2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 16

Los Angeles Rams (9-4) at Minnesota Vikings (7-7)

Sunday, December 26, 1PM ET

At this point, it’s looking like much of the NFC playoffs could go through the NFC West. While the Cardinals are on the decline, the Los Angeles Rams are still playing good football. A win against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16 could cement their status as a top contender in the conference.

Unfortunately, though, it’s not that simple. The Rams have struggled to show up on a weekly basis this season, and the Vikings have done the same. It’s like a roll of the dice when it comes to determining whether a competent squad shows up for either of these franchises on Sunday.

Ultimately, I see the Rams reigning supreme in this NFC battle. They’ve got the superior offense with Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp leading the charge against an often-exploited Minnesota secondary. Los Angeles figures to score on most of their drives, which is going to put too much pressure on Kirk Cousins to produce points.

With all of that said, the Vikings almost always win when I pick against them so anything is possible. Despite my biases as a Minnesota fan, I’m thinking the Rams get the win here as Aaron Donald causes too much chaos for the Vikings front five and the results keep them from finding their way into the end zone often enough.

Prediction: Rams win 27-23 | Spread: Rams (-2.5)