Prisco’s Week 16 NFL Picks: Vikings top Giants, 49ers top Commanders, Chiefs crush Seahawks

Week 15 was not good for me with my picks. In fact, it was one of my worst weeks of the season.

Oh.

So much for going on a hot streak in the last month. But it’s Christmas week, which means the best gift I can give them is a bunch of winners, and that’s what I intend to do.

But first, a look back at last week’s disaster. I went 11-5 with my outright picks, 5-10-1 with my expert picks against the spread, and 1-3-1 with my best bets as part of the Pick-Six podcast. PS: Two of my best bets were the patriots — thank you crazy end — and the Saints — thanks colon conversion.

That puts my records at 136-87-1 straight, 101-114-9 ATS and 47-36-5 with my best bets.

With three weeks left, it’s time to pick it up. Or the coal comes to me in the stocking.

Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET (Amazon Prime Video)

This is a huge game in the AFC playoff picture. Jacksonville is riding high behind Trevor Lawrence, but the Jets’ defense has been outstanding. That will present a real problem for Lawrence. Jacksonville’s defense has struggled, but so has Zach Wilson. Look to Lawrence for the best in the 2021 battle of the best first-round quarterbacks. Jacksonville continues to push for the postseason with a win.

Pick up: Jaguars 24, Jets 20

Saturday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox, fuboTV)

The Ravens could have Lamar Jackson back in this one. They need it in the worst way. The passing game is struggling. However, the Falcons have defensive issues that could help. Desmond Ridder was good last week in his first start and now he faces tougher defense. The ravens win it.

Pick up: Ravens 26, Hawks 13

Saturday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox, fuboTV)

This is a big game for both teams in terms of playoff implications. The Lions are playing back-to-back road games, which will be challenging. Carolina looked bad last week losing to the steelers. The Lions are a tough challenge for Carolina’s defense, which will make the difference in the game. The Lions keep rolling.

Pick up: Lions 27, Panthers 17

Saturday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)

The Bills are trying to clinch first place in the AFC playoffs while the Bears are playing out the streak. But the Bills play the bengalis the next week after beating the dolphins. This looks like a sandwich game. it won’t be Josh Allen putting up a ton of points for the Bills as they keep rolling.

Pick up: Bills 37, Bears 21

Saturday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)

These two are alive in their playoff runs, but neither can afford another loss. That makes this game great for both of you. The Browns haven’t been very good on offense with Deshaun Watson back at quarterback, but this could be the game to get him going. Look for the Browns to win it.

Pick up: Browns 23, Saints 16

Saturday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox, fuboTV)

The Chiefs are winning games, but have looked bad in recent weeks. Seattle has also struggled in recent games. It’s a must-win for them, but this is a tough place to play. Their defense has major problems, which will show up here when Patrick Mahomes fires them up.

Pick up: Chiefs 35, Seahawks 21

Saturday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox, fuboTV)

The Vikings have clinched their division, while the Giants are playing for a wild card spot. The Giants are playing back-to-back road games while the Vikings have an extra day of rest. However, Minnesota’s defense is a major problem, so the Giants will stick with this one. It’s close, but the Vikings take it.

Pick up: Vikings 27, Giants 26

Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5) vs. New England Patriots

Saturday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)

The Bengals are playing back-to-back road games, but the Patriots are suffering from a terrible loss last week to the raiders. The Bengals have some defensive injuries, but the Patriots are struggling offensively. Look for Joe Burrow to keep playing well while the Bengals win it.

Pick up: Bengals 30, Pats 17

Saturday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)

The Titans are in danger of missing the playoffs if they don’t turn things around. The Texans have played much better in recent weeks, but this will be a challenge against a team that badly needs him. The Titans will set things right here with a great performance from Derrick Henry.

Pick up: Titans 23, Texans 21

Saturday, 4:05 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)

This is a tough trip for Washington against a team that will get four extra days off. Washington is struggling on offense, which is never good against a 49ers defense that is the best in the NFL. Look for that defense to shine again with Brock Purdy doing enough to win it.

Pick up: 49ers 25, Commanders 14

Saturday, 4:25 p.m. ET (Fox, fuboTV)

The Eagles will likely start Gardner Minshew here for the injured Jalen Hurts. That changes the way they play offense. The Cowboys have looked bad the past two weeks on defense, but I think that changes here. They will look for Minshew without the threat of a quarterback run with him in the game. The cowboys win it.

Pick up: Jeans 33, Eagles 25

Las Vegas Raiders vs Pittsburgh Steelers (-3)

Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET (NFL Network, fuboTV)

This is another game with two teams that have little hope of making the playoffs. The Raiders are coming off an upset win over the Patriots, while the Steelers beat the Panthers on the road. Kenny Pickett should be back for the Steelers here, which matters. Pittsburgh’s defense will get the best of Derek Carr. The Steelers take it.

Pick up: Steelers 24, Raiders 16

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox, fuboTV)

The Packers are still alive after winning Monday night, but this is a tough turnaround in a short week. The Dolphins have lost three in a row, but they played better last week. This is going to be a shootout with the Packers keeping it close while Aaron Rodgers and Tua Tagovailoa put on a show.

Pick up: Dolphins 31, Packers 30

Sunday, 4:30 p.m. ET (CBS, Nickelodeon, Paramount+)

This is a game that many expected to be important, but instead features two of the biggest disappointments of the year. Both teams have offensive problems. The Broncos have the best defense and Russell Wilson will be back. The Rams are also playing in a short week. But something says that the Rams find a way to win it.

Pick up: Rams 21, Broncos 14

Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC, fuboTV)

These two have major issues, but the Bucs are still in first place while the Cardinals are finished. Arizona could rely on third-team quarterback Trace McSorley against a Bucs team that blew a huge lead last week. Tom Brady has struggled, but I think he’ll play well here. The bucs take it.

Pick up: Bucks 24, Cardinals 20

Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN, fuboTV)

The Colts are coming off a loss in which they blew a 33-point lead, the kind of loss that can end a team for the year. They also won’t have running back Jonathan Taylor. The Chargers beat the Titans last week, but they didn’t play well doing it. They will here. Justin Herbert plays big to keep the Chargers on the road to the playoffs.

Pick up: Chargers 30, Colts 20