NFL preview: Playoff picture sharpens up in penultimate week

The NFL regular season is drawing to a close, with teams starting to wrap up their playoff status. With plenty to play for in an expanded postseason, teams on the bubble will be looking to make statement wins to keep their Super Bowl hopes alive.

We preview some of the most exciting Week 16 fixtures below.

Miami @ Tennessee

After losing seven straight, the Miami Dolphins are, remarkably, one of the hottest teams in football. They’ve won seven in a row and sit just one win behind the Bills and Patriots in the AFC East. This remarkable turnaround has seen them get a real shot at making the playoffs, but the Titans stand in their way this week. Tennessee is 10-5 and a win at home will confirm their division title, regardless of what the Colts do. The Titans have had to battle injuries this season but will be hopeful of another long post-season run.

The Dolphins are 31/20 to leave the Volunteer State with a valuable win, while the Titans are 4/7 to get the home result, while the handicap is 3.5. The Titans could be too strong for Miami, with Tennessee -3.5 available at 20/21.

Kansas City @ Cincinnati

Patrick Mahomes comes alive in December, while Joe Burrow has just had one of the greatest regular season games by a quarterback in NFL history. It should be a dazzling aerial display as the Chiefs and Bengals face off. Both teams sit atop their divisions, with Kansas City winning eight straight as they generate plenty of playoff momentum. The Bengals have impressively grown this season, demolishing the Ravens last week to take a giant step towards meaningful January football.

KC are 20/43 favourites, while the hosts Cincinnati are 37/20 for a home win. The handicap sits at 5. In this fixture we can expect plenty of big time throws and points, with the over/under available at 51. What should be a prime-time matchup, take the overs at 10/11 and watch two young stud QBs shoot it out.

Arizona @ Dallas

The Cowboys have won the NFC East, while the Cardinals are wobbling at the worst time, losing three straight and releasing their stranglehold atop the NFC West. The Cowboys are playing good, balanced football with a defence that is adept at getting turnovers, while Arizona has struggled with injuries to key players which has severely hampered its momentum.

Dallas is just 2/5 to win at home, with the Cardinals 21/10 to head west with a vital win. It’s impossible to know if we will see the early season Cards or the one of the last few weeks, but if they don’t turn things around quickly a season of much promise may fizzle out early. The handicap is six, with the over/under at 51. With Dallas looking to build on its impressive season so far, look for the Cowboys to cover the spread at 10/11.