Week 15 NFL Picks

Last week I went 11-4 (season total 121-82), which has me rolling like the San Diego Chargers offense.

It is getting down to crunch time for the playoff teams, so it will be interesting to see which non-contending teams play the spoiler or just flat out quit.

Saints over the Ravens- This is a big game for both teams, but going to take New Orleans as Drew Brees should be able to expose Baltimore’s secondary.  Keep an eye on the weather conditions for this one.  Saints 24-17

Panthers over the Cardinals- What is the over/under on the attendance for this one? 25,000?  Panthers 10-9

Browns over the Bengals- It was only a matter of time before T.O. started mouthing off, which means Cincinnati is ready to mail it in.  Look for Cleveland to push the Bungles all over the field.  Browns 23-13

Cowboys over the Redskins- I just do not understand why Mike Shanahan continues to toy with Donovan McNabb.  Is Rex Grossman really his answer? C’mon man! Cowboys 21-10

Colts over the Jaguars- Jacksonville is on a roll but when push comes to shove the Jag defense will not be able to contain the Colts.  Look for a big game out of Peyton Manning as Indy makes their annual run to the playoffs.  Colts 28-13

Dolphins over the Bills- The Dolphin defense came to life against the Jets and should be able to shut down the feisty Bills offense.  The Miami rushing attack could have their biggest game of the year.  Dolphins 27-7

Eagles over the Giants- This could be one of the best games of the day as these two fierce rivals are playing for the division title as well as playoff seeding.  In the end I believe the Philly defense will force Eli Manning into a game deciding mistake.  Eagles 20-17

Chiefs over the Rams- Matt Cassel should return for the Chiefs this week as they enter the must-win portion of their season.  St. Louis will be a challenge for Kansas City but the running attack led by Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones will be too much for the young defense to handle.  Maybe this is where the Jets “ground and pound” went?  Chiefs 24-9

Buccaneers over the Lions- Tampa Bay remains in the playoff hunt and should be able to run all over the Lions defense.   Josh Freeman continues to impress making this a very dangerous team if they reach the postseason.  Buccaneers 23-13

Texans over the Titans- This has been a season of heartbreak for Houston as they continue to find ways to blow games late in the fourth quarter or overtime.  It would be interesting to see what a coach like Jon Gruden could do with all of this talent.  Texans 21-17

Falcons over the Seahawks- This game could be closer than most people expect as Seattle tends to play very well at home.  (Many consider Qwest field the loudest stadium in the NFL)  In the end Michael Turner and the Atlanta rushing attack will wear down the Seattle defense.  Falcons 21-14

Raiders over the Broncos- Let the Tim Tebow experience begin!! It looks like Tebow will get his first start as Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton remains questionable for Sunday.  That fact alone is enough for me to pick Oakland. Raiders 27-9

Patriots over the Packers- No Aaron Rodgers, no chance for the Packers.  Patriots 31-7

Bears over the Vikings– There is a strong chance that Joe Webb will be the starting quarterback for Minnesota on Monday night.  Joe Webb? Where is Sage Rosenfels when you need him? On the Giants of course.  This could get ugly.  Bears 28-0

New York Jets vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

This will be another game that has huge playoff implications as both the Jets and Steelers are contenders in the AFC.  The Jets enter the game losers of two in a row, while the Steelers have won their last three.

Can Rex Ryan rally a demoralized Jets team? Can Mark Sanchez get the Jets offense back on track?  Will the Jets defense be able to shut down the Steelers rushing attack? Find out these answers and more in my Sunday preview.

Tyson Rauch

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