Week 16 NFL Spread and Expert Pick

'Tis the season for sports betting galore, from Bowl games to the NFL. Heck, we even get to watch the NFL as we open Christmas presents this year. Let's make a pick for tonight's Monday Nighter and the Christmas game.

New York Giants @ Washington Redskins

Tonight, 8:35 p.m. ET

NFL odds favorite: Giants -1

What to make of this matchup? It's tempting to declare the Giants a sportsbook slam-dunk. They're supposed to be the better team and they actually have something to play for. But, fact of the matter is, the Redskins are at home and sport the NFL's No. 4 pass defense. They're even playing better offensively of late; Quinton Ganther impressed in his first crack a starting runner duties and Jason Campbell is quietly posting career-best numbers. The shifty pivot has five touchdown passes and just one interception over his last two games and is probably auditioning to start somewhere else in 2010.

The Redskins aren't Eli Manning's favorite team to face, either. He has a putrid 70.3 rating in 10 career matchups against them, averaging just 205 passing yards and throwing eight touchdown passes versus seven interceptions. However, things may change tonight. Eli's recent numbers suggest his foot injury may be behind him. Against some tough pass rushes like Dallas and Philadelphia, Eli has averaged 316 passing yards and thrown for five scores over his last two games. The Giants have also won four of five versus the Redskins, including their last two visits to D.C. Look for New York to come through in a must-win situation.

Pick: Giants -1

San Diego Chargers @ Tennessee Titans

Friday, December 25, 7:30 p.m. ET

NFL odds favorite: Titans -3

After the Saints' loss, you could argue that the Chargers and Titans are the hottest teams in football besides Indianapolis. San Diego has a ridiculous 17 straight December wins and nine straight overall this season. Philip Rivers clicks again and again with his gigantic targets like Vincent Jackson, Antonio Gates and Malcolm Floyd.

The Titans are 7-1 since Vince Young took over as starting quarterback and their No. 2 rushing attack poses a serious threat to San Diego's No. 21 run defense. The problem is that Tennessee won't be able to run as much if it has to play from behind – and I think it will. The Titans still haven't really remedied their pass defense, which ranks dead last in the AFC. They even allowed young Chad Henne to throw for 349 yards last weekend. Phil Rivers is dialed in and simply doesn't make many mistakes. Expect a shootout – bet over the total – but pick the Chargers to continue their dominance.

Free pick: Chargers +3