NFL Week 16 predictions: Cowboys-Eagles headline decisive weekend as playoff pressure peaks
With just two weeks remaining in the regular season, Week 16 is where separation finally happens. Divisions can be clinched, playoff hopes can collapse, and coaches and quarterbacks alike feel the weight of what comes next.
These Week 16 NFL predictions focus on form, urgency and matchups — without betting odds or spread-based framing.
Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
Prediction: Cowboys win
This matchup effectively decides the NFC East. Dallas enters healthier and more balanced, with multiple offensive weapons creating matchup problems Philadelphia has struggled to solve. The Eagles have survived close calls, but the margin for error finally disappears here.
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
Prediction: Packers win
Green Bay has quietly leaned into a tougher identity built on defence and the run game. Minnesota has been efficient offensively, but this rivalry often swings on late execution, where Green Bay holds the edge.
Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots
Prediction: Patriots win
New England has regained its footing at the right time, rediscovering balance across offence, defence and special teams. Buffalo’s defence presents challenges, but the Patriots’ experience in high-stakes division games remains decisive.
Houston Texans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Prediction: Texans win
This matchup has shootout potential, but Houston has more at stake in the playoff picture. With their offensive core healthy, the Texans are positioned to outlast a Buccaneers team playing with less urgency.
Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers
Prediction: 49ers win
San Francisco’s ability to control games late remains its defining trait. The Rams have found offensive rhythm again, but a short week and road environment tilt the balance back toward the home side.
New Orleans Saints at Tennessee Titans
Prediction: Saints win
This is a measuring-stick road test for New Orleans ahead of the postseason. Tennessee’s physical style keeps it close, but the Saints’ versatility away from home gives them the edge.
Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns
Prediction: Ravens win
Baltimore has not forgotten its early-season loss in this matchup. With momentum and playoff positioning on the line, the Ravens’ dynamic offence overwhelms a Browns team still searching for consistency.
Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Jets
Prediction: Steelers win
Pittsburgh’s offence remains limited, but its defence travels well. That advantage proves decisive against a Jets team that struggles to generate sustained pressure.
New York Giants at Washington Redskins
Prediction: Washington win
Washington enters with more momentum and clearer offensive direction. The Giants continue to compete but lack the consistency to finish games.
Carolina Panthers at Indianapolis Colts
Prediction: Colts win
Indianapolis controls this matchup through the trenches, using a physical approach to limit Carolina’s playmakers.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Atlanta Falcons
Prediction: Falcons win
Atlanta’s defensive improvement shows again at home, while Jacksonville struggles to keep pace offensively.
Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins
Prediction: Dolphins win
Miami continues to play with pride late in the season, while Cincinnati lacks the supporting pieces to capitalise on opportunities.
Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos
Prediction: Broncos win
Denver’s defensive pressure and home-field advantage prove too much for a Detroit offence still finding its footing.
Oakland Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers
Prediction: Chargers win
Both teams are inconsistent, but Los Angeles has more proven offensive options in a game defined by execution.
Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks
Prediction: Seahawks win
Seattle remains focused on postseason positioning and uses its home advantage to control the tempo.
Kansas City Chiefs at Chicago Bears
Prediction: Chiefs win
Kansas City continues to round into form, using balance and efficiency rather than spectacle to close out the regular season.