Week 16 Roundtable: the numberFire Experts' NFL Predictions
Each week, the great minds behind numberFire will give you some answers to the big questions of the weekend. This week, Michael has no confidence in his Giants, everyone is split on the NFC West showdown, and some love for Dexter McCluster as a sleeper.
Game of the Week Pick: 49ers at Seahawks. Who wins the NFC West Showdown?
Keith Goldner, Chief Analyst: Hate to pick against the spread, but I'm going with the Niners. Seahawks need to regress after back-to-back 50+ point games. Those blowouts may have over-bolstered the Seahawks efficiency numbers, even after adjusting for opponents.
Michael Worthington, CTO: Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch both go into Beast Mode and shake up the 49ers.
Sean Weinstock, COO: Pff. Niners. I'm feeling very solid about my going against every single ESPN commentator last week and picking the Niners over the Pats. Keep the drive alive!
Zach Warren, Editor: I believe in the power of the 12th Man. I believe in Russell Wilson. I believe in this game ultimately meaning nothing, but at least Seattle will make it interesting. Give me the Seahawks.
GotW Records: Sean: 8-5, Keith: 8-6, Nik: 7-7, Michael and Zach: 5-7.
Which game this week is your upset special?
Keith: Sorry Zach, I'm taking the New Orleans Pelicans...err, Saints over the Cowboys to ruin the Dallas' playoff hopes.
Michael: Like I said last week, if AP wants to win, then Minnesota will win.
Sean: New Orleans over Dallas. Gotta pull one more win out of the terrible season in New Orleans.
Zach: I had to double-check to make sure the Bengals (+3) line was correct. It's now +4. Well OK then. Cincy for me it is. Sorry Nik.
Upset Special Records: Keith: 7-7, Michael: 5-7, Sean: 5-8, Zach: 4-8, Nik: 4-10
Let's hear it two weeks out: who will be the six teams in the playoffs in the NFC?
Keith: NFC East: Washington, Wildcard: Giants (they take down Chicago based on common games tiebreaker).
Michael: Green Bay, Atlanta, San Fran, Washington, Seattle, and Minnesota.
Sean: LET'S GO SKINS! Atlanta, SF, GB, Washington, Seattle, and NYG.
Zach: The NFC East will be Dallas by virtue of going 2-0. (I can dream, right?) And I'll take the Giants to win out and snag the Wild Card, setting up a rematch of the NFC Championship Game from last year.
Who are you picking for a survivor pool this week?
Keith: I've used Green Bay and Denver so I'm going with Carolina over Oakland.
Michael: St. Louis.
Sean: Green Bay. Easy.
Zach: Give me them Redskins over the Eagles. Don't think I've used them yet.
Survivor Records: Michael: 9-3, Keith: 10-4, Sean: 9-4, Nik: 9-5, Zach: 8-4 .
Who will be the best currently under-the-radar fantasy player this week?
Keith: Does Vick Ballard count? If so him, he's being started in less than 40 percent of leagues and should go off vs KC. Otherwise, I'll go with Dexter McCluster vs IND.
Michael: A pick of mine from earlier this season is still putting up consistent numbers: Rod Streater
Sean: Tony Romo.
Zach: I really don't like anybody this week. If I had to pick one, I guess I'm taking Dexter McCluster for the second straight week, this time against a terrible Colts defense.
Week 15's top under-the-radar pick: Nailing the No. 1 overall player from last week as a sleeper? In Russell Wilson, Keith may just have chosen the single-best sleeper of the year.
