NFL Week 15 Selections By the Macho Rhino

Week 15 is upon us and has several important games.  A loss now could crush playoff hopes while a win keeps you in it for at least one more week.  Several injuries figure to play key roles in this week’s action.  Let’s get to the picks:

Packers at Patriots

A disappointing season for Green Bay only gets worse at they go to New England to play the Patriots.  Tom Brady is having one of his best seasons and will face a good Packers defense.  However the Pack will be without Aaron Rodgers and that will make this game even tougher.  This one shouldn’t be close.  Patriots 31,  Packers 10

Eagles at Giants

An Eagles win puts them in the driver’s seat for the NFC East which means they’ll host at least one playoff game.  The Giants have played well the past few weeks and will keep the ball in the hands of their stable of running backs while the defense disrupts Vick enough for a win.  Giants 24, Eagles 20

Redskins at Cowboys

The Redskins decided to bench Donovan McNabb on Thursday of this week.  Why?  It seems to me like Mike Shanahan had McNabb forced upon him.  McNabb won’t be back and Shanahan will get one more year before they kick him out.  Another gigantic mistake by Dan Snider.  The Cowboys will blowout this dysfunctional team.  Cowboys 31, Redskins 13

Lions at Buccaneers

The Bucs play another important game.  This is a must-win to stay in the playoff hunt.  The Lions are good but still struggle to win on the road and that’ll continue for another week.  Bucs 27, Lions 20

Saints at Ravens

The Ravens are going to have to win this one with offense as their defense can no longer be counted on to make big stops after giving up 95- and 99-yard touchdown drives on Monday night.  They did make a play in OT to win the game but now they’ve got Drew Brees to deal with.  The Saints aren’t safely in the playoffs yet so they’ll come to Baltimore with a lot of motivation.  This one becomes a shootout.  Saints 35, Ravens 31

Chiefs at Rams

The Show-Me Bowl happens in the regular season and it’s one of the biggest ever as both the Chiefs and Rams sit top their divisions.  Matt Cassell is still a game time decision but there’s no way he’s gonna miss this one.  A loss drops KC behind San Diego.  The Rams could lose out and still win the division, that’s how bad it is.  KC sweeps the NFC West to stay atop the AFC West.  Chiefs 24, Rams 21

Texans at Titans

A rematch of the fight between Cortland Finnegan and Andre Johnson doesn’t look to be in the cards.  It’s a big game for both teams hoping to stay alive for a playoff spot even though it’s unlikely.  I think the Texans will make the plays to win because Tennessee is too banged up.  Texans 21, Titans 16

Jaguars at Colts

The Colts have had a little extra time to heal and prepare for the biggest game of their season.  A loss puts the Jags in control of the division and makes the Colts hope for a lot of losses the last two weeks by other teams for them to make the playoffs.  I think this Jacksonville team and they seem to have fate on their side.  Jaguars 27, Colts 24

Cardinals at Panthers

Unless you’re a die-hard fan of one of these two, this game isn’t even worth watching...or talking about.   Panthers 4, Cardinals 2

Browns at Bengals

The Bengals are back to being the Bungles.  They simply can’t play four good quarters.  I’ve said that since Week 1 and they still haven’t figured it out.  They need huge chances.  If Cleveland can find a QB they could be good next year.  Colt McCoy has shown good signs but injuries have been an issue.  I think Peyton Hillis keeps the Browns out front and they win a tight one.  Browns 17, Bengals 14

Bills at Dolphins

This should be a good game that’s under the radar.  The ‘phins will win at home but this scrappy Bills team won’t be easy to beat.  Dolphins 20, Bills 17

Falcons at Seahawks

Atlanta travels across country to play an up and down Seattle team.  Michael Turner should have a huge game running the ball for the Falcons and their defense will make enough plays to keep them atop the NFC.  Falcons 30, Seahawks 20

Jets at Steelers

Troy Polamalu is out for Pittsburgh which usually is a bad sign.  Their defense doesn’t seem to be as strong without him but they get a Jets offense that’s been out of sync.  The pressure is on the Jets to win or they may miss the playoffs.  I expect a great effort from the Jets, but Ben Roethlisberger leads a fourth quarter drive to get the W.  Steelers 16, Jets 13

Broncos at Raiders

Will this be Tim Tebow’s first NFL start?  It should be.  Denver is going nowhere and needs to see what their first round pick has.  At least give him these last three games and hope he plays well and it can give you something to work on in the offseason.  The Raiders destroyed them in the Denver and this shouldn’t be much different.  Raiders 38, Broncos 14

Bears at Vikings

Brett Favre’s out again and looks like he’s done...at least as a Viking.  This game will be played on a frozen field Monday night at the University of Minnesota.  The Vikes will start a rookie QB against a great Bears defense.  This one will be low scoring but the Bears will make the plays to get a win.  Bears 21, Vikings 7