Week 16 -- what used to be the close of the regular season has become the final playoff maelstrom for the wannabes.
Despite being so late in the season, no less than 13 of the 16 games carry some level of postseason weight. Whether these contests feature teams like the Lions and Cowboys (who are trying to run the table and get help) or outfits like the Jags, Eagles and Patriots (still duking it out over seeding), the results matter. All of which serves to make this weekend more important than Week 17, when most of the eggs are already scrambled.
Coupled with the playoff implication are a few historical rekindlings, including three Super Bowl rematches. Rams at Titans is one of those -- and their memorable battle in Super Bowl XXXIV wasn't the only time these two teams faced off in the '99 campaign. They also met in the regular season that year, with the Titans holding off a furious Kurt Warner-led comeback to prove they too were for real, taking down the previously undefeated "Greatest Show on Turf." Another matchup that is certain to bring back memories -- one that legitimately shaped a few legacies -- is Seahawks at Cowboys ...
It's often hard to predict which games will have a lasting impact on fans and media. That 2006 Wild Card Weekend adventure -- and its butterfly effect -- certainly qualifies.
On to thoughts from abroad ...
Thanks for checking in, Craig. That comparison, which I made in this week's Power Rankings, was more about how these QB-TE connections are so difficult to stop when they're on -- and how most prolific aerial combos involve receivers like Jerry Rice and Antonio Brown, not tight ends.
For more of my thoughts on this sport of football, well, all of the Week 16 picks are below. As you'll see, a few of the NFC wild-card hopefuls stay relevant for another week, while a few AFC teams harness home playoff games/division titles. Your thoughts are welcome, as always: @HarrisonNFL is the place.
Now, let's get to it!
Elliot Harrison went 13-3 on his predictions for Week 15, giving him a record of 143-81 thus far this season. How will he fare in Week 16? His picks are below:
Follow Elliot Harrison on Twitter @HarrisonNFL.
