NFL Picks Week 15: Crystal Ball Projections for Sunday's Games

Almost nothing has gone as predicted during the 2011 NFL season. Luckily for you, I've been studying hard and have a great idea which way most of the games in Week 15 will go.

Here are my picks for this week's slate of games.

Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9) at Atlanta Falcons (8-5)

After a great 31-23 comeback win over the Panthers in Week 14, I expect the Falcons to keep things rolling over the Jaguars, who had a nice offensive performance on Sunday in a 41-14 win over Tampa Bay. I just don't think Blaine Gabbert and company will be able to duplicate that offensive output against Atlanta on Thursday night.

Atlanta 24, Jacksonville 13

Dallas Cowboys (7-6) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-9)

The Buccaneers have dropped five straight, and the Cowboys desperately need a win to stay in the NFC East title hunt. Somehow, Tony Romo and company will get that victory on Saturday night even without DeMarco Murray, who is out for the year with a broken ankle.

Dallas 31, Tampa Bay 17

Miami Dolphins (4-9) at Buffalo Bills (5-8)

With head coach Tony Sparano now finally fired, a weight has been lifted off Miami's shoulders. The Dolphins have played much better of late, while the Bills have lost six in a row. Miami will get another win and continue to look like an improved squad on Sunday.

Miami 21, Buffalo 14

Seattle Seahawks (6-7) at Chicago Bears (7-6)

With Matt Forte and Jay Cutler out for a while, the Bears have struggled to find answers offensively. In Week 14, they became the latest team to get Tebowed and could still be reeling from that. Meanwhile, the Seahawks have managed to win four of their last five and look like a decent team in the process. I like Seattle's chances on  Sunday.

Seattle 17, Chicago 14

Tennessee Titans (7-6) at Indianapolis Colts (0-13)

So is this the week the Colts finally start to turn things around? Nope. 

Tennessee 24, Indianapolis 10

Green Bay Packers (13-0) at Kansas City Chiefs (5-8)

The Packers are so deep at receiver that even the absence of Greg Jennings won't hold back the offense this weekend. Aaron Rodgers and company should roll yet again against a Chiefs team that has lost five of its last six.

Green Bay 45, Kansas City 17

Cincinnati Bengals (7-6) at St. Louis Rams (2-11)

Cincinnati has lost four of its last five, including a 20-19 heartbreaker to the Texans on Sunday. But they get a gift this weekend in a matchup against a terrible Rams team. Andy Dalton and his team will cruise to an easy road win.

Cincinnati 27, St. Louis 14

New Orleans Saints (10-3) at Minnesota Vikings (2-11)

Despite Joe Webb's heroics on Sunday, the Vikings dropped their fifth straight to the Lions, 34-28. While the Saints struggled to get by the Titans, 22-17, I don't expect Drew Brees and his offense to stay down for long. They should bounce back with a blowout win on Sunday.

New Orleans 42, Minnesota 20

Washington Redskins (4-9) at New York Giants (7-6)

The Giants pulled out an improbable comeback win over the Cowboys in Week 14 and should have the momentum to easily dispatch a Redskins team that has lost eight of nine and is still stuck with Rex Grossman at quarterback.

New York (Giants) 35, Washington 21

Carolina Panthers (4-9) at Houston Texans (10-3)

Rookie quarterback T.J. Yates helped lead the Texans to their seventh win in a row on Sunday, which earned the franchise its first ever playoff berth. The Panthers have continued to struggle to close out games and let a 23-7 lead slip away against the Falcons on Sunday. The Texans will pull out another win in a close one.

Houston 28, Carolina 27

Detroit Lions (8-5) at Oakland Raiders (7-6)

In a battle of two teams trying to get back into the playoff race, the Lions should have enough firepower to withstand a late charge from the Raiders.

Detroit 35, Oakland 31

New England Patriots (10-3) at Denver Broncos (8-5)

Are Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos for real? We'll find out Sunday as they face their first Super Bowl contender with the second year signal caller under center. The Patriots have far too much offensively for the Broncos to handle and keep pace with.

New England 38, Denver 24

 New York Jets (8-5) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-8)

Mark Sanchez has seemed to settle in over the past few games, while the Eagles are still wildly inconsistent. I think this will turn out to be a fantastic game, and a late touchdown pass by Sanchez will seal it up for the Jets.

New York (Jets) 28, Philadelphia 24

Cleveland Browns (4-9) at Arizona Cardinals (6-7)

The Browns have lost eight of their last 10 and have been one of the biggest disappointments in the NFL this season. Meanwhile, John Skelton has the Cardinals rolling with wins in their last three games and five of their last six. The Cardinals will win again this weekend, as the legend of Skelton will continue to grow.

Arizona 21, Cleveland 12

Baltimore Ravens (10-3) at San Diego Chargers (6-7)

The Chargers have won two straight against mediocre competition, but they welcome a stellar Ravens team to town on Sunday night. Don't expect any miracles from Norv Turner and Philip Rivers in this one. It will be close but the Ravens will come out with a win.

Baltimore 27, San Diego 24

Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) at San Francisco 49ers (10-3)

Finally, we get what should be a great Monday night game. The Steelers will fly west, having won four in a row and eight of their last nine games. Meanwhile, the 49ers suddenly look vulnerable after losing two of their last three. I expect the Steelers to escape with a win in what should be an old-school slugfest.

Pittsburgh 21, San Francisco 17