NFL Week 15 Predictions: Denver Broncos and More Underdogs to Pick

Favorites shmavorites—what does Las Vegas know about 'em, huh?

Especially in the NFL, where unpredictability has become, well, all too predictable amidst the wackiness of the 2011 season. If you're looking to lay down a few bucks on an underdog here or there, you'd be wise to give any or all of these three teams a gander.

Denver Broncos

Rational thought suggests that the New England Patriots should be favored by a touchdown against the Denver Broncos. After all, they're 10-3, they still have Tom Brady under center and their defense, as atrocious as it's been, will have only to compete with Tim Tebow and a Broncos offense that's effective for about six minutes per game.

Then again, rational thought can hardly explain the Broncos' miraculous rise from the basement to the penthouse of the AFC West since Tebow took over eight games ago. Heck, reason can hardly explain how in the world Denver defeated the Chicago Bears in overtime last Sunday, 13-10.

It's still reasonable to suggest, though, that there's some sort of magic floating around Mile High Stadium, where these two teams will play in Week 15, and that the Pats are eminently vulnerable after pulling out close wins against inferior competition in each of their last two times out. 

Seattle Seahawks

Speaking of the woebegone Bears, they're still getting love from Las Vegas this week, even though Jay Cutler and Matt Forte aren't about to walk through the hallowed halls of Soldier Field anytime soon.

It certainly doesn't help Chicago's case that the Seattle Seahawks are in town. Sure, Pete Carroll's club may not seem like a threat, that is, until you consider it's won four of its last five games to pull within shouting distance of a wild-card playoff berth in the NFC.

Bottom line: The Bears had best hide their stockpiles of Skittles, lest they let Marshawn Lynch taste the rainbow and burst back into "Beast Mode."

New York Jets

Three wins against mediocre teams are hardly reasons enough to think the Jets are "back" just yet, though the fact that they've been able to feast on the dregs of the NFL of late should earn them a bit more cred against the 5-8 Philadelphia Eagles.

Sure, the "Dream Team" may not be ready to die just yet, not after the way it clocked the once-hot Miami Dolphins, subsequently sending embattled coach Tony Sparano back on the sideline-stalking carousel.

That being said, Mark Sanchez has played some solid football since Gang Green's deflating defeat in Denver, as has Shonn Greene, who's proven that there's plenty of life left in his once-lost legs. Both should find plenty of success (or at least success enough) against Philly's middling defense to lift New York to its ninth win of the season, thereby bringing Rex Ryan ever closer to a third playoff spot in as many seasons on the job.

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