2025 NFL Week 16 Picks & Predictions
NFL Week 16 arrives at a critical moment in the 2025 season, where playoff races tighten, and every snap carries postseason implications. With divisional battles, primetime showdowns, and must-win games across Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, this week will help determine which teams solidify playoff spots, which stay alive, and which see their championship hopes fade.
From the Thursday night clash between the Rams and Seahawks to Monday Night Football featuring the 49ers and Colts, Week 16 is defined by home-field advantages, defensive matchups, and experienced contenders asserting control. Below are our picks, along with why each team wins and how the outcomes shape the playoff picture heading into the final week of the regular season.
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Rams @ Seahawks – 8:15 PM ET (Prime Video)
- Pick: Seahawks win
- Why & How: Seattle’s home-field edge at Lumen Field plus a stronger late-game defense gives them the advantage in a tight divisional matchup. Expect pressure up front and a key fourth-quarter stop.
Saturday, December 20
Eagles @ Commanders – 4:00 PM ET (FOX)
- Pick: Eagles win
- Why & How: Philadelphia’s physical run game and elite offensive line control time of possession. Their defense limits explosive plays and forces Washington into mistakes.
Packers @ Bears – 8:20 PM ET (FOX)
- Pick: Packers win
- Why & How: Green Bay’s quarterback play and passing efficiency outshine Chicago in cold conditions. Expect a balanced attack and a late touchdown to seal it.
Sunday, December 21
Bills @ Browns – 1:00 PM ET (CBS)
- Pick: Bills win
- Why & How: Buffalo’s offense is too dynamic, and their defense handles Cleveland’s run-first approach. The Bills pull away by halftime.
Chargers @ Cowboys – 1:00 PM ET (FOX)
- Pick: Cowboys win
- Why & How: Dallas plays faster at home, with strong pass rush pressure forcing turnovers. A shootout favors the Cowboys’ offensive rhythm.
Chiefs @ Titans – 1:00 PM ET (CBS)
- Pick: Chiefs win
- Why & How: Kansas City’s experience and efficiency dominate a low-scoring game. Their defense wins the field-position battle.
Bengals @ Dolphins – 1:00 PM ET (CBS)
- Pick: Bengals win
- Why & How: Cincinnati’s passing game exploits Miami’s secondary in a high-scoring matchup. Big plays decide it late.
Jets @ Saints – 1:00 PM ET (CBS)
- Pick: Saints win
- Why & How: New Orleans’ defense controls the pace indoors. The Jets struggle to finish drives in the red zone.
Vikings @ Giants – 1:00 PM ET (FOX)
- Pick: Vikings win
- Why & How: Minnesota’s offense is more consistent, and its defense limits explosive plays. A steady, methodical win.
Buccaneers @ Panthers – 1:00 PM ET (FOX)
- Pick: Buccaneers win
- Why & How: Tampa Bay’s veteran leadership and superior passing attack overwhelm Carolina’s young defense.
Jaguars @ Broncos – 4:05 PM ET (FOX)
- Pick: Broncos win
- Why & How: Denver’s defense thrives at altitude, forcing turnovers and controlling the tempo late in the game.
Falcons @ Cardinals – 4:05 PM ET (FOX)
- Pick: Falcons win
- Why & How: Atlanta’s run-heavy approach dominates time of possession and keeps Arizona’s offense off balance.
Steelers @ Lions – 4:25 PM ET (CBS)
- Pick: Lions win
- Why & How: Detroit’s explosive offense and strong home crowd energy lead to early points and sustained pressure.
Raiders @ Texans – 4:25 PM ET (CBS)
- Pick: Texans win
- Why & How: Houston’s defense shuts down big plays while its offense methodically builds a comfortable lead.
Patriots @ Ravens – 8:20 PM ET (NBC / Peacock)
- Pick: Ravens win
- Why & How: Baltimore’s dual-threat offense and physical defense overwhelm New England, especially in primetime.
Monday, December 22
49ers @ Colts – 8:15 PM ET (ESPN / ABC)
- Pick: 49ers win
- Why & How: San Francisco’s complete roster-strong run game, elite defense, and playoff experience-controls the game from start to finish.