Week 15 NFL Picks.....

The SportsFan Buzz "Best of the Decade" podcast has been rescheduled for Monday, December 28th and will be posted the next day.


Week 15 picks (home team in CAPS)

JAGUARS (+3) over Colts
Here we go again. Another shot at someone knocking off the undefeated team. While the Colts have everything wrapped up, this is a playoff game for the Jaguars. Plus for the first time all season, Jacksonville will be playing in front of a sellout crowd. Jags keep it close and possibly pull the upset.

Cowboys (+7) over SAINTS
Our second undefeated team, and just like the Colts, the Saints will be tested. Yes, the Cowboys are in their December swoon, but if they attack the Saints weakness of defending the run, and stick with it, Dallas should keep it close and can be the team to push New Orleans from the perfect mountain.

Packers (+1 ½) over STEELERS
One team has won five in the row, while the other has lost five in a row, so this should be a no-brainer, but I struggled with it before deciding on the Packers. I can’t imagine the defending champs losing six in a row, but I had this Packer team at the start of the season and I believe they keep the roll going.

Dolphins (+3 ½) over TITANS
Both teams are playing good, tough football led by their respective running games. Don’t blink if watching this one, as both teams will run and run some more against the other. A hobbled Vince Young means the Dolphins can key a little more on Chris Johnson, and that will be the difference in the game.

Patriots (-7) over BILLS
Buffalo had the Patriots down and out in the opening week Monday Night game, then watched Tom Brady and company score two late touchdowns, helped by Bills’ kick returner, Leodis McKelvin fumble which set up the Patriots for the go ahead touchdown. New England is still looking for their first win this year in an opponent’s stadium, and they get it in Buffalo.

Cardinals (-12) over LIONS
Arizona lost their opportunity to wrap up the NFC West on Monday Night with a very sloppy (7 turnovers) and uninspired effort. They will make up for it on Sunday when visiting Detroit. The Lions are beat up, and even though their offense has improved in 2009, their defense has not done the same. Kurt Warner and his receivers put up big numbers and clinch their division in the process.

EAGLES (-9) over 49ers
The Eagles showed off their offensive weapons on Sunday Night against the Giants, and they will do the same Sunday when the 49ers come to town. The defensive effort was suspect against New York, but I think they get it settled at home. Donovan McNabb and his teammates have the NFC East title in their sights, and they keep up their good play against San Francisco.

JETS (NL) over Falcons
Atlanta still is not sure if either Matt Ryan or Michael Turner will be on the field for them against the tough New York defense. While Mark Sanchez will be behind center for the Jets (albeit wearing two knee braces), but I expect him to be turning and handing off to Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene most of the game. Jets keep the playoff hopes alive for another week.

RAVENS (-10 ½) over Bears
The Bears seemed like a lost team after their defeat last week to Green Bay. It has been a long season for them between the injuries on defense and inconsistent offense, and this trip to Baltimore will not help them as the Ravens got the offense rolling last week against Detroit, and will look to continue the good play as they try to gain the last AFC playoff spot.

Browns (+1 ½) over CHIEFS
Maybe the Browns will get some momentum off their big win against Pittsburgh last Thursday, against a Kansas City team which is waiting for the season to end. If the Browns defense put in another effort like they did last week, Cleveland will be riding a two game winning streak.

Texans (-12 1/2) over RAMS
The Rams are another team looking forward to the off season. The Texans are too strong, and still have a slim chance at the final wildcard spot, so expect a good effort from Houston against a weaker opponent.

Bengals (+6 ½) over CHARGERS
This one takes on a whole different tone in the wake of Chris Henry’s death. The winner has the inside track to the number two seed in the AFC, and the important bye week. The Bengals need to run the ball, and keep running against the weak Charger run defense, while keeping the Chargers passing game from making the big play downfield. The Bengals’ safety, Chris Crocker, is out of the game, so it is even more important that the defensive line help the secondary by putting pressure on Philip Rivers. Cincinnati rides emotion to keep it close and if able to run, get the victory.

BRONCOS (-14) over Raiders
It is so bad in Oakland that Charlie Frye is the Raiders’ starting quarterback over number one overall pick Jamarcus Russell. Denver stays focused at home, and wins big over this dysfunctional franchise.

SEAHAWKS (-7) over Bucs
Battle of the two 1976 expansion teams is about the only thing I can think of interest about this match-up. Seattle has played well at home, and Tampa Bay is making a very long trip and bringing a pretty bad team.

PANTHERS (+9) over Vikings
While the Panthers’ season is over, they might be playing for their coaches’, as well as their own jobs. The possibility of bad field conditions in Charlotte, along with this being the Vikings first cold weather game of the season should mean a low scoring close affair. Minnesota wins, but Carolina will keep it close.

Giants (-3) over REDSKINS
New York gave up 45 points to the Eagles last Sunday, but even with the poor performance and loss, they still have a good chance at capturing the second NFC wildcard slot. The Redskins will be looking to spoil their division rival’s season, but the Giants put together enough of a game to get the victory.

Week 14 record (5-11) OUCH!
2009 season (59-58-1)