Week 16 of the NFL season promises to bring some surprises.

This Sunday features fewer high-profile games than usual, as the league shifts focus to two important matchups on Saturday: the Houston Texans facing the Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers squaring off against the Baltimore Ravens. These games will take place simultaneously with the first round of the College Football Playoff. Additionally, these same four teams will clash again on Christmas for two uncommon midweek matchups. NFL fans should mark their calendars for the upcoming weeks as the playoff race heats up.

Here are some daring predictions for NFL Week 16:

Mike Evans to Shine Against the Cowboys

Predicting that Bucs star receiver Mike Evans will perform well at AT&T Stadium isn’t too audacious. The Cowboys have conceded the third-highest points in the league (380), averaging 33.4 points per game at home this season. The last prominent wide receiver to play against them, Ja’Marr Chase from Cincinnati, had a remarkable night in Week 14 with 14 catches, 177 yards, and two touchdowns, including a game-winning 40-yard touchdown. Compounding matters for the Dallas defense is the loss of cornerback Trevon Diggs, who is out for the season due to knee surgery. Tampa Bay (8-6) is eager to secure a win to maintain their lead in the NFC South, while quarterback Baker Mayfield is determined to assist Evans in achieving his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard season—Evans needs just 251 yards to reach that milestone despite missing three games with a hamstring issue. Expect Evans to have at least 100 yards and two touchdowns this Sunday. Last week, the Bucs faced a Chargers defense ranked among the best in points allowed and still managed to score 40 points, with Evans contributing a season-high 159 yards and two touchdowns. Now they’ll be at a venue that has proven hospitable to visiting players. Prepare for an exciting game.

– Jarrett Bell

Lamar Jackson’s Four Touchdowns Fuel MVP Discussions

The Steelers have often challenged Lamar Jackson, as he holds a career record of 2-5 against them. However, he is set to change that trend at home on Saturday. Jackson has accumulated 3,580 passing yards, 34 touchdown passes, and just three interceptions this season, along with 743 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Expect him to throw for three touchdowns and rush for another in a decisive Ravens victory, solidifying his legacy as the first player in NFL history to achieve at least 35 touchdown passes with three or fewer interceptions in the initial 15 games of a season. Furthermore, he will become the first player ever to accumulate at least 40 total touchdowns (passing and rushing) while maintaining three or fewer interceptions in their first 15 games.

This impressive performance will spark more MVP conversations surrounding Jackson after Sunday’s game in Baltimore.

– Tyler Dragon

Patrick Mahomes to Be Sacked Once or Less Against Texans

Houston Texans defensive tackle Tim Settle stirred up some pre-game talk by noting the potential challenges posed by the Chiefs’ offensive line struggles and Patrick Mahomes’ ankle injury, quipping, “Pat better make good decisions. I ain’t making no threats, I’m making promises.” Provoking a two-time NFL MVP may not be wise, considering Mahomes’ ability to change the course of a game with a single play. Despite taking a career-high 35 sacks this season in just 14 games, Mahomes must remain quick with the ball to avoid pressure from the Texans’ formidable defensive duo of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, who have racked up 22 and a half sacks together.

Avoiding the league’s top pass rushers is no simple task, especially for a player who has been sacked in 11 games this season and will be without left tackle D.J. Humphries due to an injury. However, with Marquise “Hollywood” Brown returning from injury, Mahomes may benefit from quicker plays in the short to intermediate game. Anticipate the Chiefs and their star quarterback to play it safe while aiming for another top seed in the AFC playoffs.

– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz