It's time for a serious bounce back week with my free week 16 NFL picks. Last weekend was not by best ever, but you know what, when you make expert NFL picks at an 80% success rate throughout November, you're bound to have an off week here and there. So it goes. But with only two weeks left in the season it's time to get serious here and provide some great, winning analysis so you can win your office pool or just make a killing against the spread on some bets. Whatever you need 'em for, here are my free NFL picks for week 16.

Free Week 16 NFL Picks

San Diego Chargers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Bucs favored by 3

The Chargers love the role of the team that can ruin another team's chances, upsetting the odds and getting a moral victory. And they have all of the talent in the world to do just that. But the Buccaneers are a talented team themselves, and they have an underrated defense that has to be ready to step up after another close loss within the division. Plus, the Bucs are at home, where not just the sun, but the team, shines. (That was lame, apologies). Tampa will beat the spread at home and help secure themselves a playoff spot.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Redskins - Eagles favored by 3.5

The Redskins are officially out of the playoffs after an embarrassing loss to the Bengals. But I don't think this will be an easy game, despite how hot the Eagles are. They are hated divisional rivals and the Redskins are playing for pride. A team playing for pride is always a tough out, but I think their pride will be hurt a bit more as Brian Westbrook gets the ball 30 times and racks up another 150 all purpose yards out of the backfield. Eagles beat the spread on the road.

Atlanta Falcons @ Minnesota Vikings - Vikings favored by 3

The Atlanta Falcons need to win this game if they want to make the playoffs. The Vikings would really like to win this game, but it's not as crucial. Plus they could be missing a few key defensive guys, so Michael Turner should be able to find some space, which should open things up for Matt Ryan in turn. The Falcons are going to get the upset win on the road and stay alive in the NFC playoff race.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Tennessee Titans - Titans favored by 1

Both teams have a lot to play for here. The Steelers want to try to wrangle the number 1 seed away and the Titans need to prove to the world - and to themselves - that they are truly a top team in the league. That's why this is such a hard call here in my free week 16 NFL picks. I think it's make or break for the Titans. A loss here and they lose their number 1 seed and any remaining confidence that they are a top team. The Steelers still have a lot to hang their hats on and could be emotionally drained after the big win over the Ravens, aided in part by the referees. The Titans gut one out at home.

All of these point spreads are from the Bodog Sportsbook. If you didn't know, Bodog is the spot to Bet on the NFL, and you can get a 10% bonus just for signing up today, even though it's late in the season. So it's never too late to start betting on the NFL for keeps! You can also check out their live scorecards, and a full listing of every point spread in the NFL, every week.

Baltimore Ravens @ Dallas Cowboys - Cowboys favored by 4.5

If the Ravens lose this game, their playoff chances might be loss with it. The Cowboys looked great against the Giants, but will they believe the hype too much? Going in their favor is the closing of Texas Stadium, and it's sure to be raucous. But I think the Cowboys are going to learn firsthand what a real vicious defense looks like when the Ravens come to town. I like the Ravens to shut down Romo and Marion Barber and put up enough points to pull out the game. Ravens on the road in an upset win, to keep themselves in the playoffs. They are too good to be on the outside looking in come January, and the leaders on that defense won't let it happen.

Carolina Panthers @ New York Giants - Giants favored by 3

As you can see in my week 16 NFL power rankings, I clearly feel that as of right now, today, the Panthers are the better team than the Giants. Their offense has more weapons, is healthier and is clicking at the right team. And the defense has some legitimate playmakers. But can I envision the Giants losing 3 games in a row? Actually, as a lifelong Giants fan I can easily envision that. This pick hinges on Brandon Jacobs, if Jacobs plays, the Giants win the game and beat the spread as the swirling winds ground Steve Smith (Panthers) and Jake Delhomme. No Brandon Jacobs = no number 1 seed for the G-Men and the Panthers control the clock and the outcome.

Wow, a lot of really hard games to call this weekend. We'll certainly know a lot more about these teams and about the playoff races as next week comes about. Both of the number 1 seeds can flip flop and lose a spot in a game directly against the number 2 seed. And many other teams - the Ravens, the Cowboys, the Falcons, the Buccaneers, and more - are fighting in meaningful games for a chance to play January football. Use these expertly chosen, free week 16 NFL picks wisely my friends, a lot is on the line!