NFL Week 16 picks straight up and against spread: Much on line for Ravens, Steelers

Whether or not injured QB Patrick Mahomes plays, if the Kansas City Chiefs take down the AFC South champion Houston Texans, the reigning champions would (at minimum) be one win – or Buffalo Bills loss – away from locking up home-field advantage and a first-round bye in the postseason. Saturday’s late-afternoon window serves up an even more compelling matchup, when the Pittsburgh Steelers could either claim the AFC North by beating the Ravens in Baltimore for the fifth straight season or find themselves in a virtual dead heat with their archrivals if Lamar Jackson and Co. finally crack the code.

Sunday’s major implications will cut across the schedule – particularly as the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles try to keep pace in the race for the NFC’s No. 1 seed, though Philly can also wrap up the NFC East by sweeping the Washington Commanders. The Green Bay Packers can clinch their own playoff berth Monday night – if not before with help.

Here’s how USA TODAY Sports’ panel of NFL experts foresee the immediate football future:

(Odds provided by BetMGM)