NFL Week 16 Player Props and Predictions: The race for MVP is heating up
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New Orleans Saints at L.A. Rams: Walk with Williams
After a terrible 3-6 start to the season, L.A.’s offence has the team within striking distance of clinching a wild-card spot. The Rams have won four of their last five games and they are averaging over 30 points per game in their last four contests. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has clearly been a big part of that success, but running back Kyren Williams deserves at least as much credit, especially after posting 152 rushing yards and a touchdown in last week’s win against Washington. Williams is making the most of his opportunity as L.A.’s featured back, finishing with at least 100 rushing yards and 20 carries in five of his last seven games.
NFL Week 16 Prediction: Kyren Williams Over 88.5 rushing yards (-110); Kyren Williams Over 19.5 rushing attempts (+100)
Buffalo Bills at L.A. Chargers: Bills are cooking
Buffalo would be on the outside looking in if the playoffs started today, but they’re starting to surge after beating Kansas City and Dallas in their last two games. New offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who took over after Ken Dorsey was fired following a Week 10 loss against the Broncos, has relied on the run-game. While quarterback Josh Allen managed just 94 passing yards against Dallas, the Bills put up 266 rushing yards as a team, with James Cook accounting for 179 rushing yards and two total TDs. Cook is averaging 141 scrimmage yards per game under Brady and that success should continue as Buffalo looks to lock down a playoff spot.
NFL Week 16 Prediction: James Cook Over 68.5 rushing yards (-115)
New England Patriots at Denver Broncos: The Pats are zapped of offence
The New England Patriots have one of the worst offences in the NFL and Bailey Zappe is not the answer, especially against a desperate Broncos team that badly needs a win in Week 16. With Mac Jones benched again last week, Zappe started for the third straight game, finishing with 180 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. Zappe is averaging 187 passing yards over the three games he’s started, but that number will likely drop this week. The Broncos have the worst rushing defence in the NFL, allowing 149.6 yards per game, so the Pats are probably better off taking Zappe out of the equation by handing the ball to running back Ezekiel Elliott.
NFL Week 16 Prediction: Bailey Zappe Under 181.5 passing yards (-115)
Baltimore Ravens at San Francisco 49ers: Star power in San Fran
This games features the top three MVP candidates in quarterbacks Brock Purdy and Lamar Jackson as well as running back Christian McCaffrey. Purdy leads most major passing categories heading into Week 16, but you can’t overlook his teammate McCaffrey, who leads the NFL in rushing yards (1,292) and is tied with Miami’s Raheem Mostert for most total TDs (20). McCaffrey is averaging over 92 rushing yards per game and he’s topped 90 yards in four straight contests and five of his last six.
NFL Week 16 Prediction: Christian McCaffrey Over 81.5 rushing yards (-115)
