Week 16 NFL preview: Can anyone slow down Josh Allen, aka Superman?

Last week was a solid week for me. It would have been made better if Mac Jones could have completed the upset of the Jets. What was that thing the Rams and 49ers did last Thursday night? Was that supposed to be a "football" game? 12-6? What year is this – 1953? Buffalo and Detroit reminded us that this is 2024. Can anyone stop Josh Allen right now? Maybe only Lex Luthor.

I'm pretty proud of my Patriots' pick last week. I almost nailed the score. I guessed 30-21 and it finished up 30-17. I also said that Chad Ryland would have three field goals in his "revenge game" and he had, exactly, three. I also predicted New England would come out flat after their bye week, and they sure did.

Here were my numbers from last week:

Moneyline: 12-4

ATS: 10-6

O/U Points: 7-9

I always thought predicting point over/unders was my forte. Apparently not. That's why it is imperative you track your stats, kids. Do so some self-evaluation from time to time.

Here are my numbers for the year (I started midseason):

Moneyline: 109-51 (68.1%)

ATS: 92-64-1

O/U Points: 80-78

Let's get to the Sweet Week 16 picks:

Denver at LA Chargers (-3) Total: 41.5

Denver wins. Take the over.

With a win, Denver can clinch a playoff spot for the first time since Peyton Manning was their quarterback nearly a decade ago. I think they get it done. The Chargers are spiraling. They got destroyed by the Bucs last week. They have no running game. They have no receivers. They have no home field advantage. Bad recipe.

Houston at Kansas City (-3.5) Total: 41.5

Houston wins. Take the under.

I feel much better about taking Houston with the points as opposed to picking Houston straight up. Pat Mahomes' injury is, obviously, huge. Even if he plays, which is no certainty, he should be limited. Kansas City has to lose again at some point. This is not a 16-1 team.

Pittsburgh at Baltimore (-6.5) Total: 45.5

Baltimore wins and covers. Take the over.

Pittsburgh's offense looked anemic last week without George Pickens. Similar to the situation with Mahomes, Pickens' status is up in the air for this week, but even if he plays, he shouldn't be as effective plus he could re-aggravate the injury and have to leave the game early. Lamar Jackson will try to make a late push on Josh Allen for MVP.

NY Giants at Atlanta (-8.5) Total: 42.5

Atlanta win, but the Giants cover.

The Falcons should not be this big of a favorite against anyone, not even the Giants. The Falcons are so afraid of Kirk Cousins throwing downfield that he had only 17 pass attempts for 112 yards against the Raiders last week... and he still threw a pick.

Oh, we have some breaking news:

Detroit (-6.5) at Chicago Total: 47.5

Detroit wins, but Chicago covers. Take the under.

I think the under is an easy pick. The Lions have been getting decimated with injuries and now they are without running back David Montgomery for the year. Take advantage of the Vegas bookmakers being slow to adjust

Cleveland at Cincinnati (-7.5) Total: 46.5

Cincy wins and covers. Take the over.

The Browns may have seen enough of Jameis Winston. They may be turning to Dorian Thompson-Robinson in this one. It won't matter. Their offense won't be able to keep up with the Bengals. Not many teams in the NFL can keep with Cincy's offense right now.

Tennessee at Indianapolis (-3.5) Total: 42.5

The Colts win and cover. Take the under.

The Titans' quarterback carousel may be spinning again. Mason Rudolph may take over for Will Levis for a second time this season. The Colts are a middle-tier team which puts them a tier or two above Tennessee.

LA Rams (-3) at NY Jets Total: 46.5

The Rams win and cover. Take the over.

Barring any bad weather in New York on gameday, I think this should be an easy over. Something clicked in the second half between Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams. Too little way too late for the Jets. The Rams are humming right now and look like they may be a dangerous team in the playoffs. I wouldn't want to face them if I was Detroit, Green Bay, or Philadelphia.

Philadelphia (-3.5) at Washington Total: 45.5

Philadelphia wins and covers. Take the over.

Speaking of Philadelphia, they have a potential playoff preview coming up on Sunday. Washington almost blew a big lead last week to an awful Saints' team. I question Washington's heart and toughness.

Arizona (-5) at Carolina Total: 47.5

Arizona wins and covers. Take the under.

Arizona took full advantage of a "get right" game against the Patriots last week. Bryce Young looked like the Bryce Young we have come to know as a pro against the Cowboys last week. I think, and have always believed, that that is the true NFL Bryce Young.

Minnesota (-3) at Seattle Total: 43.5

Minnesota wins and covers. Take the under.

The Vikings have so many weapons on offense beyond Justin Jefferson that casual football fans don't even realize. Jordan Addison is emerging into a star as the wide receiver opposite Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson is a weapon at tight end. Geno Smith is questionable to play due to a knee injury. If he can't go, Sam Howell gets the call.

Jacksonville at Las Vegas Raiders (-1.5) Total: 40.5

Jacksonville wins. Take the under.

The Raiders have lost ten straight and are in position to have the first overall draft pick next year. And now they have lost Maxx Crosby for the year. Somehow I continue to despise Mac Jones more and more. He is way too cocky on the field for someone who has never won anything in the pros.

San Francisco at Miami (-1) Total: 44.5

49ers win. Take the over.

Mike McDaniel's job is in jeopardy. Who would have thought that a couple of years ago? He has not proven he can beat good teams. The trend continues against Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers. Last week's loss to Houston was Miami's Alamo.

Tampa Bay (-4) at Dallas Total: 48.5

Tampa wins and covers. Take the over.

I can't get enough Baker Mayfield. If you been following my picks this season, you should know I was on the Mayfield bandwagon early on this year. The Bucs are +1600 to win the NFC. Hmmm.

New Orleans at Green Bay (-14.5) Total: 42.5

Green Bay wins and covers. Take the under.

I'd wouldn't touch Green Bay with the points because it wouldn't surprise me if the Saints backdoor cover like they did last week with Washington.

New England at Buffalo (-14) Total: 46.5

Buffalo wins and covers. Take the over.

Buffalo may put up 47 points on their own. Head coach Sean McDermott hates the Patriots. He will not ease off the gas once the Bills get up. The Patriots team has already mailed it in for the season. You think they will be motivated to play in 20 degree weather? It is all the more reason why I advocate for shutting Drake Maye down after this game.

Bills win, 47-17. Josh Allen accounts for another five touchdowns, minimum.