Last week, key losses by the Titans, Giants and, inexplicably, the Packers were the major contributors in the elimination of over 42% of remaining Survivor pool members. This resulted in the completion of many of our larger pools, as most smaller ones had finished weeks earlier.

As most of you know, I avoid divisional matchups in Eliminator pools, whenever feasible. Well, for Week 16, there are only six games that aren't a divisional matchup. That makes a difficult late season pick, due to a lack of teams to choose from, even tougher.

Attractive Picks for Week 16

Carolina (vs. Tampa Bay) - The Panthers put a serious thumping on the Bucs in Tampa Bay a few weeks back. Since Tampa Bay has fallen off the proverbial cliff and this game is in Carolina, we should expect more of the same, right? Unfortunately, it's never that easy in the NFL. Let's not forget that the Panthers are 5-9. However, these two teams are headed in opposite directions and I'll side with the Panthers who have won three of their last four.

Pittsburgh (vs. St. Louis) - There is not really much to say here. The Steelers are coming off a HUGELY disappointing loss and need this game for better playoff positioning. If you still have the Steelers available, then kudos to you. Does anyone really see the Rams coming into Heinz field and pulling off this upset? Me neither.

Tennessee (vs. Jacksonville) - After an embarassing loss to the Colts last week, this is a critical game for the Titans to have any playoff shot at all. If Hasselbeck plays (and he should), the Titans are clearly the better team here. However, we can't discount the fact that this is a divisional game and that we just saw Tennessee lose to a winless team. However, I think they'll bounce back and beat the hapless Jags.

Picks to Avoid in Week 16

Baltimore (vs. Cleveland) - I'm guessing most people don't have the Ravens remaining. If you do, they are certainly worth considering. I know they are 7-0 at home and the Browns are terrible. However, this Ravens team has had a penchant for underachieving all year and if I have other options available. I'm avoiding the Raven rollercoaster.

Houston (@ Indianapolis) - Similar to my suggestion to avoid Tennessee last week, I'm going with my gut again on this one. Houston is a better team than Indy, but is likely to miss Andre Johnson again this week. This time of year, it all depends on your remaining options, of course. Houston should win, but I'm not risking it unless I have to.

Washington (vs. Minnesota) - TRAP GAME! Coming off a big win against the Giants last week, the Redskins have to play division rival Philly to finish up the season next week. This is the very definition of a trap game. Grossman has been playing much better and avoided his turnover tendencies, but we've seen them return at the worst times. Steer clear.

My Week 16 Pick

Obviously, if I had the Steelers still available, I'd be going with them. Choosing between Tennessee and Carolina, though, I'm going with the Panthers. In their previous matchups this year, the Panthers handily beat the Bucs while the Titans lost to Jacksonville in week 1. It's never easy picking a 5-9 team, but this time of year it's often a necessity in your Survivor pool.

Have a happy and safe holiday weekend ... and good luck!

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