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People all over the world have written lists of what they’d like for Christmas this year. Some ask for toys, clothes or gift cards. National Football League players, coaches and teams have their own holiday wishes.
Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller wants his coach, Chan Gailey, to design plays that allow him to receive the ball more often in games. The Green Bay Packers want one of the Seattle Seahawks’ nine wins since replacement officials incorrectly awarded Seattle with a game-winning touchdown when the teams played each other in Week 3. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco wants a time machine so he could take back the pass that Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris intercepted for a 98-yard touchdown, making the halftime score 17-0. Sports Illustrated football writer Peter King wants a chance to revise of his preseason predictions because this summer he picked the Kansas City Chiefs, who have a 2-12 record, to win the AFC West and a playoff game.
This Christmas Eve, Santa won’t be delivering footballs; he’s letting New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez bring them to houses. Sanchez likes giving away footballs, as evidenced by his 29 turnovers this season.
In honor of the gifts, specials, movies, music and spirit of the season, the Week 16 predictions theme is Christmas.
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Atlanta Falcons (12-2) at Detroit Lions (4-10)-Dec. 22-8:30 p.m.-ESPN
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has been adapted in film, television and theater productions many times. In years a movie studio has released a live action film based on the story, Detroit is 28-14-2 at home. Falcons fans say “bah, humbug” to that statistic. No live action film based on or influenced by A Christmas Carol has been released this year.
Bryan Paul’s Pick: Atlanta
Pollock’s Pick: Atlanta
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New Orleans Saints (6-8) at Dallas Cowboys (8-6)-Dec. 23-1 p.m.-Fox
In 1992, Jim Henson Productions released The Muppet Christmas Carol in theaters. Throughout its history, the company has produced a variety of Christmas films and television programs featuring Muppet characters. In years Jim Henson Productions has made a Christmas program, the Cowboys are 160-95. The studio didn’t release a holiday special this year.
Bryan Paul’s Pick: New Orleans
Pollock’s Pick: Dallas
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New England Patriots (10-4) at Jacksonville Jaguars (2-12)-Dec. 23-1 p.m.-CBS
The first Muppet Christmas special aired in 1970, the year ABC premired the Rankin/Bass production Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town. In years the studio has released an animated Christmas program, the Patriots are 18-28 in December games. Rankin/Bass hasn’t released a Christmas special since 2001.
Bryan Paul’s Pick: New England
Pollock’s Pick: New England
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Captain Clarky 