A lot of talk this week about college football and the NFL and who’s encroaching on whose Saturday territory. For whatever it’s worth, the league has been playing Saturday games this time of year since the 1950s. And now with the much anticipated expansion of the College Football Playoff, these two American institutions are bound to fight for ratings. But, as a fan of both, I fundamentally don’t understand what there is to complain about. Can’t we all just be thrilled to get a full day of football - college semi-pro and pro - the week before Christmas?

A quick note on methodology.

As always, I’m analyzing every NFL uniform matchup and picking a winner against the spread based on which team dresses best. And just because a team is ranked higher in the Uniform Wardrobe Power Rankings doesn’t mean it will automatically win the uniform matchup. It’s what you wear in the instant matchup that counts.

Saturday Before Christmas Uniform Matchups.

Texans at Chiefs - the game and uniform matchup I wanted to see as the NFL Opener. But here we are in Week 16. And it was worth the wait. Two sharp looks and a nice case of complementary contrast. I continue to be a sucker for the new Texans wardrobe, and Houston is the pick.

The late season Mahomes leg injury is turning into an annual tradition. And like prior iterations, he’s ready to roll. Injury or not - I like the way Houston matches up against the Chiefs offense. Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson are primed to spend all day walking through the revolving door that is the left tackle position in Kansas City. And Derek Stingley is putting together a late season long shot bid for Defensive Player of the Year. Never feels safe betting against the Chiefs, but let’s live dangerously.

The Pick: Texans +3.5

NOTE - the Chiefs have yet to reveal their choice of pants.

For the first time in the storied Steelers-Ravens rivalry, Baltimore is rocking their primary iteration of black-purple-purple.* And I am here for it. The black helmets set the tone while the interplay of white, yellow, and purple steals the show. Giving the edge to Pittsburgh’s Triple Mismatch Club ensemble. But this one was right up there for best of the week.

Five weeks ago, these teams met for an 18-16 rock fight. And I expect much of the same here. Going back through 2020, the average margin of victory in this rivalry is four points (with no margin greater than seven). So consider me content to be riding with the points.

*If you’re going to wear a unitard, you’re typically better off when the helmet is a darker shade. And this Ravens look is an excellent example.

The Pick: Steelers +7

The Gridiron Uniform Database.

Uniform graphics seen here are courtesy of The Gridiron Uniform Database. If you’ve never paid their site a visit, stop what you’re doing right now and check it out. Best site on the Internet and an invaluable resource to uniform nerds and casuals alike.

Coming Attractions.

Back to our regularly scheduled programming. Conclusion of the Week 16 slate drops tomorrow morning.

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