Broncos at Rams: Week 16 Bold Predictions & Picks

What does Russell Wilson's return mean for the Denver Broncos on Christmas Day?

Entering Week 16, the Denver Broncos have naught to play for but pride. And obligation. 

The Broncos eliminated themselves from playoff contention in Week 14, and now many fans wonder what reason there is to continue watching the games, especially one on Christmas Day at the Los Angeles Rams — a similarly lackluster 4-10 football team. 

We'll leave that up to fans to decide, but Mile High Huddle will absolutely be watching on Christmas. Russell Wilson returns to the starting lineup, and we need to see how he punctuates what's been a disappointing Year 1 in Denver. 

Plus, Nathaniel Hackett is coaching for his job, which adds a high-stakes element to Sunday's proceedings. How will Broncos-Rams shake out? 

Let's go around the MHH table to see whether our staff foresees this one as a nice Christmas bonus or yet another lump of coal. 

James Campbell (@JamesC_MHH) 8-6: Emotions will be running high for Denver with the untimely passing of Ronnie Hillman. The Broncos play hard for the departed Super Bowl 50 hero and grind out a tougher-than-expected win against a depleted Rams squad with their backup QB. Wilson looks good in his return as the Broncos aim to end the season on a high and give fans a Merry Christmas. The defense also gets presents from Baker Mayfield to seal the win.

Pick: Broncos 24, Rams 13

Keith Cummings (@KeithC_NFL) 7-7: This isn't exactly the lovely Christmas treat many fans had imagined when the schedule got released many months ago. Nevertheless, some holiday season football will pit two teams against each other that are ruing a lost season replete with unfortunate injuries. The difference in this one will be a fit again Wilson going off for three touchdowns. Some hope for next season is kindled, at least. Merry Christmas, Broncos Country.

Pick: Broncos 28, Rams 10

Mike Evans (@MHHEvans) 7-7: In the battle of two evenly-matched teams, the winner will be determined by which defense creates the most turnovers. Look for the Broncos to assert themselves by keeping Mayfield under constant pressure.

Pick: Broncos 24, Rams 14

Brennan Grose (@BrennanGrose1) 7-7: The Broncos' offense is on fire right now, based on their season-long standard, scoring 24 and 28 points in their last two games. The Rams are arguably an even bigger disappointment this season than Denver, and with Matthew Stafford still sidelined and Wilson back, this could be the Broncos' first opportunity to get some momentum this season.

Pick: Broncos 21, Rams 17

Thomas Hall (@ThomasHallNFL) 8-6: Broncos-Rams is a game that few will care to watch on Christmas Day. Both teams are out of the playoff race and only playing for pride. Neither offense can score points, but only one defense has consistently stopped its opponent from scoring. That will be the difference as the Broncos pull off the Christmas miracle by winning back-to-back games.

Pick: Broncos 23, Rams 17

Chad Jensen (@ChadNJensen) 7-7: Yay, back to .500. For the universe to ultimately correct the off-kilter situation in Denver, a Christmas loss in L.A. might be required. But that's not going to happen, which will further muddy the outlook of beleaguered head coach Nathaniel Hackett. Wilson's return only sparks the Broncos' momentum as the defense smothers Mayfield, and Latavius Murray chugs out another 100-yard rushing day. Patrick Surtain II bolsters his All-Pro bid by providing another signature performance in a Broncos victory. 

Pick: Broncos 24, Rams 13

Zack Kelberman (@KelbermanNFL) 9-5: Coming off a rare victory, the Broncos appear to be gaining December momentum — too little, too late, as it may be. If they keep that energy, the Broncos should dispatch Mayfield and the wayward Rams, who’ve long given up on the season. Whether that’s a Christmas Day gift or a lump of coal (as Hackett’s job security goes), I’ll leave for you to decide. 

Pick: Broncos 22, Rams 19

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Nick Kendell (@NickKendellMHH) 8-6: In an event that will be the Nickelodeon 'Slime Game,' perhaps parents should keep their children from watching this game with two poor teams. However, while the Broncos are bad, the Rams might be worse. With Wilson back and Aaron Donald ruled out, expect the Broncos to lean on their advantages in the trenches and emerge from Christmas with a win. 

Pick: Broncos 20, Rams 17

Bob Morris (@BobMorrisSports) 6-8: At the start of the season, the Broncos and Rams both had playoff hopes, but they never came to pass, between injuries, poor offensive play, and a defense that couldn't carry the load. The outcome of this game could be affected by Donald's absence. The Broncos should manage a win with Donald being ruled out, though it may be their last of the season.

Pick: Broncos 16, Rams 10

Luke Patterson (@LukePattersonLP) 7-7: The Broncos have won just one game on the road this season, and it wasn’t even on U.S. Soil. The Broncos have a losing record at home, and a putrid offensive line that could seriously get Wilson banged up in L.A. The Rams are a bad team but aren’t pathetically coached like Denver’s continued farce in leadership. Not even Santa Claus himself could gift the Broncos a victory this week.

Pick: Rams 24, Broncos 16

Lance Sanderson (@SandersonMHH) 3-11: All we want for Christmas is a Broncos win, and this week, they grind one out. The only other team in the NFL that's close to as banged up as the Broncos is the Rams, and they are without their starting QB. Denver's defense is gonna have a field day against another backup QB, and Wilson has a solid showing offensively to get the Broncos to five wins.

Pick: Broncos 23, Rams 16

Erick Trickel (@ErickTrickel) 4-10: This Christmas day matchup is a battle of two terrible offenses. However, Denver has got things clicking over its last two games, and the Rams, despite their talent on defense, are struggling there. Denver manages to win its fifth game of the season by beating the Rams, thanks to a somewhat efficient offense but mainly due to a strong defense that thrives by netting multiple takeaways and even its own score.

Pick: Broncos 23, Rams 12

Dylan Von Arx (@arx_d) 6-8: Denver is invigorated coming off a convincing win against the Cardinals and has the chance to knock off another NFC West team in the disappointing Rams. While Mayfield being in L.A. makes the headlines, the Denver defense will remind fans why he was on the street in the first place. A strong defense paired with an efficient run game will be more than enough to topple the reigning champs.

Pick: Broncos 24, Rams 13

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