Several seasons ago, the defending champ Philadelphia Eagles made big investments in their defense. More recently, though, it was their prudent investment in their offense which yanked the Eagles back from the brink of elimination. The Eagles wisely retained backup QB (and Super Bowl MVP) Nick Foles. That, coupled with a quick pickup of top WR Golden Tate, was just enough to keep the Eagles in the playoff picture - if only for now.

Of course, many 'investments' in football talent happened months ago. The Chicago Bears are perhaps the headline story; they have made a spectacular jump from 'worst to first' mainly via their big bet on DE Khalil Mack, who joined an already-strong defense that included the likes of LB Danny Travathan (who already possesses a Super Bowl ring).

The LA Rams already had a large payroll when they plunked down big bucks to get Ndamukong Suh and keep primo pass-rusher Aaron Donald. Despite recent losses, the Rams remain a top contender. Unlike the Eagles, the Rams are already in the postseason dance - and are guaranteed a home game - so let's not write their epitaph just yet.

In Week 16, the frantic jockeying for playoff seeding continues. This should be good news for football addicts, even for fans whose teams are out of the playoff picture, because it guarantees plenty of football fun - right in the middle of the snow and the mistletoe. There are several exciting contests this weekend, but my favorites are these four:

1) What should be an epic tangle between the Eagles and Texans;

2) A classic 'offense-versus-defense' battle between the Ravens and Chargers;

3) Call this one the 'War of the Black-And-Gold': the Saints hosting the Steelers; and

4) A do-or-die scramble between the Seahawks and Chiefs.

Last week, despite some surprises, I managed a nice 11-5 record. Here are all the Week 16 matches and my picks:

1.  Redskins at Titans                     Titans
2.  Ravens at Chargers                  Chargers
3.  Bengals at Browns                    Browns
4.  Buccaneers at Cowboys           Cowboys
5.  Vikings at Lions                         Vikings
6.  Bills at Patriots                           Patriots
7.  Packers at Jets                          Jets
8.  Texans at Eagles                       Eagles
9.  Falcons at Panthers                   Falcons
10. Giants at Colts                          Colts
11. Jaguars at Dolphins                  Dolphins
12. Rams at Cardinals                    Rams
13. Bears at 49ers                          49ers
14. Steelers at Saints                     Saints
15. Chiefs at Seahawks                  Chiefs
16. Broncos at Raiders                   Raiders

Finally: don't forget - the first two matches occur on Saturday, so get your Christmas shopping done soon!