NFL Betting Power Rankings: Week 16

Bruising running backs like Jamal Lewis thrive in bad weather games. (AP Images)

If the past few weeks in the NFL have proven anything, it's that the best defense for a great offense is winter.

In Week 11, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced a late-November monsoon and barely beat the Dolphins (3-0 was the final), much less covered the 16.5-point spread. In Week 13, the New England Patriots faced swirling winds in Baltimore, barely beating the Ravens (27-24 was the final) and didn't even come close to covering the 21-point spread. This weekend, both the Steelers and Patriots failed to cover again because of bad winter weather, and both teams were playing at home.

All in all, favorites are 1-4 against the spread this year in games where bad weather is a factor. That's something to keep in mind for Week 16 matchups in colder climates. Like the Packers visiting Chicago, the Giants visiting Buffalo and the Patriots playing host to the Dolphins at home in Foxborough, Mass.

Check our NFL Betting Power Rankings for Week 16 in Bodog Nation!