NFL Week 16 picks and score predictions: Eagles beat Commanders to win 11th straight; Vikings handle Seahawks

As the NFL season approaches its climax, Week 16 offers several pivotal matchups with playoff implications. The Philadelphia Eagles look to extend their incredible win streak to 11 games, the Minnesota Vikings aim to solidify their playoff standing, and other teams fight to keep their postseason dreams alive. Here’s a detailed breakdown of key games, including expert picks and score predictions.

Philadelphia Eagles (12-2) vs. Washington Commanders (9-5)

Prediction: Eagles 27, Commanders 20

The Eagles are the hottest team in the NFL, riding a 10-game win streak fueled by an MVP-caliber season from quarterback Jalen Hurts. Philadelphia’s balanced offense, featuring a potent rushing attack and dynamic receivers like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, has been nearly unstoppable. The defense, led by Haason Reddick and a dominant front seven, continues to stifle opponents.

Washington, on the other hand, has surprised many with their 9-5 record, thanks in large part to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and a resurgent defense. However, the Commanders struggled in their Week 15 loss to the 49ers, and their offensive line will face a tough test against the Eagles’ pass rush.

Keys to the Game:

Eagles: Control the tempo with their ground game and pressure Daniels into mistakes.
Commanders: Establish the run early and protect Daniels from Philadelphia’s relentless pass rush.

While Washington will fight hard in this divisional matchup, the Eagles’ depth and momentum give them the edge as they secure their 11th straight win and clinch the NFC’s top seed.

Minnesota Vikings (9-5) vs. Seattle Seahawks (8-6)

Prediction: Vikings 31, Seahawks 24

The Vikings and Seahawks are both in the thick of the NFC playoff race, making this matchup a critical one for both teams. Minnesota enters Week 16 on a high note after a dramatic overtime win against the Bengals, with quarterback Kirk Cousins delivering another clutch performance. Justin Jefferson continues to terrorize opposing defenses and is on pace to break several receiving records.

Seattle, meanwhile, has been inconsistent but remains dangerous, especially with Geno Smith under center. The Seahawks’ offense relies heavily on Kenneth Walker III’s production in the run game and the big-play ability of wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.

Keys to the Game:

Vikings: Exploit Seattle’s vulnerable secondary and create turnovers on defense.
Seahawks: Control the clock with Walker and avoid costly turnovers.

Minnesota’s high-powered offense will prove too much for Seattle’s inconsistent defense, as the Vikings take another step toward a playoff berth.

Kansas City Chiefs (11-3) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (10-4)

Prediction: Bengals 30, Chiefs 28

In a rematch of last season’s AFC Championship Game, the Bengals and Chiefs square off in what could be a preview of another postseason showdown. Kansas City, led by Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, has maintained its status as a powerhouse, but the Bengals are peaking at the right time.

Joe Burrow has been exceptional down the stretch, guiding Cincinnati to six straight wins. With Ja’Marr Chase back at full strength and the offensive line performing better than earlier in the season, the Bengals are primed to give the Chiefs trouble.

Keys to the Game:

Chiefs: Pressure Burrow and contain Chase.
Bengals: Limit Mahomes’ big plays and win the turnover battle.

In a thrilling back-and-forth contest, the Bengals’ balanced offense and opportunistic defense will make the difference, as Cincinnati edges out Kansas City to solidify their standing in the AFC.

Buffalo Bills (9-5) vs. Miami Dolphins (10-4)

Prediction: Bills 28, Dolphins 27

The AFC East race is as tight as ever, and this game will have significant implications. The Dolphins have been one of the league’s most exciting teams, with Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill leading a dynamic offense. However, their defense has been inconsistent, especially in crucial moments.

Buffalo, despite some midseason struggles, remains a Super Bowl contender. Josh Allen continues to carry the offense, but the team’s success often hinges on their defense’s ability to make key stops.

Keys to the Game:

Bills: Contain Hill and Jaylen Waddle while establishing a balanced offensive attack.
Dolphins: Keep Allen in the pocket and capitalize on red zone opportunities.

In a game that comes down to the wire, the Bills’ experience in high-pressure situations will give them the edge, as they escape with a one-point victory.

San Francisco 49ers (11-3) vs. Baltimore Ravens (9-5)

Prediction: 49ers 24, Ravens 17

This interconference clash features two of the league’s top defenses. The 49ers have been dominant on both sides of the ball, with Brock Purdy thriving under center and Christian McCaffrey continuing to be a game-changer. Their defense, led by Nick Bosa, has been nearly impenetrable.

The Ravens, meanwhile, have been hampered by injuries, particularly to Lamar Jackson, whose status for this game remains uncertain. Without Jackson, Baltimore’s offense lacks explosiveness, putting even more pressure on their defense to keep games close.

Keys to the Game:

49ers: Control the clock with their running game and force turnovers.
Ravens: Pressure Purdy and capitalize on field position.

San Francisco’s balance and depth will prove too much for a banged-up Ravens team, as the 49ers continue their push for the NFC’s top seed.

Other Predictions:

Dallas Cowboys 34, Detroit Lions 27: Dak Prescott and the Cowboys bounce back after a tough loss to the Eagles, while the Lions’ playoff hopes take a hit.
New York Jets 20, New England Patriots 16: The Jets keep their slim playoff hopes alive with a gritty win over their division rivals.
Los Angeles Chargers 28, Las Vegas Raiders 21: Justin Herbert and the Chargers’ offense prove too much for the struggling Raiders