NFL Picks, Week 16: 49ers face huge road battle as slightest of favorites

Week 16 is upon us, and even though we don't have Thursday Night Football tonight, I thought I'd still roll out my weekly picks for you this morning. The final two weeks of the NFL regular season feature a slightly different schedule than the previous 14 weeks. This week, the Falcons and Lions start things off on Saturday Night Football, and the 49ers and Seahawks wrap the week up on Sunday Night Football. Next week, we will see a Week 17 schedule composed entirely of Sunday games at 10:00 a.m. and 1:05/1:25 p.m.

The 49ers head up to Seattle as one point favorites in what could prove to be quite the dog-fight. The last three 49ers-Seahawks games have all been tough ones. In Week 7, the 49ers edged out the Seahawks 13-6, thanks primarily to a huge effort from Frank Gore. Last season, the two teams met in Week 16 up in Seattle, and the 49ers pulled out a tough, physical 19-17 win in that one. Prior to that, the 49ers defeated the Seahawks 33-17 in the 2011 season opener. While the 49ers won by 16, the game was much closer before Ted Ginn Jr. busted it open with a kick return for a touchdown, followed by a punt return for a touchdown.

I don't know if that means we can expect another tight one, but given the recent history, and given how both teams are playing, I suspect this will be a tough one. The 49ers are one point favorites, so yes, I do think they can cover that. But I do expect a close, tough contest on Sunday evening.

Falcons (-4.5) @ Lions: Falcons cover

Raiders @ Panthers (-9): Panthers cover

Saints @ Cowboys (-3): Cowboys cover

Titans @ Packers (-13): Titans cover, Packers win

Vikings @ Texans (-9): Texans cover

Patriots (-14.5) @ Jaguars: Patriots cover

Colts (-7) @ Chiefs: Colts cover

Bills @ Dolphins (-4.5): Dolphins cover

Redskins (-6) @ Eagles: Redskins cover

Bengals @ Steelers (-4): Bengals win outright

Rams @ Buccaneers (-3): Bucs cover

Chargers @ Jets (-1): Chargers win outright

Browns @ Broncos (-13): Broncos cover

Bears (-5.5) @ Cardinals: Cardinals win outright

Giants (-3) @ Ravens: Ravens win outright

49ers (-1) @ Seahawks: 49ers cover

Overall Record
Versus the spread: 104-97-5
Overall: 139-69-1