Week 16 NFC East predictions: 'Tis the season of losing

If not Rodgers, Trevor Siemian could get the start after taking over for Zach Wilson, who suffered a concussion in Miami. Siemian went 14-26 for 110 yards and a pair of interceptions against the Dolphins, so the Jets are hoping Wilson can get through the protocol.                           

Sunday’s matchup will be the Jets last home game of the 2023 season. That and a couple of sacks should be enough to get New York the win.

PREDICTION: Jets 16-14

Dallas Cowboys (10-4) at Miami Dolphins (10-4): The Cowboys five-game win streak came to an end with a 31-10 loss to the Bills last week, giving them a road record of 2-4 in 2023. That doesn’t bode well for their upcoming trip to Miami. 

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa looked more efficient than ever completing 87.5% of his passes last week, while Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott struggled to throw for 134 yards with an interception and no touchdowns against the Bills.

More importantly, the Cowboys gave up 266 yards rushing to Buffalo, 179 of them to James Cook, who used the performance to leapfrog Miami’s Raheem Mostert and become the league’s second-leading rusher.

Given last week’s performance, Dallas should expect to see a heavy dose of Mostert and sensational rookie running back De’Von Achane. With wide receivers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Miami may have the best passing game in the league, but only four teams have rushed for more yards (1,955) this year.

Luckily for Dallas, Philadelphia’s loss to Seattle on Monday night will keep the Cowboys atop the NFC East for at least another week. But the Cowboys’ road woes are significant and won’t get any better at Hard Rock Stadium.

PREDICTION: Dolphins 32-27

New York Giants (5-9) at Philadelphia Eagles (10-4): Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts was a bit under the weather on Monday night, but made Eagles fans sick by going 17-for-31 for 143 yards with two interceptions against Seattle. Of course, Hurts had nothing to do with the team letting Drew Lock lead the Seahawks on a game winning drive with 1:52 remaining, but the team still needs better play from their franchise quarterback.

Statistically, the Giants’ Tommy DeVito had a better game than Hurts last week, but not good enough to beat the Saints and extend New York’s three-game winning streak. The Giants passing game remains the NFL’s worst but should have more success against Philadelphia's 28th-ranked pass defense. 

Luckily for Philadelphia, the Giants pass-catchers aren’t nearly as talented as Seattle’s. Darius Slayton leads New York with 512 yards, which ranks 69th among NFL receivers. Factor in an angry home crowd and the Eagles should be highly motivated to win the game and take back control of the NFC East.

PREDICTION: Eagles 31-14