NFL Week 16 schedule: 5 teams on upset alert

Looking at the NFL Week 16 schedule, these five teams should be worried about a potential upset with playoff implications on the line.

5. San Francisco 49ers (-6.5) vs. Washington Commanders

This is about desperation. The 49ers are already NFC West champs, having clinched that title against the Seattle Seahawks last Thursday. For the Niners, the only thing they’re playing for is seeding, and whether they get the No. 2 or 3 spot in the NFC playoffs. For Washington, it’s a much different situation. The Commanders are 7-6-1 and might need to run the table to get into the playoffs. Look for Ron Rivera’s group to be very hungry, and throw out any and all looks.

4. Baltimore Ravens (-6.5) vs. Atlanta Falcons

Why not? The Ravens were held to three points against the Cleveland Browns, who have one of the leagues west defenses. They’re still without star quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is dealing with a knee injury. With Tyler Huntley under center, Baltimore doesn’t have any explosiveness. It’s also without a slew of defensive starters, and while Atlanta isn’t good, it’s well-coached and could steal a game in Charm City.

3. Dallas Cowboys (-4.5) vs. Philadelphia Eagles

The Cowboys are getting a break here. Jalen Hurts won’t be starting for Philadelphia as he recovers from a sprained shoulder, which means Gardner Minshew. However, Minshew is one oof the better backup quarterbacks in the league and is more than capable of winning with an elite roster around him. Meanwhile, Dallas knows it is essentially locked into the No. 5 seed. How much motivation will we see?

2. Miami Dolphins (-4) vs. Green Bay Packers

This is a fascinating game on a Christmas slate with three tilts — two of which are awful. Miami has lost three straight and desperately needs to win. Green Bay knows its only hope of getting into the postseason is winning out to reach 9-8. Aaron Rodgers and Tua Tagovailoa will likely be throwing plenty in the warm weather of south Florida. Expect plenty of points.

1. Buffalo Bills (-8) at Chicago Bears

With the wind chill, the weather forecast in Chicago is calling for moments of -40 degrees. Regardless of where a team hails from, those are devastating conditions. The Bills are obviously a much better team having won five straight, while the Bears have lost six straight. Yet Buffalo doesn’t blow teams out lately, and Chicago is in every game. Expect this to be tight, giving the Bears a chance to win if the Bills make a critical error.