NFL Week 15 Predictions

December 11, 2007, 7:03 PM | 5 Comments

Note: Predictions for week 15 of the 2008 NFL season can be found here: NFL Week 15 Predictions.

Last week was another good one as I made 13 correct picks to bring my record up to 142-66. This week we should see a lot of teams that are “on the bubble” have their hopes burst. Hey, with only 3 games left in the season, someone’s gotta lose.

My poll question this week: Who do you think deserves the “Rookie of the Year” award? I think it’s Adrian Peterson without a doubt – to me, it’s not really even close. Peterson is second in the league in rushing and only 17 yards behind Pittsburgh’s Willie Parker… but he’s also missed 2 games to injury. That fact alone is pretty impressive and Peterson’s performance has even garnered him some MVP considerations (in some circles at least). If you think anyone else is deserving, please let me know!

I’ll keep my comments fairly brief again this week but I just thought I’d point out my game of the week before I get to my picks for week 15.

Game of the Week: Jets at Patriots

This game has been circled by many since the week 1 post-game saga that was “Spy-Gate” (or “Camera-Gate” or any other gate you’d like). The Patriots are entering this game as 27-point favourites over the Jets and for good reason. This game is the payback game for all of the embarrassment that was sparked by the Jets coach who was formerly known as “the Man Genious.” Mangini’s decision to out his former boss’s tactics cost Belichick $500,000 and cost the Patriots a first round draft pick. You can bet the entire Patriots organization (including their fans) will be ready for this one. If you watch only one game this weekend, do yourself a favour and watch this one.

On to my predictions for week 15!

Away	Home	Comments	Pick	Result
Broncos (6-8)	Texans (7-7)	Jay Cutler was great last Sunday and I think the Broncos will be able to start a bit of a mini-streak here. 2 in a row!
Bengals (5-9)	49ers (4-10)	The Bengals should be able to win this one with ease, but I wouldn’t be surprised either way.
Jets (3-11)	Patriots (14-0)	This is going to be fun to watch.
Jaguars (10-4)	Steelers (9-5)	Memo to the Steelers: Don’t let any of your team mates use the word “Guarantee” ever again. It’ll be a tough task for Jacksonville on the road this week, but I just think they’re the better team here.
Seahawks (9-5)	Panthers (6-8)	At this point the Seahawks are fighting for playoff position and currently have the inside track on the 3 seed. They’ll need to continue to win if they want to hold on.
Ravens (4-10)	Dolphins (1-13)	After 2 hard to swallow losses the Ravens get to go to Miami. They have to be able to win this one.
Packers (12-2)	Rams (3-11)	It seems like a long time ago that Randy Moss mooned us out of the playoffs, but the Packers are back in the 2nd season after a 2-year absence. Ryan Grant continues to get better with each passing week, and that’s a great sign for Packers fans.
Cardinals (6-8)	Saints (7-7)	Both of these teams still have a mathematic chance to make the playoffs. I don’t think either of them will, but this game will probably cement that for one team.
Titans (8-6)	Chiefs (4-10)	It’s been a disappointing season for the Chiefs that I don’t think will get much better this week. Even though the Titans haven’t been as good lately, I think they’ll win because they just need it more.
Bills (6-8)	Browns (9-5)	Trent Edwards looked pretty good last week at QB for the Bills… but they were playing the Dolphins. This week, I think the Browns offense will out-match the Bills D.
Falcons (3-11)	Buccaneers (9-5)	The Bucs are hoping to get Jeff Garcia back this week, which should help, but I think they beat the Falcons either way.
Colts (12-2)	Raiders (4-10)	Can you imagine how badly the Colts would’ve beaten the Ravens last week if a) Marvin Harrison was playing and b) if Tony Dungy didn’t (tastefully) pull most of his starters mid-way through the 3rd quarter?
Eagles (6-8)	Cowboys (12-2)	Can’t really pick against the Cowboys until they prove me wrong.
Lions (6-8)	Chargers (9-5)	Well, the 10 wins thing isn’t happening, that’s for sure. Honestly, I think the Lions will be lucky if they get to 8 now.
Redskins (7-7)	Giants (9-5)	I want the Redskins to win this one. I don’t think they will, but I think they’ll at least make it close.
Bears (5-9)	Vikings (8-6)	Kyle Orton is starting for the Bears. Vikings win.

This week should be a lot of fun to watch… unless you’re a fan of one of those bubble teams that loses on Sunday. Here are this week’s ESPN Expert Picks.

Update: After a pretty good week last week, this week’s picks didn’t fair quite so well. 10-6 this week to bring my total for the year up to 152-72. This week’s Monday Night Football match between the Bears and Vikings was actually a pretty good game that ended up being a lot closer than expected. Check back Tuesday for week 16 picks!

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