NFL Picks Week 16: Steelers Are Huge Favorites Over Panthers

The Texans are one of those teams where you look at their record -- 5-9 -- and then you look at their offense and wonder how they’ve only won five games. Then you look at their defense and it all makes sense. It seems that an average Texans game this year is to get down by 2-3 touchdowns, race back in the fourth quarter and fall short.

The Broncos are having an even more miserable season despite some talent on offense. On Sunday they’ll turn to Tim Tebow after deciding to sit Orton the rest of the season. This game will give Tebow an opportunity to put up big numbers because the Texans pass defense is among the worst in the NFL.

The Bears are the third ranked defense in the NFL and they’re solid all the way around. They’ll first look to shut down the Jets rushing attack and put the pressure on Sanchez to beat them. With a young quarterback vs. a very good defense, I’m taking the defense.

The Bears are two point favorites depending where you look and I’ll stick with that. The Bears will win this one at home.

OK, that’s a lie. The Steelers have wrapped up a playoff spot and they’re only playing for the NFC North title. The Panthers aren’t talking playoffs -- they’re talking 2011 NFL draft -- because they’re on track to receive the No. 1 pick in the draft with just a 2-12 record this year.

It’s too bad the NFL doesn’t flex Thursday Night Football games because this one would be a candidate. The Steelers are a whopping 15 point favorites over the Panthers in a game that should be a snoozer.