As the NFL season barrels towards the playoffs, Week 16 presents a slate of crucial matchups with significant implications for the standings. Expert picks for the week, sourced from Covers.com, highlight a key NFC North rivalry game where the Chicago Bears are positioned to capitalize on a Green Bay Packers team struggling with a cascade of injuries.
Key Rivalry Matchup: Bears Seek Revenge Against Battered Packers
The spotlight shines on Soldier Field for a rematch between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers. The Bears, listed as a +1 home underdog, are looking for payback after falling to their historic rivals just a few weeks prior. However, analysts note this is a much different Packers team taking the field this time.
Green Bay has been ravaged by key injuries, a significant factor influencing the pick. The loss of All-Pro defender Micah Parsons to a knee injury, among others, has left the Packers vulnerable. This sets the stage for a hungry Bears squad to hold serve at home and improve their playoff positioning.
Analysis of Other Notable Week 16 Games
The picks extend far beyond the NFC North, offering insights into several compelling contests across the league.
Washington Commanders (+6.5) vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Despite playing for the future with rookie Jayden Daniels, Washington is expected to show fight against the struggling Eagles in this divisional clash.
Dallas Cowboys (-2.5) vs. Los Angeles Chargers: While concerns linger about the Cowboys' defence, the Chargers' offensive line issues are seen as a bigger problem, giving Dak Prescott and the Dallas offence an edge at home.
Kansas City Chiefs (-3) vs. Tennessee Titans: Even with Patrick Mahomes out for the season, the Chiefs are favored on the road. Analysts believe Andy Reid will devise a competent game plan for Gardner Minshew to execute against Tennessee.
Additional Picks and Season Record
Other selections for the week include backing the Miami Dolphins (+4) over Cincinnati, the Minnesota Vikings (-3) on the road against the New York Giants, and the Buffalo Bills (-10) in a tough road test at Cleveland. The Houston Texans are a heavy favorite (-14) at home against the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Detroit Lions (-7) are expected to handle the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ford Field.
The expert's record for the previous week stood at 10-6, bringing the season tally to 106-113-5. Fans looking to stream the action can find the 2025-26 NFL season available live and on-demand through the global sports streaming service DAZN.
