Week 15 NFL Picks: Wild Card Hopefuls Sure to Suffer Brutal Setbacks

With only three weeks left in the NFL regular season (and no BCS standings in sight), potential wild-card contenders like the Chicago Bears are holding out hope that they can compete for it all this winter, and it starts in Week 15.

But don't get your hopes up, Chicago fans. The Bears have lost three straight games without starting quarterback Jay Cutler. He will be out for the rest of year, along with fantasy beast, running back Matt Forte.

The Bears have averaged just 11 points per game in the past three weeks—6.5 points per game the past two weeks—since being slapped upside the helmet with the injury bug.

However, Chicago is not the only wild-card contender that will be derailed in Week 15. Here are some others.

Oakland Raiders

The Raiders have looked putrid on both sides of the ball, and we'll include the special teams in the past two weeks on the road. If they don't change their ways, they will no doubt receive coal in their stockings this Christmas.

Oakland got walloped by 20 points at Miami in Week 13 and followed it up with a brutal 30-point loss at Lambeau Field last Sunday. Both games were decided early and could have been worse if not for some last-minute offensive output from the Silver and Black.

The Raiders will host the 8-5 Detroit Lions in Week 15—a dangerous team predicated on scoring early and often—which could be a nightmare for the Black Hole on Sunday.

Detroit will have their confidence back—as well as their dominant defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who returns from a two-game suspension.

The Lions rank fifth in the NFL in passing offense, while the Raiders currently rank 17th in passing D. This matchup favors the road team, but expect a better effort from Carson Palmer and company for the first time this December.

New York Jets

It's tough not to buy into Rex Ryan's Jets after three straight wins, but against who?

New York has reeled off three straight W's against Buffalo, Washington and Kansas City. Neither team is better than 5-8 this season, and every team was playing its worst football of the year at the time.

In Week 15, the Philadelphia Eagles—who oddly enough sport a 5-8 record through 13 games—will host the Jets at Lincoln Financial Field. 

Philly topped Miami, 26-10 in South Beach last week to get some of their swagger back and help the Dolphins' front office rationalize the firing of Tony Sparano.

The good news for the Jets this week is that they are playing another 5-8 team, and one that has lacked a sense of urgency for the entire season. 

The bad news for New York is that Michael Vick came back last week, which means he'll be back this week. Vick and the Eagles have nothing lose or gain but respect, and that will ultimately doom the Jets in Week 15.