Tried getting to cute on some of my picks last week.
week 15 results:8-8
combined results:26-21
Vikings (9-5) at Packers (2-12)
The Vikings have a shot at securing a playoff spot with a win and a Cowboys loss this week, and will remain in the division race with the potential for a 1st round bye with a win. Meanwhile, the Packers are so far out that they will be looking for a new GM this offseason. The Vikings biggest weakness is their turnover margin, but lets be real here: they could be -3 on turnovers this week and still get an easy win.
Pick: Vikings 34, Packers 10
Chiefs (7-7) at Raiders (8-6)
This is a big game here. With a win here, the Raiders would secure the division, regardless of what the Chargers do this week. On the other hand, if the Chiefs win, they would take over the lead for the West division heading into the last week of the season. A loss for the Chiefs would eliminate them from the playoffs if the Patriots, Ravens, or Colts win this week. Both teams will be playing this week without big time WRs with Julio Jones still injured and Calvin Johnson added to the injury report this week. Even so we have 2 of the best passing offenses vs 2 not so good defenses. We will see alot of passing yards here, with lots of points. At the end of the day, I think the Calvin Johnson injury impacts the Chiefs more than they would like, and the Chiefs say goodbye to their playoff chances, while the Raiders lock up the division.
Pick: Chiefs 21, Raiders 30
Panthers (7-7) at Falcons (3-11)
The Panthers are hanging onto hope to make the playoffs here. They have a shot, but they need a lot of help to get there. A loss here would eliminate any chance of a postseason for them, and even with a win, they could still be eliminated. The key to this game will be the Panthers 7th rated rush defense facing up against the Falcons 32nd ranked rush defense. Should be an easy win for Carolina.
Pick: Panthers 24, Falcons 14
Titans (9-5) at Bills (9-5)
If I understand the tie-breaker scenarios right, the winner of this game should be guaranteed a spot in the playoffs. The loser will still be in a good position, but won't have much wiggle room in the final week. Injuries are piling up for the Titans, with HB Johnathan Stewart being added to the list now- a big hit to the team. This one will focus on 2 top rated defenses. This is probably one of the hardest games I've had to predict here, as it looks like a pretty evenly matched game to me. I'm going to take the Bills in a close game.
Pick: Titans 17, Bills 20
Buccaneers (7-7) at Browns (3-11)
The Buccs still have a shot at the Wildcard, but their best chance at the playoffs come at winning the division. it won't be easy, but with injuries to the Saints, there's a chance. Speaking of injuries, the Browns are not in good shape when it comes to injuries, and look like they'll be starting Geno Smith at QB- which hasn't gone too well for them so far. This should be an easy win for Mellon, keeping playoff hopes alive.
Pick: Buccaneers 26, Browns 9
Bears (9-5) at Lions (10-4)
Another great game, this time in the NFC North. A win here would lock the Lions into a playoff spot, while a win for the Bears could set up a 3 way tie for 1st in the division if the Vikings can get a win as well. Regardless of what happens, the NFC North is in a good position, and could very well send all 3 teams to the playoffs. The Bears lost their top CB Corey Graham for the remainder of the season, which could hurt them a lot. Fortunately for them, the Lions are not a pass heavy team, and the Bears have an excellent rush defense. I think the Bears take this one, and will make things interesting in the NFC north heading into the season finale.
Pick: Bears 20, Lions 17
Colts (8-6) at Texans (2-12)
The Colts are still on the outside looking in, but they do sit in a good position to get into the playoffs. In order to win the division, they would need to win out, while the Titans lose the last 2 games. To get into the wildcard, they just need to win and wait for the Patriots to make a mistake. as for this game, the Texans lack of offense should make this one an easy win for the Colts.
Pick: Colts 27, Texans 13
Patriots (8-6) at Jaguars (7-7)
The Patriots are barely hanging onto the last wildcard spot. They do have an outside shot at winning the division, but that's a longshot. The Jaguars are out of the divisional race at this point, but can get the wildcard, especially since the Patriots are one of the teams standing in the way. This game looks like it could turn into a defensive game. With so much at stake in this game, there are rumors that Byron Leftwich may get the start at QB over Derek Carr to help secure the ball. This will be a hard fought game, but it'll come down to the Patriots run game.
Pick: Patriots 28, Jaguars 21
Saints (8-6) at Giants (9-5)
Both of these teams have a chance of securing a playoff spot with a win. both teams have the potential of missing the playoffs with a loss. for the Saints, the game that matters the most is week 16 against the Panthers, but a win here and a Buccs loss would also do the trick. The Saints have seen quite a few names show up on the injury report lately, and may be suffering from those losses. The Giants have also been dealing with injuries, but have found ways to win despite the injured players. The key to the game for the Saints is to control the clock, and keep running the ball while the defense gets stops on the other end. If the Giants can find ways to expose the Saints pass defense- which wont be easy- they can come away with a win
Pick: Saints 17, Giants 14
I would like to have finished this, but I don't have the time to do all of the games this week. I may post a few more games tomorrow.
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