First, a long-overdue standings update. Week 13 I went 9-7 and Week 14 I went 8-8. Amazingly, Al also went 9-7 and 8-8. Week 14 is particularly striking because we made many different picks, and yet still ended up with the same record. So, for the season, I’m 94-95-4 (with a +4 week in the bank) and Al is 92-97-4.
And, of course, the Thursday game was a push, so it doesn’t matter that we weren’t on top of it…
So, without further ado, the Week 15 picks:
Sunday 1:00
Buccaneers @ Atlanta(-3)
Tampa’s too beat up, I have to go with the Falcons here.
Redskins @ Cincinnati(+7)
Ugh. The Bungles are indeed awful, but I’m not real impressed with the Redskins of late, either. No, no, I can’t be taken in by this—the Cincinnati suckage is such a strong force, I can’t go against it. Washington.
Titans @ Houston(+3)
How is the spread only three? Bizarre. Titans easily cover this.
Lions @ Indianapolis(-17.5)
I firmly believe the Lions will indeed make it to 0-16, but that’s a crapload of points. The Lions have been keeping it closer than that, and I think a late, garbage-time TD from Calvin Johnson keeps them within the spread.
Packers @ Jacksonville(+1.5)
Both teams just aren’t good. However, the Packers are especially bad against the run, and the Jags at least know how to do that. I’ll take Jax.
Chargers @ Kansas City(+5.5)
The Bolts are better, but I think they’re only about a FG better in KC, so I’ll again take the points.
Niners @ Miami(-6.5)
Lately, the Niners have looked pretty good and the Dolphins are not as good as their record. However, Gore is going to be out this game, and I don’t see the Niners doing much without him—they’ll see a lot of zone this week and it won’t go well. Fish cover (even though dolphins aren’t fish, I know…).
Bills @ New Jersey Jets(-7.5)
Wow, the Jets have been reeling lately and they have to give more than a TD? Oh, yeah, because Losman is starting for Buffalo. Ugh. Yeah, OK, give the points.
Seahawks @ St. Louis(+2.5)
Combined record of these teams: 4-22. Ouch. I think that Seattle is somewhat less bad, so I’ll give the points.
Sunday ~4:10
Vikings @ Arizona(-3)
Two words make this pick easy: Tarvaris Jackson. I’d like one serving of Cardinals here, thanks.
Steelers @ Baltimore(-2.5)
And how about that Steelers game last week? I turned it on, it was 13-3 in the 4th, and Pittsburgh almost immediately got stuffed on the one on 4th down. Looked over. But no, the Cowboys gave it away, and now they’re imploding again, which is always sweet. Oh, now, this pick. Well, my “Willie Parker policy” has been very effective lately, and he’s supposed to play, so I’ll take Pittsburgh here.
Broncos @ Carolina(-7.5)
Oh, look, the Panthers at home against another team that can’t stop the run. The only worthwhile wager here is on which of the Carolina RBs will have more yards. Panthers all the way.
Patriots @ Oakland(+7)
New England is figuring things out, and the Raiders are still the Raiders. Give the points.
SNF
Giants @ Dallas(-3)
OK, so did the Giants get the stupid out of their system last week? And how much fun is it to see Dallas implode? Personally, I’m hoping T.O. takes a swing at Witten on the sidelines this week and then Witten beats him senseless. Oh, yeah, and I’ll take the points.
MNF
Browns @ Philadelphia(-14)
The Eagles seem to be putting it together again, and Wesbrook finally seems healthy. I don’t see any way the Browns win this game, but 14 is a heck of a lot. I have to take ’em.