advantage. It was also the first week in the month of December where the favored teams did not hold the advantage over the underdogs. The underdogs were also 8-4-1 ATS and road underdogs were even more impressive going 6-2 ATS. In fact, road underdogs are the big trend when looking at the week 16 NFL lines. Road teams will be underdogs in 14 of 16 contests this weekend. The only games that will feature away teams that are favored will be Sunday and Monday night featured NFC battles. However, the more important factor that will continue to shape out this week will be the postseason race. The NFC picture is becoming clearer, but the AFC race is still wide open with 6 different teams at 7-7 trying to fight their way into a wildcard spot. Check out all of those important playoff games with their respected betting lines below as we continue to approach the end of the NFL regular season. All of these week 16 NFL lines from BetUS Sportsbook can be found below. You can get a HUGE 100% Bonus (Up to $500) at BetUS Using This Exclusive Link. Be sure to also check out the complete Week 16 NFL Playoff Pitcure below to see which teams are still alive and which teams will be watching the playoffs on TV.

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2009 Week 16 NFL Lines & Spreads From BetUS (as of 12/13 @ 7:00 am EST):
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Last week a lot of NFL team’s postseason chances came to an end primarily in the NFC. However, the AFC wildcard race is still completely up for grabs with a host of teams lingering at the 7-7 mark on the season. Among those teams are the defending Super Bowl Champions in the Pittsburgh Steelers who kept their chances alive with a Ben Roethlisberger game winning touchdown pass as time expired in a big victory against the Green Bay Packers. However, the odds may be stacked against the Steelers to find a position in the playoffs. Find out the Steelers chances to make the playoffs along with all the other teams in the NFL as we continue to breakdown the postseason playoff picture.

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles (10-4) – Philadelphia clinched a playoff berth with their 27-13 win over the 49ers this weekend. However, the Eagles can still do more damage. They currently sit a top the NFC East and could clinch the division with another win combined with a Dallas loss. The Eagles could also lose to the Broncos this week and still win the division with a victory against Dallas in the finale. Also, the Eagles could still get a first round bye in the playoffs with another Vikings loss as long as they continue to win.

Dallas Cowboys (9-5) - The Cowboys stunned the football world with a big victory over the previously unbeaten Saints last weekend. The milestone victory ended at ever going talk of the December slump and kept the Cowboys in the wildcard position for the playoffs. Dallas is currently in a race with the Giants for the final wildcard spot. The Giants would win the tie breaker due to the head to head sweep, but the Giants trial by one game currently. Dallas also has the same record as Green Bay meaning they could also guarantee a spot in the playoffs with one more victory if the Packers lost their remaining two. However, all those scenarios are given if the Cowboys lose another game but they still control their destiny if they continue to win. Also, if the Cowboys get by Washington this weekend they will have the chance to take down the division against the Eagles in week 17.

New York Giants (8-6) – The Giants just crushed Washington this past Monday 45-12 in an all around impressive effort. The Giants would currently be out of the playoffs if the season ended today, but they are also the only team still alive outside of the 6 teams that are currently in the playoffs. The Giants could close the door with another Dallas loss if they were to win out. Also, if the Packers lose their last two games the Giants could earn a spot with two more victories. If the Giants just split the last two games, they would need Dallas to lose both games.

Washington Redskins (4-10) – Out

NFC North

Minnesota Vikings (11-3) – Clinched Division

The Vikings loss to the Panthers opened the door for the Eagles to have a chance at taking their first round bye. Minnesota would lose the tie breaker for 2nd best record in the NFL with another loss (given the Eagles win) due to their conference record.

Green Bay Packers (9-5) – The Packers last second loss to the Steelers this week was a setback in regards to the postseason. However, the Packers still have a good chance to lock in a spot with just one more victory due to their head to head victory over Dallas and two game advantage over the Giants. However, if they lost their remaining two games they would need Dallas or New York to at least lose one game.

Chicago Bears (5-9) – Out

Detroit Lions (2-12) – Out

NFC South

New Orleans Saints (13-1) – Clinched Division and first round bye.  New Orleans pursuit of a perfect season ended last week to the Cowboys. However, they are still poised for a deep playoff run and another victory would wrap up home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Atlanta Falcons (7-7) – Out

Carolina Panthers (6-8) – Out

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-12) – Out

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals (9-5) – Clinched Division

San Francisco 49ers (6-8) – Out

Seattle Seahawks (5-9) – Out

St. Louis Rams (1-13) – Out

AFC East

New England Patriots (9-5) - The Patriots definitely have not been the dominating New England team we are accustomed to this time a year. However, last week’s 17-10 victory over Buffalo puts the Patriots just one victory away from clinching the division. The Patriots could also clinch the division guaranteeing a postseason berth with another Miami loss.

Miami Dolphins (7-7) – The Dolphins are just one of six teams currently sitting at 7-7. The Dolphins could still advance if a few scenarios play out. One of course would be if the Patriots lost their last two and the Dolphins win out to steal the division title. For Miami to capture a wildcard spot, they would need either Denver and/or Baltimore to lose their final two games while winning their last two games.

New York Jets (7-7) – The Jets are also at the 7-7 mark on the season after a 10-7 loss to the Falcons last week. The Jets can not win the division so their only option is to somehow win a wildcard position. The Jets absolutely have to win their remaining two games and hope for the following: Jacksonville loses to New England and Miami loses to Houston, plus either of the following: have Baltimore lose at Pittsburgh or Denver lose at Philadelphia.

Buffalo Bills (5-9) – Out

AFC North

Cincinnati Bengals (9-4) – The Bengals dropped their 2nd straight game last week in an emotional 27-24 loss to the Chargers keeping the door open in the division race. Cincinnati still needs one more victory to clinch the AFC North or a Baltimore loss.

Baltimore Ravens (8-6) – The Ravens blew out Chicago last week 31-7 to strengthen their playoff chances. Baltimore is also still alive in the division, but would need the Bengals to lose their remaining two games to reach that goal. The Ravens could clinch a playoff berth with a win this week with the following scenarios playing out: Jacksonville loss along with Jets or Broncos loss. Ravens could also earn a spot with losses by Jets, Broncos, and Dolphins this week as well.

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7) – The Steelers kept their postseason chances alive last week with a clutch victory against the Packers. Pittsburgh still has an uphill battle to climb given their 4-6 conference record. There are tons of scenarios that could play out. One interesting scenarios would be if the Steelers win out they would need Houston, Jacksonville, Denver, and New York to lose at least one game. (All of those teams are underdogs for week 16) Of course there are many other scenarios given all the teams fighting for wildcard spot, but one thing is certain that is the Steelers must win.

Cleveland Browns (3-11) – Out

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts (13-0) – Clinched Division and home field advantage throughout.

Jacksonville Jaguars (7-7) – The Jaguars played really well against the Colts last week nearly ending their undefeated season. However, the loss put them right in the middle of a pack of 7-7 teams. Still, the Jaguars chances are pretty good or at least better than other teams with the same record. The Jaguars control their own destiny with another Denver or Baltimore loss.

Tennessee Titans (7-7) – The Titans kept their slim postseason chances alive with a 27-24 victory over Miami last Sunday. Tennessee must win their final two games of the season and get a lot of help. The Titans need both Denver and Baltimore to lose their final two games. Also, Tennessee would nearly need to finish ahead of all the current teams at 7-7 given they have the worse conference record of every team except Houston.

Houston Texans (7-7) – The Texans are also still alive for just one more week, but they need more help than anyone. Houston needs Denver and Baltimore to lose out. The Texans will also need the Jets to possibly lose out along with losses from both Pittsburgh and Jacksonville. All of those scenarios have to play out and the Texans must win their final two just to be eligible of a few of the tie breaker scenarios.

AFC West

San Diego Chargers (11-3) – Clinched Division

The Chargers may just be the hottest team in the AFC even with the Colts still undefeated. San Diego’s winning streak in December is now 17 straight games and they have also posted 9 straight wins currently. The Chargers are already in the postseason, but need just one more victory to capture a first round bye and home field advantage in their first playoff game.

Denver Broncos (8-6) – Denver’s postseason chances took a big hit with an unexpected loss to Oakland last week. The Broncos still currently own the final wildcard position and control their own destiny. However, they would lose tie breakers to Baltimore, Jacksonville, and Pittsburgh in the wildcard race meaning another loss would really devastate their chances. If the Broncos had to take a loss, they can not afford to lose to the Chiefs in the finale considering that would really damage their conference record. A win over Kansas City would increase their chances at 9-7, but there are too many scenarios that could play out if that happens. The main thing for Denver is to approach each game as a “must win.”

Oakland Raiders (5-9) – Out

Kansas City Chiefs (3-11) – Out

With only two weeks to go in the regular football season there are still a bunch of teams battling for playoff positions and games to watch going into week 16 in the NFL. Looking back it was definitely a wild week in professional football with a number of huge plays and unlikely winners. The Dallas Cowboys had a full week of controversy surrounding their offensive standouts. Star wide receiver Terrell Owens accused QB Tony Romo of throwing the ball to tight end Jason Witten too often and it lead to a media field day. However, the Cowboys dominated the New York Giants Sunday night to win 20-8. The Giants were a team many thought clearly to be the best in the NFC. The win put the Cowboys who seemed like a long shot for the playoffs back in the captain’s seat for a wildcard spot. The Giants on the other hand dropped two in a row and now will play in a huge game next week against the Carolina Panthers to determine who has home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

The Carolina Panthers on the other hand continue to prove why many are considering them favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. The Panthers trampled the Broncos 30-10 and improved their home record this season to 8-0. A win next week would make the Panthers very difficult to beat considering they would get the rest of their games at Bank of America Stadium. The Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings both got wins in their quest to win the NFC North. Both teams records are likely not good enough to earn a wildcard position and they are battling it out to try and win the division. The Vikings need one more win to clinch the division, but they will take on two of the better teams in the NFC in the New York Giants and the Atlanta Falcons. The Bears must run the table against the Packers and Texans because a single loss would end their postseason hopes.

The Washington Redskins troubles continued as they fell victim to the Cincinnati Bengals 20-13. The Redskins have just been torn apart in recent weeks losing 5 of their last 6 games. Sunday’s loss to the Bengals officially eliminated Washington from the playoff picture. The Philadelphia Eagles are set to collide with the Cleveland Browns primetime on Monday night. The Eagles still have an outside shot at making the playoffs and must win their last 3 games. A single loss will eliminate the Eagles from contention. The Eagles have been playing well and if they could pull of the 3 wins, they still could quite possibly need some help to still make the playoffs. However, with absolutely nothing to lose you can expect Philadelphia to keep up their stellar of recent weeks.

One of the more anticipated match-ups heading into last week showcased the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons desperately needed a win and that is exactly what they got as they edged the Bucs out by a field goal in overtime 13-10. Both teams now stand at a season record of 9-5 with the Cowboys. The Buccaneers hold the tie-breaker over the Falcons, but with two games to go anything can happen. Especially considering how well the Falcons are playing and the Buccaneers have now lost two straight. The Falcons really need to win their last two games because one loss simply does not look like it will get the job done. The Arizona Cardinals have already clinched the NFC West, but have now lost 3 of their last 4 games including a blowout loss to the Vikings Sunday 35-14. The Cardinals must get the offense back to playing as they did early in the season. The Cardinals looked like a team that could possibly surprise a few teams a few weeks ago and now look like they could be a cake walk in the first round.

In the AFC, the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers held a classic grudge match between their two stellar defenses. The Ravens lead nearly the entire game, but the Steelers would stage a comeback in the 4^th quarter for the 2^nd time in two weeks to clinch the AFC North. Pittsburgh now has the opportunity in a big game against the Tennessee Titans this week to earn the chance at home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Titans and the Steelers both have already earned first round byes, but are now fighting for the home field and whoever wins this weekend will claim the home turf. On the other hand, the Ravens are now in a 4 way tie for the final wildcard spot and cannot afford a single loss. The AFC is as tough this year as it has been in the last decade and if a quality caliber team like the Ravens misses the playoffs this season that will say a lot for how strong the AFC has played this season.

The Indianapolis Colts held off a valiant effort from the winless Detroit Lions this week to win 31-21. The Colts now have a record of 10-4 and are one win away from clinching a wildcard position because they would win all tie-breakers due to the fact they only have two losses in the AFC. The AFC East division is wild horse race with 3 teams tied at 9-5 including the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, and New England Patriots. The Jets hold the tie-breaker as of now, but every team will need to win out. New York received a gift on one of the wildest plays of the weekend. Down by 3 points to the Bills with under 2 ½ minutes to go in the game, QB J.P Losman fumbled the football that led to a Jets recovery for a touchdown. The play was huge in keeping the Jets in playoff contention and an absolute nightmare for the Bills. Buffalo should have been running the ball, but tried to get fancy and it cost them big time. That single play had huge consequences for a number of team’s playoff chances and hopes.

The Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots both picked up wins this weekend keeping pace with the New York Jets. The Patriots may have a slight advantage considering Miami and New York will meet in the last game of the season. The Patriots blew out the Raiders 49-26 and will get two struggling teams in Arizona and Buffalo to close out the season. Miami held on to a defensive battle to beat the 49ers 14-9 as well Sunday. The Dolphins victory kept things on the right path and they will need two more wins for a chance at the playoffs. Baltimore, Miami, New England, and New York all stand at the 9-5 mark and one loss would be devastating for any of those teams. The Ravens have perhaps been the strongest of the 4 this season, but they will take on the Dallas Cowboys in what appears to be a tough game next week. Week 16 in the NFL season promises to be as exciting as this past week as these playoff contenders leave everything on the field in their quest to make the postseason.