NFL Picks Week 15: Power Ranking the Most Exciting Games of the Week
It's time to make some NFL picks Week 15! There are plenty of fantastic matchups on tap this week, as several top teams square off against one another. But, with so many good games on the slate, how can you know which ones you should watch?
That's where we come in. We're ranking this week's slate of games using our patented "Gussies" (points named after CBS' exuberant announcer Gus Johnson), and showing you who's going to win, and why.
The rankings went 12-4 for the third straight week in Week 14, can the momentum keep going in Week 15?
We've got a full slate to cover, so let's get rolling, shall we?
16. Arizona Cardinals @ Carolina Panthers
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Why it Matters: Because, technically, the Cardinals are still in the NFC West hunt. Go ahead, beat your head against the desk.
Why Arizona Will Win: Because unlike Max Hall and Derek Anderson, John Skelton actually looked like a functional NFL quarterback last week, and the Panthers are 1-12.
Why Carolina Will Win: Maybe the Cardinals bus breaks down on the way to the stadium. I don't know if you've noticed, but the Panthers have clocked out on 2010 altogether.
Gussies: 1/10. Because you can't give a game less than that, unless the Panthers were playing the Bills.
Final Score: Arizona 28, Carolina 14. Arizona can beat the Panthers, and the John Skelton bandwagon gets a few more followers. Fordham hasn't been this proud of an athletic alum since Vince Lombardi.
15. Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals
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Why it Matters: Because these teams aren't too fond of one another. Other than that, there is absolutely nothing at stake.
Why Cleveland Will Win: Peyton Hillis. He's capable of taking the Bengals defense apart piece by piece. Plus, the Browns' defense is more than capable of shutting down Carson "Maybe we should have drafted a quarterback last season after all" Palmer.
Why Cincinnati Will Win: The Bengals have the talent at their disposal to win this game, but they sure do look like they've closed down for the year, and with Colt McCoy playing for the Browns this week, Cincy's in trouble.
Gussies: 2/10. The intrastate rivalry is fun, but let's be honest; this is a 2-11 team playing host to a 5-8 team. Talk about can't-watch T.V.!
Final Score: Cleveland 28, Cincinnati 17. I'm sorry, Bengals fans. They've burned me too many times this season.
14. Detroit Lions @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Why it Matters: Tampa's still in the playoff hunt, and they certainly can't afford another loss if they hope to stay there.
Why Tampa Bay Will Win: If the Lions are starting Drew Stanton at quarterback this week, they've got no shot. Tampa's defense can close down most of Detroit's offense, and their offense is fully capable of out-gunning the Lions.
Why Detroit Will Win: If Shaun Hill starts on Sunday, the Lions can throw deep to Calvin Johnson and have a puncher's chance.
Gussies: 3/10. Hard to get excited about this one, but you could see a high-scoring game, at least.
Final Score: Tampa Bay 35, Detroit 21. The Lions can't keep up with Josh Freeman and the Bucs.
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13. Atlanta Falcons @ Seattle Seahawks
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Why it Matters: Both teams are still in the playoff hunt, and if the Seahawks want to keep pace, they probably can't afford a loss here.
Why Atlanta Will Win: Atlanta is by far the superior team in this one. Offensively, defensively, on special teams, you name it. Talent wise, the Seahawks should get shellacked.
Why Seattle Will Win: The Seahawks have proven to be a tough out at home, and they do have moments of competence on the offensive side of the ball. Plus, they've won six games this year, and could figure it out this week.
Gussies: 3/10. This one will be over by halftime, regardless of whether it's in Seattle or not.
Final Score: Atlanta 35, Seattle 17. The Seahawks get overwhelmed again, and an 8-8 NFC West champ looks probable.
12. Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins
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Why it Matters: The Dolphins are still in the playoff hunt, and a loss knocks them out of the running. Buffalo's still in the hunt for a top draft pick, and a win hurts their chances.
Why Buffalo Will Win: The Bills can throw the ball, and they've run it well of late. The Dolphins are 1-5 at home this season, and Miami really isn't all that good.
Why Miami Will Win: The Dolphins have made their season beating teams who are worse than they are, and the Bills are 1-5 on the road. Miami's defense has been stellar for the majority of the season, and the offense has been clicking just enough to get them to seven wins. Plus, Buffalo's defense doesn't exactly strike fear into opponent's hearts.
Gussies: 3.5/10. Only because of the playoff implications. Otherwise, this one could be ugly.
Final Score: Miami 17, Buffalo 10. It's not going to be pretty, and it's not going to be as close as the score makes you think.
11. Denver Broncos @ Oakland Raiders
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Why it Matters: It really doesn't. Oakland is still mathematically in the playoff hunt, but if Kansas City wins on Sunday, they're done. Denver looks five kinds of washed up right now.
Why Denver Will Win: The Broncos are better than their record shows, at least offensively. They can throw on anyone, and they've been running exceptionally well as of late.
Why Oakland Will Win: Oakland has been playing better defensively, and their offense should have a field day with the Broncos awful defense.
Gussies: 4/10. This rivalry is always somewhat fun to watch, but this year's installation is particularly bad.
Final Score: Oakland 21, Denver 10. Remember, the Broncos got smoked by the Cardinals last week. They're in serious trouble at this point.
10. Washington Redskins @ Dallas Cowboys
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Why it Matters: It doesn't, in terms of playoffs. But these teams have a long, vitriolic rivalry, so you can throw the records out the window here.
Why Dallas Will Win: The Cowboys should be able to find success offensively against the Redskins awful defense, and their defense has enough talent to contain what little Washington is bringing to the table.
Why Washington Will Win: Even the Redskins anemic passing game should be able to find room to work against the Cowboys terrible secondary. If it turns into an aerial battle (a definite possibility) would you rather have Jon Kitna or Donovan McNabb? I picked McNabb, too. Although, if Rex Grossman starts (which has been hinted at), that goes out the window.
Gussies: 4/10. The rivalry is fierce enough to get excited, but it's hard to enjoy a matchup between hopeless teams this late in the season.
Final Score: Dallas 24, Washington 17. The Redskins' run defense (or lack thereof) proves to be the difference on the road in this one.
9. Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans
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Why it Matters: It doesn't. Both of these teams are out of the playoff race.
Why Tennessee Will Win: The Titans can run the ball as well as anyone in football. Plus, against a pass defense as bad as the Texans', even Kerry Collins can find success, right?
Why Houston Will Win: The Titans are reeling right now, having dropped six straight games. But Houston has been battling nonstop, rallying to almost pull the upset Monday night against Baltimore. Plus, their offense is just scarier.
Gussies: 5/10. Should be close, but it's tough to get too excited about two non-playoff teams.
Final Score: Houston 24, Tennessee 20. The Texans offense is too much for the reeling Titans.
8. Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings
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Why it Matters: Chicago's still in the playoff picture, and lead the NFC North by a game. But a loss to the now eliminated Vikings would be enough to put some big holes in their division title hopes. Plus, there's the whole rivalry thing.
Why Chicago Will Win: The Bears are playing like a cohesive team still, while the Vikes sure didn't look like one against the Giants. Plus, who's the Vikings' quarterback this week? Do any of the potential names (a banged up Brett Favre, Tavaris Jackson, Joe Webb, or Patrick Ramsey) scare you?
Why Minnesota Will Win: Minnesota is going to be anxious to prove that they're better than they showed against the Giants last week, and Adrian Peterson's ankle will be better, and ready to go.
Gussies: 5/10. They're playing outdoors. In Minnesota. In the middle of December. Don't expect much scoring.
Final Score: Chicago 17, Minnesota 13. The Bears don't need much to come away from Minnesota with a win this time.
7. San Francisco 49ers @ San Diego Chargers
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Why it Matters: Both teams are in a fight for their playoff lives. Neither one can afford another loss. Sound like a big game to you?
Why San Francisco Will Win: The Niners are playing some of their best football of the season right now, and their defense has enough talent to contain the Bolts' offense. Plus, San Fran's offense might finally have sorted itself out in time to make a playoff push, while San Diego can't figure out who they want to be.
Why San Diego Will Win: The game is in San Diego, and the Niners are 1-5 away from home, while San Diego is 5-2 at home this year. The Bolts are the more talented team, and should win this one.
Gussies: 6/10. This should be a good game, for about three quarters.
Final Score: San Diego 28, San Francisco 24. The Niners put up a good fight, but can't get past Philip Rivers and the Bolts.
6. Kansas City Chiefs @ St. Louis Rams
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Why it Matters: Both teams need wins to stay atop their respective division races, and the Chiefs need one to stave off rumblings of being overrated.
Why St. Louis Will Win: The Rams offense can score, and their defense is solid against the pass and the run. The game is in St. Louis, which favors the Rams, who are 4-2 at home, while the Chiefs are 2-5 on the road.
Why Kansas City Will Win: The Chiefs' offense is potent enough to score on the Rams' defense, thanks to the running back tandem of Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones.
Gussies: 6.5/10. This should be a good game, full of potential playoff implications.
Final Score: Kansas City 24, St. Louis 21. The Chiefs running game is just a bit too much for the Rams, who push them to the brink nonetheless.
5. Green Bay Packers @ New England Patriots
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Why it Matters: Two teams in the thick of the playoff hunt. Green Bay needs a win much more than the Pats do, but the Patriots can ill-afford too many losses down the stretch.
Why Green Bay Will Win: Even if Aaron Rodgers can't go, the Pack defense is capable of keeping this a low scoring affair.
Why New England Will Win: The Patriots have blown out good teams each of the last two weeks, and the Packers are all kinds of banged up. No one can stop Tom Brady and the New England offense, and the Pats' defense has been playing much better as of late. If Aaron Rodgers doesn't play how will Green Bay move the ball?
Gussies: 6.5/10. This would be a 7 or an 8 if Aaron Rodgers was a lock to play. But he's not, so don't get too geeked up over Matt Flynn.
Final Score: New England 17, Green Bay 14. The Pack have enough to keep things interesting, even without Aaron Rodgers, but they don't have enough to win without him.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts
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Why it Matters: The Colts got their playoff hopes back on track against Tennessee last week, but they can't lose another game. Jacksonville can't lose this one if they want to win the AFC South this year.
Why Indianapolis Will Win: The Colts offense will have a field day against such a soft defense. Jacksonville's passing game can't keep up, and Maurice Jones-Drew can't do it by himself.
Why Jacksonville Will Win: Jacksonville beat the Colts in Week 5, and the Colts still can't stop the run. Jones-Drew is rolling right now; the Jags might not need to throw the ball to score.
Gussies: 8/10. This should be a knockdown, drag-out brawl.
Final Score: Indianapolis 24, Jacksonville 21. The Colts avenge their loss to the Jags earlier this year and cause a tie atop the division.
3. Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants
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Why it Matters: Two longtime rivals neck-and-neck for the division title? Two high powered offenses? Sounds like there's quite a bit on the line here.
Why Philadelphia Will Win: The Eagles already beat the Giants once this season, and with Michael Vick quarterbacking what is one of the best big-play offenses in football, it'll be tough for the Giants to keep them contained. Sure, the Giants could pick apart Philly's defense, but with just two healthy wideouts this week, it's going to be tough for them to do it.
Why New York Will Win: The Giants offense is balanced and explosive, and the defense is as good as anyone's. If Eli can avoid turning the ball over against Philly's ball-hawking defense, New York should find themselves atop the division.
Gussies: 9/10. This should be a real thriller.
Final Score: New York Giants 31, Philadelphia 28. The Eagles hang tough, but just can't get over the hump.
2. New York Jets @ Pittsburgh Steelers
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Why it Matters: Two teams angling for a division title. The Steelers are rolling right now; the Jets are reeling after two straight losses. A third, and they could be washed right out of the AFC East race.
Why New York Will Win: The Jets defense is scary, and Pittsburgh has battled offensive issues all season long. The Jets are anxious to prove they're more than big talkers, and a win over the Steelers at Hines Field would go a long way towards silencing the critics.
Why Pittsburgh Will Win: Pittsburgh is the better team. Given the performance of the Jets' offense in recent weeks, the Steelers defense should be licking their chops for another stellar game this week. If the offense finds a rhythm, look out.
Gussies: 9.5/10. A good, old-fashioned defensive struggle between a pair of top 10 teams. What's not to get excited about?
Final Score: Pittsburgh 14, New York 13. The Jets hang tough, but turnovers kill them in the end.
1. New Orleans Saints @ Baltimore Ravens
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Why it Matters: Two explosive offenses. Two solid defenses. Two teams angling for a division crown, neither of whom can afford a loss in this contest. Is that enough on the line for you?
Why Baltimore Will Win: The Ravens have one of the NFL's most talented runners in Ray Rice, and New Orleans has struggled against the rush all season long. The passing game has shown signs of greatness, and the Ravens are 5-1 at home.
Why New Orleans Will Win: The Saints are 5-1 away from the Superdome, and throw the ball as well as anyone this side of Foxboro. Baltimore's defense is vulnerable over the top, and New Orleans' vertical passing game is superb.
Gussies: 10/10. The game of the week, without question.
Final Score: New Orleans 28, Baltimore 27. The Ravens can't quite get it done against another NFC South foe, and the Saints keep their division title hopes alive.
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