NFL Week 15 Preview

Week 15 Preview

ESPN is calling this Sunday “Showdown Sunday”. I’m just going to stick with Week 15. But this weekend is filled with multiple top matchups with many games between teams with winning records. Some surprising teams have made runs and are in the thick of the playoff hunt, such as the Rams and Vikings (playing each other!), Redskins, Bengals, Colts, and...wait for it...the Jets! With only three weeks to go in the regular season, winning is imperative to keep the year alive. So without further ado, let’s get into the Week 15 picks.

CIN vs PHI (+3.5) - The Bengals had a chance to make a statement last week, and ended up pulling a Dallas, against Dallas! They had a two-possession lead down the stretch, at home against the Cowboys! Every time you start to think they are legit, they slip up and show their true colors. Now they go off to Philly on a short week, to face a team, wait for it, coming off a nice win! The Eagles came back and took down the Bucs on the final play of the game last week. I think the Eagles fly high tonight and steal one at home. But they’ll need to cover AJ Green! Cincinnati 20, Philadelphia 23.

NYG vs ATL (-1.5) - The Falcons lost for the second time, again versus a division rival on the road. I refuse to get on the bandwagon; I don’t even think they are a top three team in the NFC. Now they face the Giants. Who win games against great teams, especially on the road. Here’s the thing: Big Blue can’t win out going into the playoffs, because then they won’t be doubted. So they will lose one of the next two games. I think they win this one; the Falcons aren’t ready for big time yet. New York 31, Atlanta 20.

GB vs CHI (+2.5) - I am going to be wrong on this one, because it is a pride pick. I picked the Bears to win this division, and for a while it looked like they would. Then the injuries and incompetence happened. This game is in Soldier Field, and the Bears need a win desperately so that their season doesn’t spiral out of control. LET’S GO BEARS. Green Bay 24, Chicago 27.

WAS vs CLE (-1.5) - I don’t care if RGIII plays or not. I hated on the Browns early on this year but they have pleasantly surprised me this season. They could have easily been 7-6 right now. The Browns will give the Redskins a crushing blow, all but knocking them out of the playoffs. Washington can’t win out. Washington 17, Cleveland 23.

MIN vs STL (-2.5) - Who had these two teams contending for a playoff spot before this season started? Certainly not me. A lot of people are going to pick the Vikings because of the tear Adrian Peterson is having right now, but people forget how good the Rams are at home. In their dome, they have beaten the Redskins, Seahawks, and 49ers. I think they muster just enough offense, and contain AD enough to make Christian Ponder have to beat them. Which he won’t. Minnesota 16, St. Louis 20.

JAC vs MIA (-7.5) - I know the Jaguars are bad...but underdogs by over a touchdown? The Dolphins are trending up, but I see only a slim victory for them here. Chad Henne can keep the Jags in the game. Jacksonville 20, Miami 24.

TB vs NO (-3.5) - Three weeks ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the hottest team in the league and looked like they were on pace for a playoff spot. Three losses later, their season is pretty much over. Now they have to go to the mad house that is the Superdome. Home team. Tampa Bay 21, New Orleans 31.

DEN vs BAL (+2.5) - The Ravens might be the most panicked 9-4 team in recent memory. Just a couple of weeks ago, this team was 9-2 with a home game coming up against the Big Ben-less Steelers. They blew that game, and choked last week against the Redskins and...Kirk Cousins? Seriously? My Super Bowl pick has had a long fall from elite in a very short time. Peyton is on a roll. Denver 31, Baltimore 24.

IND vs HOU (-7.5) - I have a feeling I’m going to be wrong on this one too, because it’s hard to cover big spread against a surging division opponent, especially with a struggling defense. But I think this is the week that the Texans drop the hammer. The Colts are feeling confident, and actually control their own destiny in the division. Houston is being doubted, and a win here wins the AFC South. They were rocked by New England, and have to be frustrated. Statement game here for the Texans who are still the number one seed in the AFC. Indianapolis 14, Houston 34.

SEA vs BUF (+5.5) - There’s nothing left to say anymore about the constantly underachieving Bills. They let ANOTHER win slip away at home last week by giving up a huge drive at the end of the game to the Rams and their juggernaut offense. Now Fred Jackson is out for the rest of the year, making all CJ Spiller owners smile. The Seahawks take care of business by a touchdown in Toronto. Seattle 24, Buffalo 17.

DET vs ARI (+5.5) - To cover a 5.5 point spread against the Cardinals, the Lions will only need to score 6 points. I think they have a pretty good shot of that, don’t you? The Cardinals have fallen so far. Detroit 23, Arizona 10.

CAR vs SD (-2.5) - I picked the Chargers to win two weeks in a row. They lost. I picked against them last week. They won. What’s going to happen this week? I think they can slow down Cam enough to win at home. Carolina 16, San Diego 23.

PIT vs DAL (+1.5) - This is essentially a elimination game, more so for the Cowboys but I think the Steelers would classify this as a must-win also, especially if the Bengals win tonight. I can’t believe I’m saying this...but I like the Cowboys in this game. One of my bold predictions before the season was for the Steelers to NOT make the playoffs, and I’m holding true to it. They looked horrendous against the Chargers at home last week, and now they have to go on the road to face a streaking Cowboys team in Big D. Not the same Pittsburgh team this year. Pittsburgh 20, Dallas 24.

KC vs OAK (-2.5) - Welcome to the “This Game Has The Potential To Be Worse Than The Cardinals-Jets Game” bowl. Raiders by a field goal. Kansas City 0, Oakland 3.

SF vs NE (-5.5) - I thought that if the Patriots were going to lose one of these tough home games the last two weeks, it would be last week against the Texans. I was wrong. I would absolutely love for the 49ers to upset New England here, but I don’t see it. Too many weapons for the Pats, and I don’t trust Colin Kaepernick. Solid win right here for the Patriots at home in December. Again. San Francisco 20, New England 31.

NYJ vs TEN (-1.5) - What a Monday Night battle royale! Two powerhouse teams right here. I can’t believe the Jets are only one game out of the playoffs. Two weeks ago they were arguably the worst team in the NFL. And you know what? Their schedule is easy enough to win out. They are toying with the hearts of Jets fans. I’m picking them to win, somehow. They can run on the Titans. New York 20, Tennessee 17.