Gridiron Guide: Week 16 picks

RAVENS (8-7) at RAIDERS (5-10)
Line: Ravens by 101/2 O/U: 38
TV: Ch. 2, 4:15 p.m.
Like the Jets, if the Ravens win, they’re a wild card. The Eagles, Steelers and Broncos know that when the Raiders are interested, they’re dangerous. But why should they care here? The pick: Ravens

CHIEFS (3-12) at BRONCOS (8-7)
Line: Broncos by 13 O/U: 38 4:15 p.m.
To end the confusion, make record against the spread the first playoff tiebreaker. Ten scenarios would make the Broncos a wild card, and in five they can lose and still get in. The pick: Broncos

PATRIOTS (10-5) at TEXANS (8-7)
Line: Texans by 8 O/U: 46 1 p.m.
When asked if he’ll rest his stars, Bill Belichick said, “I would expect they’d be there,” and laughed. Sounds as if Tom Brady will take it easy. The Texans are barely alive, but even against backups they could mess it up. The pick: Texans

STEELERS (8-7) at DOLPHINS (7-8)
Line: Steelers by 3 O/U: 451/2
TV: Ch. 2, 1 p.m.
One too many fourth-quarter folds by their defense put the Steelers on postseason life support. Beating depleted, fading Miami won’t be enough to get them in. The pick: Steelers

PACKERS (10-5) at CARDINALS (10-5)
Line: Cardinals by 31/2 O/U: 44 4:15 p.m.
Let’s play Week 17 dominoes. If the Vikings and Eagles lose, a win makes Arizona the 2 seed. Otherwise, this potential first-round rematch means nothing, and which team would care less? The pick: Cardinals

JAGUARS (7-8) at BROWNS (4-11)
Line: Browns by 11/2 O/U: 371/2 1 p.m.
Amazing but true: The Browns have covered six straight. One of five complex scenarios must play out for Jacksonville to be a wild card. Finishing .500 will be a consolation prize. The pick: Jaguars
Around the league

TITANS (7-8) at SEAHAWKS (5-10)
Line: Titans by 4 O/U: 44 4:15 p.m.
Chris Johnson needs 234 rushing yards to break Eric Dickerson’s 1984 record of 2,105. Against Seattle’s battered defense, the quest is difficult, but not impossible. The pick: Titans

COLTS (14-1) at BILLS (5-10)
Line: Bills by 81/2 O/U: 40 1 p.m.
Trend: Since 2002, Indy is 1-6 ATS in Week 17. Is Jim Caldwell the first 14-1 coach to be booed at home? The forecast is for 20 degrees and snow, so the Colts’ starters will huddle near a heater. Buffalo gets a parting gift. The pick: Bills

SAINTS (13-2) at PANTHERS (7-8)
Line: OFF O/U: OFF 1 p.m.
The Bears’ upset of the Vikings gave New Orleans the top seed, but the Saints have lost their magic (2-2, 0-4 ATS) since smashing the Pats. They need to revive their mojo. The pick: Saints

BEARS (6-9) at LIONS (2-13)
Line: Bears by 3 O/U: 45 1 p.m.
The Lions are a league-low 4-10-1 ATS, with the Bears, Steelers, Seahawks and Jaguars 5-10. In the interest of integrity, why not strip the worst spread team of a draft pick? The pick: Bears

49ERS (7-8) at RAMS (1-14)
Line: 49ers by 7 O/U: 401/2 1 p.m.
Favorites won’t reach .500 (110-120-6 ATS, 4 pick ’ems). Neither will home teams (109-125-6 ATS). The 49ers are the league’s best bet (10-4-1); the Rams are hopeless. The pick: 49ers

FALCONS (8-7) at BUCS (3-12)
Line: Falcons by 21/2 O/U: 411/2 1 p.m.
Atlanta (10-5 ATS) seeks consecutive winning records for the first time in its 44 seasons. Does that qualify as motivation? The pick: Falcons

REDSKINS (4-11) at CHARGERS (12-3)
Line: Chargers by 4 O/U: 391/2 4:15 p.m.
The often-fired Norv Turner should tell doomed Jim Zorn: “Don’t worry, you’ll be recycled. This is the NFL.” Norv said San Diego, with a first-round bye, will play to win to stay sharp.
The pick: Chargers