NFL Week 15 Picks: Underdogs That Are Locks To Win Outright

With just three weeks remaining in the NFL regular season, most games are incredibly meaningful at this point. Because of that, it should be expected that a number of contests will be very closely contested. The betting lines reflect that notion this week as there are tons of two and three-point favorites.

With that said, there are quite a few surprising favorites this week as well when you consider the teams and the stakes that are involved. The results of NFL games often defy logic, but logic is the only thing we can use to accurately make selections. Here are three underdogs that logic says will not only cover the spread, but outright win in Week 15.

New York Jets (+2.5)

The New York Jets have certainly gone through their fair share of rough patches this season as they are a very inconsistent team, but with a record of 8-5, they currently occupy the final playoff spot in the AFC. New York has had three winning streaks of two or more games this season, but have also had two such losing streaks. Things could go either way at Philadelphia on Sunday, but I would lean in the Jets' direction.

With quarterback Michael Vick back in the lineup, the Eagles extinguished the red-hot Miami Dolphins this past week, but they ultimately have nothing to play for. That is in stark contrast to the Jets who hold a one-game lead in the wild-card race over the Cincinnati Bengals, Oakland Raiders and Tennessee Titans. The Jets simply need every game going forward, and against Philly's suspect defense, I believe quarterback Mark Sanchez and the offense will do enough to pick up a crucial road win.

Seattle Seahawks (+3.5)

Just a few weeks ago, the Seattle Seahawks were basically left for dead, but thanks to four wins in their past five games, the Seahawks still have a pulse in the NFC playoff race. Their Week 15 opponent will be the Chicago Bears, who are in the same boat as the Seahawks in a lot of ways. The Bears are just one game out in the NFC wild-card race, but unlike Seattle, they have faded by losing three games in succession.

Much of Chicago's downfall has to do with significant injuries to quarterback Jay Cutler and running back Matt Forte. Also, the Bears have let two very winnable games slip away over the past two weeks as a Hail Mary was the difference in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, and they blew a late 10-point lead against the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Seattle has found a way to win those close games, though, and provided running back Marshawn Lynch can get going on the ground, the Seahawks should stay alive a little while longer.

Pittsburgh Steelers (+2)

In a game that looks like it will break the unbelievable dry spell in terms of good Monday night games, the San Francisco 49ers will host the Pittsburgh Steelers this week. The Niners are desperately trying to cling to a first-round bye in the NFC, but a narrow loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday leaves them in a tough spot. The Steelers have won four straight and continue to keep pace with the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North.

Basically, these two teams appear to be going in different directions right now, and I think the Steelers can take advantage. San Francisco has the advantage in that Pittsburgh has to make the cross-country trip, but it isn't as big of a factor when it comes to Monday-night tilts.

The 49ers offense has been a bit suspect recently, and that could be an issue against the Steelers' defense. Conversely, San Fran's solid defense has proven susceptible against the pass, so that is something that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh offense can take advantage of provided his ankle holds up.