Roberts Week 16 Pro Football Selections: Ravens Keep Steelers Reelin'

Ravens +3 @ Pittsburgh: So this is supposed to be the week the Steelers put it all together in their playoff run. After losing five games in a row -- and barely beating the Packers to end the streak -- they think they can flip on the switch and play better when the chips are down? Well, the chips have been down for quite a while in losses to Cleveland, Kansas City, and Oakland -- three of the worst teams in the league. The Ravens, meanwhile, come in feeling good offensively and defensively. They are playing as well as they have all season with Joe Flacco showing signs of last seasons rookie that led the Ravens to the conference title game. Two teams going in different directions right now and I'll take the one going the right way which is Baltimore.

Baltimore/Pittsburgh OVER 42: It appears that the Steelers can't stop anyone with Troy Polamalu out -- as he will be this week again -- and they have to resort to throwing non-stop just to keep up with teams now. The Steelers are no longer a running team and can't grind clock out as they always have in the traditional sense. They throw now out of need, because their always down, as they will be this week.

Dolphins -1.5 vs Texans: Chad Henne has really come into his own this season and has this team in position for a possible playoff spot without running much of the wildcat offense anymore. The Texans are looking for the playoffs too, but could have taken care of business too many times this season to not have them in this position. They can blame Kris Brown all they want for losing games with missed kicks, but the Texans should have handled their business before making the kicker seal their fate. Look for Ricky Williams to have a big day with Henne doing just enough to beat Houston.

Packers -14 vs Seahawks: Not a big fan of laying two touchdowns in any game, but the Seahawks have shown that they have thrown in the towel. Seattle is coming off of two terrible offensive showings at Houston and worst of all, at home to the 1-12 Buccaneers. Had Seattle been hindered by having offensive weapons out such as their starting quarterback, that may have gave them a pass, but Matt Hasselbeck played both of those games with no intensity. They just want to see the season end, find a GM, and get ready for 2010 while the Packers will give Seattle's defense a steady dose of Ryan Grant.

Mike T's Week 15 Picks

by Mike T.

I'm going to have to bounce back after a disappointing 1-2 week. The Houston blowout was easy. The Bengals and Vikes scored 8 times but 4 of the scores were FGs and that just barely kept the game under. The Jags couldn't get more than 14 at home during a playoff run. I'm now 28-14 on the year. I'm going with 2 favs and a total this week.

Cowboys at Saints under 54
It's hard to find a spot to take an under in a Saints game at home but this could be it. For the Cowboys to stay in this one they need to establish the run early. The Saints are a team that has been riddled with injuries for a while and like the Colts they just find ways to win. The Saints give up 140 yds per game on the ground and have D Line and LB issues. This is a great opportunity to keep it on the ground and the ball out of Brees' hands. The Saints OL is also hurting and we may see some pressure up the middle from Dallas stud DT Jay Ratliff as Brees likes to step up in the pocket. This could force a few punts or hold the Saints to a FG or two. Just enough to keep it under.
Saints 27 Cowboys 23

Jets -6.5 vs Falcons
The Jets are still in the hunt for the playoffs and one game out of first place. The Falcons come into the Meadowlands and its freezing temperatures. They(Atl) are also 1-5 on the road this year and are on a two game skid. Those last two losses virtually wiped out any hopes they may have had for making the playoffs. I expect the Jets to bring a lot of pressure on Matt Ryan (if he starts) and force them into 3rd and long all day. Some defensive turnovers and a solid ground game by Thomas Jones should put this one out of reach.
Jets 24 Falcons 13

Seahawks vs Buccaneers
This is a tale of two teams. The Hawks at home are a respectable 4-2, on the road an awful 1-6. The Bucs are also a terrible road team (0-6). Last week I loved the Texans over Seattle in blowout fashion and it got there. This week I like Seattle to do the same to Tampa. That's just how this league works. This is about the longest road trip a team can make. Tampa will be playing a cold, wet and loud road game. Not a good sign for a team who hasn't won a road game this year. Tampa has quite a few injuries while Seattle is pretty healthy for this time of year. The Seahawks should have no problem handling this team from start to finish.
Seahawks 28 Buccaneers 6