NFL Predictions Week 15: Spread Picks and Breaking Down Favorites on Upset Alert

The Arizona Cardinals sit atop the NFL after their win on Thursday night. Few would have predicted that coming into the season, and it speaks to a larger theme that's developed throughout the campaign: The race for the Super Bowl is wide-open.

By this time one year ago, the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks were seemingly one step ahead of the pack. Of course, that's exactly how it ended up playing out in the end, too. But there's far less certainty this time around, and that's a good thing in terms of entertainment value.

From a picking perspective, the overall parity does make things a little more difficult, though. At this point, it's more about current form than the overall resume. So let's check out a complete list of picks for the remaining Week 15 games followed by a look at a couple notable favorites on upset alert.

Week 15 Spread Predictions

Date	Road	Home	Line	Pick
Dec. 14	Steelers	Falcons	PIT -2	ATL
Dec. 14	Redskins	Giants	NYG -6.5	WSH
Dec. 14	Dolphins	Patriots	NE -7.5	NE
Dec. 14	Raiders	Chiefs	KC -10	OAK
Dec. 14	Texans	Colts	IND -6.5	IND
Dec. 14	Bengals	Browns	CLE -1	CIN
Dec. 14	Jaguars	Ravens	BAL -14	JAX
Dec. 14	Packers	Bills	GB -4.5	BUF
Dec. 14	Buccaneers	Panthers	CAR -3	TB
Dec. 14	Jets	Titans	NYJ -2.5	TEN
Dec. 14	Broncos	Chargers	DEN -4	SD
Dec. 14	Vikings	Lions	DET -7	DET
Dec. 14	49ers	Seahawks	SEA -9.5	SF
Dec. 14	Cowboys	Eagles	PHI -3	DAL
Dec. 15	Saints	Bears	NO -3	NO

Favorites on Upset Alert

Green Bay Packers

It would be interesting to see where the Buffalo Bills would stand with more consistent quarterback play. As expected, EJ Manuel wasn't the answer the franchise had been seeking for more than a decade. Kyle Orton provided a brief spark before fading in recent weeks.

The defense, however, is outstanding. The Bills feature perhaps the best defensive line in football, with four high-impact players led by Mario Williams. Being able to get pressure without blitzing allows them to drop more players into coverage.

Peyton Manning didn't have an answer for it last week. He threw two interceptions and saw his 51-game touchdown-pass streak end. The Broncos still won, but they had to fight for every yard.

Rob Demovsky of ESPN passed along comments from Aaron Rodgers, who understands the challenge that lies ahead:

There are two other things working in the Bills' favor. They are playing at home in front of an always-raucous Western New York crowd. And they are desperate, needing to win out to keep their already slim playoff hopes alive.

The recent track record would suggest the defense should do enough to slow down Rodgers and Co. at least to keep them in the game deep into the second half. The question is whether Orton can make enough key throws to pull off the upset.

Denver Broncos

There are definitely reasons for the Broncos to be encouraged. C.J. Anderson has become the dual-threat backfield option Denver lost when Knowshon Moreno left. And the defense is rounding into form at the right time after the offseason revamp.

Surprisingly, the questions now surround Peyton Manning. After picking up right where he left off following his record-breaking 2013, he hasn't been as productive recently. Four times in the past six games, his quarterback rating was below 90.

Chris Wesseling of Around The NFL provided a further look at the struggles:

Is it time to panic? Absolutely not. Manning is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and the Broncos have continued to win games. But without Manning playing his best, a road trip to face the San Diego Chargers becomes much tougher.

The Chargers rank ninth in the league in yards allowed. They are also 5-2 at home as compared to 3-3 on the road, including a loss at Denver in Week 8.

All told, it appears San Diego is catching the Broncos at the right time. It's a golden opportunity to get back within striking distance in the AFC West with a few games to go. Denver needs a strong bounce back from Manning to avoid the upset.