The Oakland Raiders lost a heart-breaker to the Detroit Lions in Week 15 and cost themselves a chance to move into a tie for first place in the AFC West and the last wild card spot. The Denver Broncos were pounded by the New England Patriots while the Jets took a beatdown at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Heading into Week 16, the Raiders remain a game back of the Broncos in the West, and the Jets and Bengals in the wild card. Additionally, they now find themselves tied with the Chargers and Titans at 7-7, with the Kansas City Chiefs a mere game back at 6-8. The Raiders travel to Kansas City to face the Chiefs after already losing to them in Oakland. A Chiefs win would probably put the final nail in the coffin of the Raiders season. More than likely KC wins this game, but the AFC West has proven that more than likely doesn't always go by the book.
Denver Broncos @ Buffalo Bills: The Bills are in a tailspin having lost seven straight games after starting the season 5-2. The Broncos could not come up with the magic against the Patriots, but they remain in firm position in the West. The Bills have not shown many signs of life and it will likely cost them again. PICK: Broncos
San Diego Chargers @ Detroit Lions: Can anybody pick against the Chargers in December? Somehow they flip the switch every winter and make some kind of run. The Lions are coming off a huge comeback against the Raiders, but they also played incredibly undisciplined football. The Chargers will not let them off the hook, even at Ford Field. PICK: Chargers
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans: The Titans have lost two straight, including a shocking loss at the hands of the previously winless Colts. The Titans either bounce back with a vengeance or the collapse is on. I think they bounce back at home. PICK: Titans
Arizona Cardinals @ Cincinnati Bengals: The Cardinals are one of the hottest teams in the league, having won six of their last seven. It is hard to tell how they do it at times, although John Skelton is prominently involved. Kevin Kolb is set to return this week and I think he will only further contribute to the QB controversy. PICK: Bengals
NY Giants @ NY Jets: The battle of the Meadowlands should be an interesting one with two teams desperately clinging to playoff opportunities. A Giants loss eliminates them from playoff contention, while a Jets loss leaves them in deep trouble. I think the more desperate Giants pull it out. PICK: Giants