NFL Network analysts will offer one audacious prediction before each week’s games in 2023 (see the whole Week 16 schedule).
Matt Okada
Only the Chargers, who came into the game with 11 or more victories, have Lamar Jackson defeated. That was during Week 16 of his rookie campaign. That is mostly because he has missed 11 games in December and January in his career. In any case, Jackson needs to get over this monkey in order to quell the remaining group of skeptics. I think Jackson blows up the 49ers in a very difficult game that might serve as a Super Bowl preview, racking up 300 total yards and three touchdowns to upset San Francisco and pass Brock Purdy in the MVP race.
Maurice Jones-Drew
Lions tight end Sam LaPorta shattered the team record for rookie receiving touchdowns in a season last week with three touchdowns in the team’s victory — and that’s just his total thus far. He raises his season total to 12 on Sunday against the Vikings by adding to it with a repeat performance.
Marcas Grant
There could be lots of fireworks between the Cowboys and Dolphins this week, as there are several exciting matchups. With each player having played well this season, the two signal-callers will be at the core of their matchup. This week, anticipate that to be the case once more. In a crucial game for both teams, Dak Prescott and Tua Tagovailoa will both lead their teams into the end zone several times, totaling eight touchdowns, whether by air or on the ground.
David Carr
The Jaguars have a tie for the fifth-fewest sacks in the NFL going into Week 16 (30). However, Josh Allen, a linebacker, has contributed significantly, recording 13.5 sacks and 26 quarterback hits, which is tied for sixth place in the league. Allen increases that total with three sacks of Baker Mayfield on Sunday. By the way, Jacksonville is 5-1 in games when the club has at least three sacks this season; it appears that three sacks is the magic number.
Joel Smyth
On Christmas Day, A.J. Brown is going to be the best overall fantasy play. The Giants are not positioned for what they refer to as success; Brown finds himself in a position to recover against a club that allows the most yards after catch to wide receivers while running the second-most man coverage in the NFL. Brown has the greatest first-read target share in the NFL and is the WR1 against man in terms of fantasy points, targets, and yards after catch. Brown’s alignment across the struggling Giants cornerbacks will result in a fair amount being thrown their way.
Marc Ross
When a moveable object and a stoppable force collide, what happens? When the Jets’ league-worst offensive (ranked 32nd in yards and scoring) takes on the Commanders’ league-worst defense (ranked 32nd in scoring and yards allowed), we shall find out on Sunday. For just the second time this season, the Jets will score 30 points and 350 total yards in a home game to electrify the MetLife crowd.
