LCB NFL Picks: Week 16

(Click picture to enlarge)

+4.5 Baltimore Ravens (9-5) @ Dallas Cowboys (9-5) Saturday on NFLN 8:15: Langston's Pick: The Ravens are coming off of a tough-luck game against the Steelers, where the battle of defenses and a bad call went in Pittsburgh favor. The Cowboys are coming off of a great win over the NFC leading Giants, where they shut down New York's offense and sacked Eli 8 times. Both teams enter this game desperately seeking a win to stay in the wildcard race, with the winner taking a step towards the playoffs and the loser making vacation plans. I like the Cowboys pass-rush, the celebration of the final game at Texas Stadium, and rookie QB Joe Flacco to combine for a Dallas win. Boys by 6. LCG's Pick: I think the Cowboys will be unfocused due to the celebration, and the Ravens will be locked in and ready to pounce. Baltimore has been crushing it for the better part of the season, and I like them to continue that tonight. Romo and the Cowboys seem to rise to the occasion when their doubted, and fail when their expected to achieve. Ravens by 3.

-2 Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3) @ Tennessee Titans (12-2): Langston's Pick: No Haynesworth, no Vanden Bosch, no win for the Titans. I like the Steelers to win this 1:00 matchup between the two AFC powers. Pittsburgh by 6. LCG's Pick: The Titans are content with winning the AFC South and are now resting up, while the Steelers seem like they are out for blood every single game. I like the Steelers to continue that mode of play, as resting up for the playoffs rarely ever helps you win these late season matchups.

+3.5 Atlanta Falcons (9-5) @ Minnesota Vikings (9-5): Langston's Pick: This should be a great game to watch, as both teams are in the thick of the playoff race with two of the more explosive backs of the NFL in Michael "The Burner" Turner and Adrian "Purple Jesus" Peterson. Peterson is hobbled yet on a mission, his MVP caliber play should carry the Vikings to the victory and the playoffs. LCG's Pick: Peterson isn't healthy, Tarvaris is still starting, and the Falcons are curiously injury free. I like the Falcons and Michael Turner to run all over the Metrodome to a win.

+3 Carolina Panthers (11-3) @ New York Giants (11-3) Sunday on NBC 8:15: Langston's Pick: We learned the Giants aren't the same without Brandon Jacobs putting punishment on the defense. Jacobs is not 100%, and the Giants will be forced to give a bulk of the carries to Ward and Bradshaw. Yet I like Eli to step his game up and carry the Giants to a victory through the air. LCG's Pick: The Giants are a more talented team, and even though they are dealing with a mountain of issues I like them to beat the Panthers on Sunday night. Eli will have a huge game in a recovery of the disaster in Dallas. Giants by 6.

+4 Green Bay Packers (5-9) @ Chicago Bears (8-6) Monday on ESPN 8:30: Langston's Pick: It's too bad games don't last 30 minutes, if that was the case the Packers may by 14-0. They blow games they appear to have in the win column. One of the main factors is the injury plagued defense just seems to wear down at the worst possible time, and let go of the game late. For that reason I like the Bears to take this win. But it will be a good one, as this rivalry always supplies great football. LCG's Pick: I like the Bears to win this game, the Packers have played great considering their record but just seem to always come up short. This game will not be any different. Bears by 8.