NFL Week 15 Picks: Advance Warning for Teams on Upset Alert

The following four teams should be on upset alert for Week 15 of the NFL season. 

Carolina Panthers at Houston Texans

The Texans have relied heavily on defense without Matt Schaub, but coordinator Wade Phillips is on leave and his unit could suffer as a result.

Phillips has revolutionized that defense, so it'll be interesting to see how the Texans play against Cam Newton and the Panthers offense.

New England Patriots at Denver Broncos

Your brain says that Tom Brady should stroll into Denver and continue playing as well as he has over the past month or so. While Tim Tebow struggles during the first 45 minutes, Brady can build a lead that takes any fourth-quarter magic out of the equation.

However, what if the Broncos defense contains Brady and Tebow finds some open areas in one of the NFL's worst defenses statistically? Would it really surprise anyone if something crazy happens again on Sunday for these Broncos? 

New York Jets at Philadelphia Eagles

Don't underestimate the loss of Jim Leonard for the Jets defense. When he's been gone for extended periods of time in the past, the Jets have always taken a step back.

That has to be worrisome, especially with the over-the-top speed of the Eagles next up on the schedule. New York's secondary has their work cut out for them without their leader in the lineup this week.

Baltimore Ravens at San Diego Chargers

Have the Chargers finally figured it out? It's probably too late for it to matter, but San Diego can help shake up the AFC playoff picture with a win over the Ravens on Sunday night.

The Chargers offensive revival gives them a puncher's chance in this one. Quarterback Philip Rivers needs to play as well as he has over the past two weeks.