Free NFL Picks, Predictions & Best Bets For Week 16 (2024)
The 2024 NFL season is flying by, and we’ve got you covered with our free NFL picks, predictions & best bets today. In this article, we’ll break down our top free NFL picks against the spread and highlight the best bets for Week 16 NFL betting action. Additionally, we’ll share the top NFL betting targets for your favorite sportsbook. Let’s win some money together.
Free NFL Picks and Best Bets – Week 16
Week 16 is here, and so is the holiday season. I want to wish everyone a very happy holiday and hope you get to spend some time with your loved ones. In the spirit of the Christmas season, I think if the Atlanta Falcons had a wish for Santa Claus, it would be for Michael Penix Jr. to lead them to a NFC South title.
Called upon to start in place of Kirk Cousins, Penix was drafted eighth overall in April’s NFL Draft. He was not supposed to start this season. However, that timetable increased drastically, with Cousins throwing nine interceptions to just one touchdown pass over his last five games.
With a matchup against the lowly island of misfit toys in the New York Giants for his NFL debut, the Washington University product needs to help the Falcons win out in order to have a chance at the postseason. Without further ado, as always, there are picks to be made and money to be won. Coming off a 2-4 week, here are the picks. Let’s get into our Free NFL Picks with predictions and best bets for Week 15.
Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5) vs Washington Commanders (+3.5)
Winners of ten games in a row, the Eagles knocked off the Steelers a week ago to pull into a tie atop the NFC standings at 12-2. While the story around this team continues to be the play of Saquon Barkley, the Eagle’s defense has allowed just 16 points per game on average over the last three weeks. Furthermore, on the season they rank number one in opponent passing yards allowed per contest (173.4).
Currently holding onto the seventh and final playoff spot in the NFC, the Commanders held on to defeat the New Orleans Saints 20-19 after a missed two-point conversion by Darren Rizzi’s squad at the end of regulation. Washington had the chance to defeat Philadelphia in the first matchup between these two NFC East rivals in week 11 after taking a 15-9 lead into the fourth quarter. Nonetheless, this is a different Eagles squad. The Commanders don’t have the horses up front or the firepower outside to challenge Jalen Hurts and company. Lay the points and take the birds in this one.
Pick: Eagles (-3.5)
Minnesota Vikings (-3.0) vs Seattle Seahawks (+3.0)
Minnesota is deadlocked with the Detroit Lions atop the NFC North. Red hot on the offensive side of the ball, over the last three weeks, the Vikings are averaging 31.7 points per game and 5.8 yards per play. Along with this, Aaron Jones has rushed for over 150 yards and a pair of touchdowns during his last two contests as he closes in on his fourth 1,000-yard rushing campaign.
Now on the outside looking in the NFC playoff picture, the Seahawks were blown out 30-13 by the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football. Making matters worse, Mike Macdonald’s group also Geno Smith to a knee injury in the third quarter. The 34-year-old is expected to start on Sunday after logging a full practice on Thursday. Nonetheless, Minnesota is firing on all cylinders and has its sights set on the number one seed in the NFC. Give me the road team to cover the short number.
Pick: Vikings (-3.0)
Los Angeles Rams (-3.0) vs New York Jets (+3.0)
Suddenly, at 8-6 and atop the NFC West, the Rams have won three games in a row. Guided by the play of Matthew Stafford, the veteran quarterback has tossed ten touchdown passes and no interceptions in his last five games. Furthermore, since week eight, he is seventh in passing yards per game (258.9).
Aaron Rodgers has played the best football of his Jets tenure over his last two weeks. The four-time MVP has thrown for 628 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. Furthermore, he has rediscovered his connection with Davante Adams. The three-time First-team All-Pro has amassed 307 receiving yards and three touchdowns during that period. Despite the strong play of Stafford of late, the Ram’s defense has struggled, ranking 18th in opponent EPA and opponent success rate since Week 13. I like the Jets to keep this one close on their home field.
Pick: Jets (+3.0)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-4.0) vs Dallas Cowboys (+4.0)
Tampa Bay has won four straight games and now controls its own destiny in the NFC South. Fresh off a dominating 40-17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, Baker Mayfield threw for 288 yards and four touchdowns. Meanwhile, Mike Evans hauled in 11 receptions for 159 yards and a pair of scores. The future Hall of Fame wide receiver now needs 251 more receiving yards over his last three games to eclipse his 11th straight 1,000-yard season.
Dallas routed the Carolina Panthers 30-17 in their best performance of the season. They racked up 410 yards of total offense, including 149 on the ground from Rico Dowdle. Nonetheless, the Cowboys have struggled at AT&T Stadium this season, with just one win in front of their home fans. Look for that trend to continue in this one as the Buccaneers hand Dallas another loss at Jerry World.
Pick: Buccaneers (-4.0)
Cleveland Browns vs Cincinnati Bengals (O/U 46.5)
The Browns choose to bench Jameis Winston following a three-interception performance against the Kansas City Chiefs. Set to start Dorian Thompson Robinson, Cleveland’s offense has struggled in his three career starts, averaging under ten points per game. Moreover, the UCLA product completed just 46 percent of his passes for 82 yards in a start against the Bengals earlier on in the season.
Likely to be in the MVP conversation if it weren’t for Cincinnati’s 6-8 record, Joe Burrow leads the NFL in passing yards (3,977) and passing touchdowns (36). However, the Browns have held the LSU product in check over his career. Under Burrow, the Bengals have averaged just 20.8 points per game against the Browns. The Under has hit the last three matchups between these two teams. Bet on that trend to continue on Sunday.
Pick: Under 46.5
San Francisco 49ers vs Miami Dolphins (O/U 44.5)
In a battle between two teams who have massively underachieved during the 2024 season, the 49ers battle the Dolphins. Coming off a loss to the Rams a week ago in a rainy Thursday nighter, San Francisco trails the Los Angeles Rams by two games in the race for the NFC West. The team also continues to battle the injury bug. Trent Williams and Isaac Guerendo have both been ruled out, while Dre Greenlaw and Jaylon Moore are questionable.
The Dolphins have dropped two of their last three games and have just a five percent chance to make the playoffs. Even so, Miami has scored over 25 points in all four of their home games. Tua Tagovailoa has also eclipsed the 300-yard passing mark in seven of his last ten games. Both teams should be able to put up enough points to push this number above a low total.
Pick: Over 44.5
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