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.
Sunday 1:00
Buccaneers @ Atlanta(-3)
This is such a HUGE game for Atlanta. It’s at home, and even though I was right they’d lose last week, I think I’m a believer now. I’ll take the Falcons!
Redskins @ Cincinnati(+7)
This is a meaningless game. Alas, it turns out the NFC east wasn’t what we thought it was. It’s possible they’ll only get 1 team in the playoffs and the NFC South will get 3! Shocking! But Cinci is just done. If Marvin Lewis wasn’t playing for that cheap-ass owner, he’d be gone by now. Give the points. Redskins.
Titans @ Houston(+3)
This is Houston’s superbowl, so they will keep it close. But not that close. The Titans want home field. Give the points.
Lions @ Indianapolis(-17.5)
The Lions missed their chance last week. This will be a VERY ugly game. Indy by 30.
Packers @ Jacksonville(+1.5)
Both teams have lost like 3 or 4 in a row. Just disappointing how both teams fared this year. I guess I’ll take the Packers because their passing game is better.
Chargers @ Kansas City(+5.5)
Norv Turner and Herm Edwards. There’s a future superbowl matchup. I guess I like getting the points at home. This is probably the last shot for Thigpen to nail down the job for next year.
Niners @ Miami(-6.5)
I think this game will be close. In fact, the Niners will lead most of the way and give it up in the fourth quarter, as has been their way under Singletary. I still think he should get the job because I’m a fan. I’ll take the points.
Bills @ New Jersey Jets(-7.5)
The Jets seriously need this game. They are still atop the division though due to tiebreakers. And next week will be a glorious Miami stomping. Go JETS!
Seahawks @ St. Louis(+2.5)
Wow, this game is teh lose. I’lll take the Seahawks.
Sunday ~4:10
Vikings @ Arizona(-3)
No doubt Tavaris Jackson will have to make some plays, but Arizona is just playing out the string. They can lose these games and still have home field. I’ll take the Vikings and the points. And Adrian Peterson.
Steelers @ Baltimore(-2.5)
Wow, this is the game of the week. I see this being a very close game. If Ben can get the ball out quick against blitzes, the Steelers should squeak one out. I’ll take the points.
Broncos @ Carolina(-7.5)
Carolina has the running game cooking and the Broncos are beat up and can’t stop it. Too much at home. I’ll give the points.
Patriots @ Oakland(+7)
The Patriots will handle Oakland. They need the win to keep pace. And the Raiders…yipes.
SNF
Giants @ Dallas(-3)
Man, it’s fun to see all this Dallas shenanigans. But TO’s not the problem lately, it’s Romo. He’s so careless with the ball, and it continues to cost them in big games. Of course this is a must-win for the Cowboys. I actually like them at home. I’ll give the points.
MNF
Browns @ Philadelphia(-14)
So many points! Gah! This resurgence could get Philly into the playoffs, but it will be funny if that Cinci tie keeps them out. They’ll win this game…but by how much! Bah, I need to take the points.