NFL Week 15 Predictions, Picks Against the Spread

It was a winning week this past week.  We took down some plays on the Packers, Chargers, Eagles, Texans, and Vikings, and had losses with the Saints and Cardinals.  No big deal, I’ll take a 5-2 week anytime.  Now we’re getting into the thick of the NFL season when things get really exciting.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS -3 @ JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

As soon as I saw this spread, I loved it.  I said, hold on, did the Colts already clinch home field advantage? And it turns out that they did.  I quick news search on Google stated that Peyton Manning and all healthy starts will play this Sunday.  I would love taking the Colts if home field was on the line, but with no motivation to really win this one and not knowing how long Peyton will play: a quarter, a half, who knows, I think you stay away from this one.  On the other hand, I’m sure the Colts, like the Saints, want to go undefeated.  Can you imagine 18-0 Colts vs. 18-0 Saints in the SuperBowl?

Prediction: Colts 24 – Jaguars 20

Free Pick: Colts -3 (Confidence: 2/5)

DALLAS COWBOYS @ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS -7

I am loving this as an Eagles fan.  Not only did the Eagles win over the Giants give the Eagles sole possession of the NFC East with 2-straight home games against the 49ers and Broncos, but the Cowboys lost to the Chargers after losing to the Giants and now have to go on the road to face the Saints.  Saints are still playing for home field so I think you see them win this one.  The Cowboys December woes continue.  Get the “Is Wade Phillips getting fired?” talks going.  I’m loving this!

Prediction: Saints 27 – Cowboys 20

Free Pick: Saints -7 (Confidence: 2/5)

CLEVELAND BROWNS @ KANSAS CITY CHIEFS -2

Browns beat the Steelers and Joshua Cribbs had a breakout performance as a running back! A healthy dose of Joshua Cribbs this game will give the Browns the win. Browns D is playing inspired and the Chiefs continue to be horrendous.

Prediction: Browns 24 – Chiefs 17

Free Pick: Browns +2 (Confidence: 3/5)

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS -7 @ BUFFALO BILLS

I like the Patriots here, but reluctant to take them since there’s some team turmoil.  You didn’t see a run up in the score last week with the weather conditions.  You’ll obviously be getting another cold one in Buffalo.  I’m weary of betting against home underdogs, but I’m thinking the Pats are due for a big win.

Prediction: Patriots 24 – Bills 16

Free Pick: Patriots -7 (Confidence: 2/5)

ARIZONA CARDINALS -12 @ DETROIT LIONS

I swear it’s in Kurt Warner’s contract that he has to play like crap once every 5 games and throw a minimum an 3 picks and a fumble.  With the Lions awful defense, how can you not like the Cardinals even at -12? The Cardinals have been solid on the road, despite last week’s loss, but I’ll chalk that up to the Monday Night home team factor that we usually stick to plus the clause in Warner’s contract. The Lions should get blown out just like they did last week.

Prediction: Cardinals 38 – Lions 17

Free Pick: Cardinals -12 (Confidence: 3/5)

CHICAGO BEARS @ BALTIMORE RAVENS -11

I was thinking of taking the points here.  The Bears are struggling big time, but they can contain the run, which was critical to Ravens win last week.  In a cold game with two teams known for defense and running, I think you see a tight, low scoring affair.

Prediction: Ravens 16 – Bears 10

Free Pick: Parlay Bears +11, Under 40.5 (Confidence: 2/5)

SAN FRANSISCO 49ERS @ PHILADELPHIA EAGLES -7.5

I’m an Eagles fan.  Eagles play great football in December.  West coast teams struggle on the east coast at 1:00.  Eagles are in control of their own destiny now.  What else do you want to know?  LET’S GO EAGLES! E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!

Prediction: Eagles 24 – 49ers 13

Free Pick: Eagles -7.5 (Confidence: 2.5/5)

CINCINNATI BENGALS @ SAN DIEGO CHARGERS -6.5

Bengals are losing their mojo and the Chargers are HOT right now.  Chargers want to lock up that first-round bye.  I think you see them win by 10.

Prediction: Chargers 24 – Bengals 14

Free Pick: Chargers -6.5 (Confidence: 2.5/5)

OAKLAND RAIDERS @ DENVER BRONCOS -14

Don’t like this one with the high spread.  Sure, Brandon Marshall is the 3rd best receiver in the NFL behind Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Johnson.  However, the Raiders match up with the Broncos well.  This one will be too close for comfort with the spread, so I’m passing here.  Don’t want to take the Raiders for the sake of taking 14 points since the Raiders could easily get blown out.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS @ SEATTLE SEAHAWKS -7

I’m going to pass on this one too since both teams blow.  Seahawks are at home, so that’s where I’m leaning, but don’t like this game.

GREEN BAY PACKERS @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS -2

Steelers cannot lose their 6th straight came, can they? Not at home, right? You have to feel the Steelers are due for a win, but they have just been anemic.  The Packers are hot right now and that who I’ll go with.

Prediction: Packers 24 – Steelers 20

Free Pick: Packers +2 (Confidence: 2/5)

MINNESOTA VIKINGS -9 @ CAROLINA PANTHERS

Panthers don’t win unless they can run the ball.  Vikings are arguable the best team against the run.  The Vikings need this one to clinch the division and get that first-round bye. Panthers Pro-Bowl OT is out, so look for backup QB Moore to be pressured a lot.  This one is looking very one sided to me.

Prediction: Vikings 27 – Panthers 13

Free Pick: Vikings -9 (Confidence: 3.5/5)

NEW YORK GIANTS -3 @ WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Redskins are playing much better right now.  Home Team + Monday Night = Usual Winning Ticket.  I’ll be rooting to the Redskins so the Giants are off the Eagles tails and the Eagles trip to the playoffs becomes easier. However, I think you see the Giants win this one. I want to stick to the home-team Monday night play, which usually works well, but my personal feelings are interfering with good judgment.  I think this a game you just have to pass on.

TOP 5 SPREADS THIS WEEK:

It’s a so-so card this week.  Here is what I like.  As you can see, no plays received a 4/5 rating.

1.) Vikings -9 over PANTHERS

2.) Cardinals -12 over LIONS

3.) CHARGERS -6.5 over Bengals (* Disclaimer: A lot of Vegas money is going on the Bengals according to Brandon.)

4.) EAGLES -7.5 over 49ers

5.) Browns +2 over CHIEFS