NFL Predictions for Week 15 as of December 17th

Welcome to Week 15 of the NFL season and it is now crunch time for several teams that’s still in the playoff hunt. Last week my record was 4-2 even though it should’ve been better, but I’ll take it. It seems like anytime I pick against my Eagles they end up winning so I’ll gladly take that loss anytime if that means a W for Philly. My overall record jumps to 45-36, which makes my winning percentage go from 54.7% to 55.6%. This week I’ll be predicting seven games with the hopes of finishing with the best record possible or at least a winning record. Let’s Get Started!!

This is the Thursday Night game that features two of the best rookies in the NFL this year as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, whose lead by Jameis Winston visit the Todd Gurley lead St. Louis Rams. The Buccaneers still have an outside shot to make the playoffs, but they need to win out and get help in the process. Can their defense stop Todd Gurley; he rushed for 140 yards last week. Could this be the final game in St. Louis for the Rams? The Rams main weapon on offense has been Todd Gurley, but he’s listed as questionable for this game. I think the Rams will take care of business at home.

Rams Win 23-21

We have a Saturday night game as the New York Jets travel to face the Dallas Cowboys. The Jets are currently in a battle for a Wild Card spot in the AFC with their 8-5 record, the Steelers and Chiefs also share the same record. The Jets are winners of three games in a row and they could use this win seeing they face the Patriots and Bills in their final two games. The Cowboys, despite having a 4-9 record can still win their division with a lot of help and by winning their final three games. Can Dallas put together a great game on both sides of the ball to beat the Jets? I’m going with the Jets to win!!

Jets Win 27-17

This is a battle for first place in the AFC North as the Houston Texans visit the Indianapolis Colts. Coming into this game, both teams are dealing with injuries to their starting QB and the back-up for the Colts, Matt Hasselback is also dealing with a rib injury. Can the Colts hold off the Texans and the charging Jaguars to win the division and have Andrew Luck return for the playoffs? The Texans will be without starting QB Brian Hoyer, who’s dealing with a concussion and that means that T.J. Yates. The Texans defense has vastly improved and will need to step up in this game. I’m going with the Colts!!

Colts Win 33-21

This is a battle between a couple of division leaders as the undefeated Carolina Panthers visit the New York Giants, who’s tied with the Redskins and Eagles atop the NFC East. The Panthers are trying to pull off a perfect season and they will have to do it without RB Johnathon Stewart. Cam Newton has been the league’s MVP; can he lead the Panthers to the win without Stewart? The Giants need to win out and have the Redskins to lose at least one game to win the division. The Giants are known for ending winning streaks throughout the years, but not this time.

Panthers Win 31-30

This is probably the game of the week as the Denver Broncos travel to face the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Broncos are coming off a terrible loss last week against the Raiders where they had issue with dropped balls. The Broncos are still in the running for a first round bye as they’re tied with the Cincinnati Bengals with a 10-3 record. Can they pick up the huge win in Pittsburgh? I’ve said many times, I believe the Steelers are the most dangerous team in the AFC with that offense they have with three really good receivers, great QB and running game. I’m going with the Steelers to win this one!!

Steelers Win 30-28

This is the Sunday night game as the red-hot Arizona Cardinals visit the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cardinals, outside the Carolina Panthers are probably the hottest team in the league lead by Carson Palmer, who would be in the MVP talk if Newton wasn’t having the year he’s had. On the other side, the Cardinals defense has been phenomenal and I wouldn’t be surprised if they made it all the way to the Super Bowl. Now with the Eagles, you never know what team you’re getting when they hit the field seeing they beat the Patriots after giving up 90 points in the prior two games. The Cardinals are just the better team and I think they win!

Cardinals Win 34-24

We have the Monday Night game featuring underachieving teams as the Detroit Lions visit the New Orleans Saints. The Lions have lost two games in a row after winning three games in a row. The Lions need to finish the season on a positive note because they have a lot of questions going into next year like what to do with Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson. On the other hand, New Orleans also has several questions going into next year with Drew Brees entering the final year of his contract and will Sean Payton remain the coach? This is a tough one, but I think the Saints will win at home.