Weekly NFL Picks: Week 15

I'm having a hard time figuring out why everyone is treating the Detroit Lions like a charity case. Yes, they haven't won a game this year and just may be the first team ever to finish 0-16, but this was self-imposed. Bad decisions caused this team to be in the position it is in.

Mounting victory numero uno won't be easy against a red-hot Indianapolis team. Will the breaks finally favor the Lions?

Let's get to the picks.

New Orleans (7-6) over Chicago (7-6)

Huge playoff implications are on the line Thursday night at Soldier Field. Whichever team wins stays in the race for a division title while the loser suffers a tough setback. The Saints need to be desperate since both NFC wild-card teams may come out of the South. New Orleans does just enough to keep pace with the Falcons and remain in the playoff hunt.

Tampa Bay (9-4) over Atlanta (8-5)

The Buccaneers didn't show me what I expected to see out of them in last week's 38-23 loss to Carolina. Atlanta looked sloppy in losing to New Orleans last week.
Much like the Saints-Bears game, the winner of this game goes into prime playoff position while the loser takes a hit.

The Bucs have been shaky on the road but their players know what it takes in crunch time. Atlanta's leader—rookie quarterback Matt Ryan—hasn't been through the rigors of a playoff race. Advantage, and the game, goes to Tampa Bay.

Washington (7-6) over Cincinnati (1-11-1)

The Redskins fell apart. Plain and simple. But there is no better elixir for a slump than visiting the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincy hasn't been good all year and something needs to change by the time the 2009 season kicks off. As for Sunday, Washington should have a field day against the helpless Bengals defense.

St. Louis (2-11) over Seattle (2-11)

For the suffering of NFL fans everywhere, this game actually has to be played. Matt Hasselbeck isn't playing—again—which hurts Seattle's chances. The Seahawks can't stop the pass at all and the Rams can move the ball fairly well through the air. Chalk up an ugly home victory for St. Louis.

Miami (8-5) over San Francisco (5-8)

I keep picking against the 49ers and they keep winning. The 'Niners stink on the road, and the Dolphins know how to get it done at home. Tony Sparano may be the NFL Coach of the Year, especially if he gets the 'Fins to the playoffs. A win Sunday sure won't hurt.

New York Jets (8-5) over Buffalo (6-7)

The John Madden Game of the Week hasn't been very good to me as of late. As opposed to my 49ers picks, I keep picking the Jets to win and they keep losing. I'm sticking to my guns this week as the Jets play a crucial home game against the self-destructing Bills.

Brett Favre knows how to get things done in the winter months, and after watching him for nearly all of my life here in Green Bay, I would imagine he'll do the same Sunday.

If you're hearing a pounding sound as you read this, it's just me beating my head against the desk for complimenting Favre.

Indianapolis (9-4) over Detroit (0-13)

Every week, I give thought to a Lions upset. If the Colts were playing as they were in October, I'd give this one to the Lions. Unfortunately for Detroit, the Colts are playing like the Colts of old, which means this one goes to the home team. Sorry kitties, 0-16 is just 120 minutes of football away.

Kansas City (2-11) over San Diego (5-8)

How the Chargers are 5-8 is the biggest mystery of the 2008 NFL season. It's clear LaDainian Tomlinson isn't the machine he used to be, but it is also clear Phillip Rivers is becoming a superstar quarterback.

The Bolts' biggest shortcomings have come on the road, and regardless of how down the Chiefs may be, Arrowhead is not a fun place for visiting teams to play. KC squeaks out the upset.

Green Bay (5-8) over Jacksonville (4-9)

Two of the most disappointing squads in the league clash Sunday afternoon in northern Florida. Neither defensive unit has played up to expectations. Green Bay's offense will be the difference as the Packers theoretically remain alive in the playoff race.

Houston (6-7) over Tennessee (12-1)

Only two teams—New Orleans and Denver—have a more productive offense than the Texans. Houston was hot going into Green Bay last week. After Matt Schaub's career day, he and the offense are confident. A late field goal give the Texans a big confidence-building victory.

Arizona (8-5) over Minnesota (8-5)

This game boils down to which strength—Arizona's passing attack and Minnesota's running game - can out-muscle the other. The Cards are No. 11 against the run while Minnesota's pass defense ranks 20th in the NFL.

With this one played in the desert, the Cardinals bolster their record while delivering a crucial blow to Minnesota's division championship hopes.

Carolina (10-3) over Denver (8-5)

The Panthers looked impressive in last Sunday's victory over the Buccaneers. Denver's second-ranked offense comes to Charlotte for the Panthers' final home game of the regular season, but Denver's defensive ineptitude will get Carolina one step closer to the NFC South crown.

Baltimore (9-4) over Pittsburgh (10-3)

A Ravens win means the AFC North race is anything but over. A Steelers win means it is over. Pittsburgh hasn't won in Baltimore since 2002 and the Ravens offense is the highest scoring unit in the NFL since mid-October.

Joe Flacco is giving Matt Ryan a heck of a run for Rookie of the Year. If Pittsburgh's offense clicks for the first time all year, though, this one could sway the other way.

New England (8-5) over Oakland (3-10)

It's been a long time since the Patriots have had a must-win game in December, but Sunday's late kickoff against the Raiders is just that. A loss, coupled with wins by the Jets and Dolphins, severely hinders New England's playoff hopes. Luckily for the Pats, Oakland isn't very good at football.

New York Giants (11-2) over Dallas (8-5)

It was just a matter of time before Terrell Owens started pouting. Evidently 50-some catches and a team-leading nine touchdowns isn't enough for T.O. Now is the worst time for any drama to be rearing its head, but the Giants will be glad to capitalize.

Owens will be throwing tantrums when the Cowboys miss the playoffs, regardless of the fact that he'll have nobody but himself to blame.

Philadelphia (7-5-1) over Cleveland (4-9)

Browns Head Coach Romeo Crennel does not deserve to lose his job this offseason though he probably will. It isn't his fault the Browns can't play defense, the quarterbacks can't stop throwing interceptions and Braylon Edwards can't stop dropping the ball.

It isn't Philly's fault, either, and the Eagles will be glad to take advantage of the Browns Monday night.

Last week: 12-4
Overall record: 136-67-1