NFL Tips: Sunday Acca Week 16 - Five Predictions for December 21
Week 15 was a huge week in the NFL and saw some big teams go out of playoff contention. None were bigger than the Kansas City Chiefs who will be missing the playoffs for the first time in 2014.
It had been a tough season for Chiefs fans but that went to horror as they saw franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes tear his ACL. A rough timeline for recovery is nine months which will mean it will affect next season as well.
NFL Tips: Sunday December 21 Acca
Now we move on to week 16 and with only three games to go in the regular season these games are massive.
We have got a five-fold that is around 15/2 at UK betting site Paddy Power for this weekend’s big NFL slate.
Tip 1: Minnesota Vikings to beat the New York Giants (Moneyline market)
The Vikings have had a massive dip this season compared to last. The 14-3 2024 team has turned into a 6-8 team this season as they go into this game. This drop off is largely due to the inconsistency of quarterback JJ McCarthy.
McCarthy has struggled with poor play and injuries this season. However, he has looked better in the last couple of weeks against the Commanders and Cowboys. The defence has maintained its standard from last season and is always tough to break down.
Now the Vikings must travel to New York to take on a Giants team that just want the season to end. They have the worst record in the league at 2-12 and haven’t won a game since early October.
If the season ended now, then the Giants would have the number one pick in next year’s draft and it’s hard to say that isn’t on their minds. It’s also hard to have confidence in a team that has lost eight games in a row.
Expect the Vikings to keep this little run of wins going against a Giants team that has little to play for.
Tip 2: New Orleans Saints to be the New York Jets (Moneyline market)
The Saints have woken up a bit in the last month of the season, and it feel like it is largely due to quarterback Tyler Shough. The rookie has passed for just under 1,500 yards in the seven games he has played. He has also thrown for six touchdowns and five interceptions.
The defence has also done well this season. They are ranked 11th in the league overall and given the limited offence they needed to be. Although the Saints are out of playoff contention it does feel like they are still playing hard for their head coach.
There are not many teams that have a worse record than the Saints at 4-10. However, their opponents in this game do. The Jets are 3-11 this season and it’s hard to see them get any more wins.
They are starting undrafted quarterback Brady Cook who has thrown five interceptions over the last two games. The defence is solid but are not spectacular. It feels like the Jets are just drifting to the end of the season now.
The Saints should get another win in a game that will probably be forgetful.
Tip 3: Atlanta Falcons to beat the Arizona Cardinals (Moneyline market)
Unbelievably the Falcons are still in playoff contention despite having a 5-9 record. That is more due to how poor the whole division has been, but a win is needed here if they want to have a chance.
Last week they beat division rivals the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 29-28 and the offence have been consistent under veteran Kirk Cousins. Tight End Kyle Pitts showed how great he can be last week as well, and another big performance is expected here.
They might be on the road, but the Falcons have got an opponent in the Cardinals who haven’t got anything to play for. With a 3-11 record they can’t get in the playoffs and have lost their last six games.
The offence is still capable of putting up points but there does seem to be a limit to what they can do. Trey McBride has had a great season at Tight End and should have another big game here.
Expect the Falcons to cause the Cardinals more pain.
Tip 4: Denver Broncos to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars (Moneyline market)
The Broncos are flying this season and with a 12-2 record they are top of the AFC. They had a big win last week at home against the Green Bay Packers and their roll of wins is now up to 11.
The defence has been amazing all season and it’s hard to see that changing. The offence doesn’t need to do much to get a win given how good the defence is. Bo Nix is showing that he has what it takes in the big moments and the Broncos will be tough to beat.
The team from Denver are now going to be hosting the Jaguars in a matchup that should be a good watch. Jacksonville is top of the AFC South with a 10-4 record and have the Houston Texans right behind them.
Trevor Lawrence had a great game last week, but this Broncos team will be a huge test for him and the Jaguars offence. The defence has been solid all season but this game feels like it might be one win too far.
The Broncos should make it 12 wins in a row here.
Tip 5: Detroit Lions to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers (Moneyline market)
The Lions have had a rocky season and just can’t get a run of wins going this year. They are third in the NFC North with an 8-6 record, and their playoff chances are getting slimer.
Their offence is still explosive and can put up loads of points, but the defence has struggled over the last month. They have given up on average 32 points in their last four games and if they want to qualify, they need to bring that down.
Now they are facing a Pittsburgh Steelers team that are trying to hold on to the lead in the AFC North. They are 8-6 after a solid win last week against the Miami Dolphins but the Baltimore Ravens are just behind them.
The Steelers defence has not been its usual high-quality self this season and its going to be tough to stop this Lions offence. They are going to be without TJ Watt again for this game and they need to get better if they want to win this game.
The Lions should out gun this Steelers team and push for a playoff spot.
NFL Sunday Schedule
With our Free Bets games list below, you can see every game on the upcoming schedule as we head into the busy Christmas period.
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