NFL Picks Week 15: A Look Ahead to Every Game

NFL picks Week 15 is sure to be a topic on every NFL fan's mind.

Coming off an interesting Week that saw Brett Favre's streak end, the Metrodome's roof collapse and a host of other interesting story lines, Week 15's results are sure to figure into the race for the playoffs.

Here are my NFL picks for Week 15.

San Francisco at San Diego, Thursday 8:20 p.m. 

Pick: San Diego 

As great as 49ers quarterback Alex Smith looked last week, San Francisco is no match for the Chargers, who feature the league's top-ranked defense and are back on track following a pounding of Kansas City.

Washington at Dallas, Sunday 1:00 p.m. 

Pick: Dallas 

In a game between two teams that wonder what could have been this season, the Cowboys use home-field advantage to pull out the most meaningless game the NFC East will see played this year.

New Orleans at Baltimore, Sunday 1:00 p.m. 

Pick: Baltimore 

Both teams need to keep winning to remain relevant in their respective Wild Card races, but it would be a tall task for the domed Saints to head into Baltimore in December and pull out the victory.

Arizona at Carolina, Sunday 1:00 p.m. 

Pick: Arizona 

In a game between teams that are a combined 5-21 this season, someone has to win. Last week's 43-13 pounding of Denver will only provide more momentum and confidence for the Cardinals.

Jacksonville at Indianapolis, Sunday 1:00 p.m. 

Pick: Indianapolis 

With the AFC South on the line, the Colts use Peyton Manning's best start this season (last week's 319-yard, two-TD performance) as the catalyst. This will be the deciding factor in the Colts reaching the playoffs.

Houston at Tennessee, Sunday 1:00 p.m. 

Pick: Houston 

The Texans may not have the defense to hold down the Titans, but their offense is a force to be reckoned with. Matt Schaub leads Houston out of a tie for last place in the AFC South.

Detroit at Tampa Bay, Sunday 1:00 p.m. 

Pick: Tampa Bay 

After losing two straight, the Bucs turned things around with a win in Washington last week.

Philadelphia at NY Giants, Sunday 1:00 p.m. 

Pick: NY Giants 

It's the game of the year in the NFC East, and the Giants are rolling on all cylinders following Monday's solid win over the Vikings. The only team that's playing better in the division is Philadelphia. With four sacks on the Vikings' Tarvaris Jackson, the Giants' pass rush will disrupt Michael Vick and Co. enough to win.

Kansas City at St. Louis, Sunday 1:00 p.m. 

Pick: St. Louis 

With the status of Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel still unknown, the Rams remain the favorite. It was clear in last week's loss to San Diego that Cassel is the key for Kansas City.

Atlanta at Seattle, Sunday 1:00 p.m. 

Pick: Atlanta 

The Falcons are the hottest team in the NFC. Seattle may be in a tie for first place in the NFC West, but the Seahawks are light years away from where Atlanta is.

Denver at Oakland, Sunday 4:15 p.m. 

Pick: Oakland 

Led by Darren McFadden, the Raiders will rout the Broncos, who have now lost four straight and eight of their last nine games.

NY Jets at Pittsburgh, Sunday 4:15 p.m. 

Pick: Pittsburgh 

Things can't get any worse for the Jets. Losers of two straight, the Jets are now tasked with going into Pittsburgh in desperate need of a win. Given the Steelers' strength at home, that's unlikely.

Green Bay at New England, Sunday 8:20 p.m. 

Aaron Rodgers' status is unknown following his second concussion this season, and the Patriots are playing the best football in the league. This is a no-win situation for the Packers.

Chicago at Minnesota, Monday 8:30 p.m. 

Pick: Chicago 

The Bears were humiliated by New England last week, but the Vikings face more questions. Look for Chicago to get back on track and gain even more strength in the NFC North with this Monday night win.