NFL Week 15 Predictions: Cowboys and Teams Whose Playoff Hopes Will Be Crushed

Cowboys fans have to be worried when Tony Romo is playing well in December and the team is still losing. The Cowboys dropped a crucial division contest against the Giants on Sunday night in a game in which Romo threw for 321 yards, four TDs and no INTs.

This week, the 'Boys will take on the reeling Buccaneers in Tampa. On paper, it looks like an easy win. The Bucs have one of the worst defenses in the NFL. They have the 28th-ranked defense against the pass and 27th against the run. But, never underestimate the effort of a team with a player's coach who is facing job security issues.

Raheem Morris is under fire, as his team has lost seven in a row. This team will rally around him and produce a spirited effort.

DeMarco Murray is not playing, so much of the load will fall on Romo. If the Bucs can play inspired on defense, but most importantly get LeGarrete Blount going on the ground, they could upset Dallas.

I believe they will pull the major upset, and this will effectively kill the Cowboys' playoff hopes.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks are attempting to make a late run into the playoff picture in the NFC. The loser of their game against the Chicago Bears will be dealt a death blow to their playoff hopes.

The Bears are the far superior team on defense, and their running game is ranked ninth in the NFL—when Marion Barber isn't having brain farts, that is, like he did Sunday against the Broncos.

The Bears really should be 2-1 since Cutler's injury, as they dropped a 10-3 decision to the Chiefs and got Tebowed last week. 

The Seahawks have found themselves while riding Beast Mode with Marshawn Lynch. However, the Bears' nasty defense is nastiest against the run. The Bears D has only allowed one 100-yard rusher since Week 5. The Bears will find enough offense to douse the Seahawks' playoff dreams.

Cincinnati Bengals

Call it upset weekend, but I'm also picking the Rams to end the Bengals' playoff hopes. At 7-6, the Bengals can't afford to get the dreaded seventh loss in the AFC.

Andy Dalton has looked less than spectacular in consecutive losses. The pressure is on, and this is a road game. When Stephen Jackson is on, the Rams are a different team.

The other key to Rams' success is a high level of play from their defensive ends Robert Quinn and Chris Long. They are both speed rushers that get after the QB better at home on the artificial surface. Rams D will harass Dalton into a poor performance. S-Jack goes for 130 yards and the Rams pull their second stunner of the season.