A big part of handicapping the final weeks of the NFL season is identifying which teams need to win and those that do not. We used this rationale last week with an Oddsmaker Mismatch play on Minnesota over Arizona, and were rewarded with a 35-14 win by the +3 Vikings! Often, the best teams in the league have their playoff position clinched by now (that’s not the case this year!) while the worst teams are simply playing out the string. Here is a guide to what you need to know for Week 16 of the NFL Betting Season. Note we are only taking a look at games with playoff implications.

Baltimore at Dallas – This is a special Saturday game. Both teams are 9-5 SU and need to win in order to keep their Wild Card hopes alive. Both actually control their own destiny, so if either wins out they are getting in. Cowboys are 6-1 SU and 4-3 ATS at home this year. Baltimore has lost three straight on the road ATS vs. NFC teams, but is 5-2 ATS overall on the road in 2008. They have played Dallas only twice all-time and won and covered both meetings, the last of which came in 2004.

Pittsburgh at Tennessee – This game is for homefield advantage in the AFC, although Pittsburgh would also have to win the following week at home vs. Cleveland (not asking much) to maintain that position. Titans have lost two of four and will be without Albert Haynesworth and Kyle Vanden Bosch. The Steelers defense ranks #1 across the board and has not allowed a single opponent to gain more than 300 yards of total offense in any game this year. Big news is that Pittsburgh is now favored. The underdog has covered nine straight in this H2H series.

Miami at Kansas City – If the Dolphins win out, they win the AFC East. The only problem is that they are 0-8 ATS when favored by more than field goal over the last three years. This is just the fourth time since 2004 that they will be favored on the road (1-2 ATS). Kansas City was out of the hunt two months ago.

Arizona at New England - By virtue of last week’s loss to the Vikings, the Cardinals are locked into the 4th seed in the NFC. It doesn’t matter if they lost out, they will host a Wild Card playoff game. New England actually does not control its own destiny, needing to win out and Baltimore to lose at least one time. This looks like a horrible spot for Arizona, as it will probably snow, WR Anquan Boldin may not play, and they have lost 17 of 18 non-division road games and 17 of 19 games in the Eastern Time Zone.

Philadelphia at Washington - Two teams heading in opposite directions. The Eagles need to win out and need either Atlanta or Tampa to lose once to get in. Washington has just been hideous down the stretch and is now out of it. Road team has won outright four straight times in this H2H Series. Under has cashed 11 of L15 meetings in Washington. Eagles are 11-2 ATS on the road seeking same season revenge.

Atlanta at Minnesota - Plenty of playoff implications here. Both control their own destiny with the Vikings trying to win the NFC North and the Falcons a Wild Card berth. Favorite has won and covered five straight times in this H2H series. Atlanta averages 10 PPG fewer on the road than at home.

Carolina at NY Giants – This is the Sunday Night game and is for homefield advantage in the NFC. The Panthers are in the same position Pittsburgh is in the AFC – win out and they are the #1 seed. Panthers are 26-12 ATS as a road dog under John Fox.

NY Jets at Seattle - Jets control their own destiny in the AFC East, but have been terrible out West this year, including outright losses as road chalk to both Oakland and San Francisco. They were also clobbered by San Diego. The money is actually coming in on Seattle, who is coming off a rare win. This is Mike Holmgren’s home finale with the Seahawks.

Buffalo at Denver - If the Broncos win, they clinch the AFC West. However, they are the only team in the NFL to have not covered a single home game this season.

San Diego at Tampa Bay - To make the playoffs, the Chargers must win out and have the Broncos lose out. Note that the two teams play in Week 17. Tampa is undefeated at home this year and 6-2-1 ATS vs. AFC teams at home. The Bucs must win out and have either Dallas or Atlanta lose once to qualify for the postseason.

Green Bay at Chicago - The Monday Nighter. The Bears are playing for their playoff lives and with revenge for an ugly 37-3 loss in Green Bay earlier in the year. Note that if Minnesota wins on Sunday and the Bears lose here, then Chicago is out.

The 2008 NFL betting season is here, and if you like winning NFL Football Picks, then Vegas Experts is your home for Sports Handicapping. The Vegas Experts have you covered with, free betting trends, free NFL picks, free College football picks and Guaranteed Winners all the way up until the 2009 BCS Title Game and Super Bowl XLIII.