Week 15 NFL Picks

There we go, back on track. After a terrible week where I picked a measly 4 correct (I don't feel so bad since both my uncle and Bill Simmons each picked 3 right) I got back on track in week 14. Well week 15 I figure will be just as good, and both New England and Baltimore look like they might make the playoffs, which makes me happy. The big question is though, is how long are Indy and New Orleans gonna go before losing? Will it be this week? I doubt it since the Colts face the Jags and the Saints are playing the road-poor Cowboys. Either way, Saturday nights just became more exciting and I've got something to watch during my late night shift at the video store in the absence of college football. Oh, I should probably make some bowl predictions soon, but for now, my week 15 picks.

Colts (-6.5) over Jaguars

Jacksonville lost to Miami last week, as I knew they would, and I'm starting to see the mighty cats fall. Their easy schedule has set them up with a playoff spot thus far, but to say they're gonna have a chance of bringing down division rivals Indianapolis is a bit of a stretch. I don't see any signs of Indy slowing down with the Jags, the Jets, and the Bills left to play and their regular-season win streak may wind up extending over three years (crazy thought isn't it?). All I can say is, anyone remember Dungy? Caldwell is looking pretty good right now.


Saints (-7.5) over Cowboys

It surprised me a little that Dallas wasn't able to take a home game against the Chargers, but if you look at the Cowboy's December performance in past seasons, it kind of makes sense. They have lost 5 of their last 6 games played in the month, bringing Christmas woes to Dallas fans everywhere. With a postseason appearance on the line, a trip to New Orleans is not exactly what the doctor ordered. The only positive is that the Saints have played a couple close games lately, but the inability for the Cowboys to score points on the road does not bode well for Romo and company.


Bills (+7.5) over Patriots

The Panthers held the Pats to a 10 point victory due to a strong pass defense, and the Bills, surprisingly, have a better one. Buffalo has a league-high 59.8 opposing pass rating and once again the Pats are gonna have to run the ball if they wanna win this one. In the season opener the pats only managed to win by a single point, almost a Buffalo upset. It should be another close one between these division rivals, with New England winning by a field goal or so.


Cardinals (-10.5) over Lions

If there's one thing I know about Kurt Warner, it's that he likes to follow up bad games with extremely huge blowouts. After a devastating loss to San Fran last Monday night, allowing seven turnovers, including two interceptions, look for Warner to come out angry against a terrible Detroit defense. Arizona should still take the NFC West, and this game should seal the deal.


Titans (-3.5) over Dolphins

Tennessee looked back on track last week against the Rams, and Miami, despite their strong showing against Jacksonville, will be lucky to come away with a win out of this one. The Titans are on a mission, and although they'll most likely miss the playoffs this year, just making it close after an 0-6 start. Whether or not Vince Young starts, Miami is going to have a tough time stopping Chris Johnson and their playoff hopes may be in jeopardy this week.


Browns (+2.5) over Chiefs

Cleveland hasn't gotten much respect this season, and their record has reflected a poor performance on whole, but the last few weeks the Browns have seen a surge of defensive power and have found a way of scoring a few points. The Chiefs aren't looking that bad either, but it's hard to go against a team finally finding some confidence, especially when their coach has faith in them.


Texans (-9.5) over Rams

Houston has had an alright season for themselves offensively, they have just been unable to hold leads and have lost a few close ones, all but eliminating them from the playoffs thus far. Well lucky for them, St. Louis has very little to offer in the way of offense. I don't see much different between this matchup and the the 34-7 drubbing of Seattle last week.


Falcons (+6.5) over Jets

This line may be a little high and that's why I'm taking Atlanta. I think the Jets are back on track as of late, but with both Matt Ryan and Michael Turner making returns for the Falcons, and New York's less than stellar home record, this should be a close game but I like The Jets to come out on top and keep their hunt for the playoffs alive.


49ers (+7.5) over Eagles

The Eagles have been on a tear lately, which leads me to believe me that they're due for a loss. This should be a good game since both teams are fighting for playoff spots, and I have to say it should be close. With the exception of one blowout against Atlanta, San Fran has yet to lose a game by more than seven points the entire season. Their defense has managed to keep things close and I see no exceptions here against an inconsistent Philly team.


Ravens (-10.5) over Bears

When the Ravens have been on lately, they've been on. They kept their playoff hopes alive last week with a huge win over Detroit and a key loss by Jacksonville. With one of the easier schedules left, Baltimore should be able to rope a playoff spot, and I see them coming out with all guns firing again this week against a Bears' team that has been less than stellar as of late.


Bengals (+6.5) over Chargers

Sure San Diego has won 8 straight, but I must reiterate that besides the game against Dallas last week, they haven't faced that many challenges. Cincinnati will be a true test as to whether this Chargers team is for real or not. That being said, the Bengals are coming off a devastating loss to the Vikings and are looking to prove themselves as well. Should be a great game and I would love to Cincy come out on top.


Broncos (-13.5) over Raiders

I don't know what it will take for the second worst offense in the league to overcome the third best defense, and I certainly don't see a third string quarterback doing it. I don't think the signing of Losman really solves anything and although this Raiders' team has managed to pull some upsets this season, I really think this should be a blowout.


Packers (+.5) over Steelers

Can Green Bay hand the reigning super bowl champs their sixth loss in a row and eliminate them from the playoffs? I really think so, especially with a Packers team that seems to be making a late season push with five straight wins, ready to position themselves as a top NFC team.


Seahawks (-7.5) over Buccaneers

I think this and the Jets/Falcons game were the two I thought about the most. Not really sure what to expect from any of these teams this deep into the season, but Seattle has shown some bright spots this season while Tampa Bay has suffered numerous blowouts and won only a single game. I think Hasselback might be able to give the Seahawks a respectable record for the season, but he has to win this one with games against Green Bay and Tennessee coming up next.


Vikings (-7.5) over Panthers

Carolina has a decent pass defense, but with the Vikings you never really know where to look; With Favre throwing and Peterson running they come at you from all angles. Minnesota has been simply dominating lately, with the exception of a loss to the Cardinals, and I see them finishing the season strong. Now, can they beat the Colts?


Redskins (+3.5) over Giants

Washington could really play the spoiler in this one, and the way Eli has been performing lately, it's quite possible. The Redskins could crush the Giants' hopes of a playoff spot with a win and their defense might be just the thing to do that. It really just depends on which Giants' team comes out to play...