The NFL playoff picture is starting to come into focus with just two weeks of games left. Still up for grabs are the top two seeds in each conference, which gives teams the all important first-round bye to rest up some key injuries. Here are three teams that will help their cause with Week 16 wins.
New England Patriots
New England is on track to secure the AFC's top seed and Saturday's game against the Miami Dolphins won't do anything to change that. The Patriots have won four of their last five against the Dolphins, with most of them being in blowout fashion.
The team's biggest concern is its porous secondary. They are giving up nearly 300 yards per game through the air, which ranks dead last in the NFL. An extra week off would give Bill Belichick some extra time to fix some of the recurring problems that continue to plague the Patriots.
Week 16 Prediction: Patriots by 20
Baltimore Ravens
There's no team that needs home-field advantage more than Baltimore. The Ravens are a gaudy 7-0 at home, but have a losing record (3-4) on the road. That's mostly due to Joe Flacco, whose quarterback rating is 10 points lower on the road than it is at M&T Bank Stadium.
Another reason the Ravens could use that extra week off is due to their physical style, especially on defense. While you can't doubt it's effectiveness, it also takes a hefty toll on their bodies. Giving Ray Lewis and Co. some time to recharge can only help their Super Bowl quest.
Week 16 Prediction: Ravens by 17
San Francisco 49ers
Since the Green Bay Packers have the No. 1 seed virtually locked up in the NFC, the 49ers are battling the New Orleans Saints for the other spot. Both teams have tough divisional games in Week 16, but San Francisco's is slightly easier.
The 49ers face the Seattle Seahawks, who they beat by 16 earlier in the season. They are also riding a wave of momentum after a convincing victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night. That should be enough to push them past Seattle in order to maintain control of their own destiny.
Week 16 Prediction: 49ers by three
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