NFL Week 15 Picks and Predictions

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NFL Week 15 Picks and Predictions

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February 3, 2023

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The final weekend of autumn brings with it the primary full slate of NFL video games since October, and it additionally brings a trio of Saturday video games as America’s Sport spreads its wings and its schedule. With solely 4 video games left within the common season, the playoff image might grow to be just a little bit clearer over the following few days or might need followers reaching for tiebreaking eventualities when play ends on Monday night time. Right here, now’s my week 15 picks and prediction for each NFL recreation on the Week 15 schedule.

San Francisco -3.0 (9-4) at Seattle (7-6): The NFC West main 49ers head to the Pacific Northwest to tackle the previous divisional main Seahawks, who’ve misplaced their final two dwelling video games and three out of their final 4 general. Seattle wants a win on Thursday Evening Soccer to have any likelihood to catching the ‘Niners within the NFC West since a win would give them a season sweep and an insurmountable lead. San Francisco has been capable of play nearly anybody at quarterback this season with three totally different QBs posting wins, the most recent being Brock Purdy, who manhandled Tampa Bay final week. Being a favourite on the highway in Seattle is not any simple feat, one thing the highest scoring protection within the NFL is probably going up for (SF solely permits 15 factors per recreation). And with the Seahawks permitting 25 factors a recreation and the ‘Niners posting 24 PPG it could be a little bit of a shock that the highway staff is barely giving up three factors on the betting parlors. For me, it’s time to put the Seahawks to mattress within the NFC West and allow them to suppose Wild-Card for the remainder of the common season … give me San Francisco -3 to win and canopy on this recreation.

Indianapolis (4-8-1) at Minnesota -4.0 (10-3): The Saturday NFL schedules kicks off in Minnesota the place the Vikings host the Jeff Saturday coached Colts. Since defeating the Raiders in his first recreation, Saturday has misplaced three straight video games, pushing them in direction of the NFL Draft and turning their proprietor right into a laughingstock, once more. The Vikings, regardless of shedding to the Detroit Lions final week, can clinch the NFC North with a house win on this recreation and transfer one step nearer to locking up the second seed within the playoffs. Bettors are getting Minnesota at a reduction this weekend because of the Vikings misplaced final week since they outscore the Colts about eight factors per recreation on common, with oddsmakers solely asking Purple backers to put half as a lot on this recreation. So, except you foresee Indy posting a 400+ yard offensive efficiency, the play right here is simple to make … Taking Minnesota -4 to win and canopy.

Baltimore (9-4) at Cleveland -2.5 (5-8): The center recreation of Saturday’s triple header sees what may have been a battle for the AFC North, with the Browns now nearer to participant spoilers than making a run on the divisional title or Wild-Card berth. With the harm to Ravens’ QB Lamar Jackson having many nervous about his long-term future within the league, Cleveland has been made a slight dwelling favourite on this recreation on the identical time Baltimore is on the verge of falling again into the Wild-Card combine and out of their perch atop the division. This recreation additionally marked the primary time QB Deshawn Watson will play in entrance of his new dwelling followers in Cleveland after splitting his first two begins in Houston and Cincinnati. Whereas I doubt anybody from the NFL Community will dive too deeply into Watson’s historical past, one can solely hope the commentators gained’t scream “They Love Watson in Cleveland” if/when he does one thing on the sphere. Needs to be round 30 levels at recreation time Saturday afternoon with a refreshing 15 MPH breeze to assist preserve these two offensively challenged groups in examine … with the Browns having the higher QB, the decide here’s a dwelling staff win and canopy, so I’m taking Cleveland in a recreation most NFL recreation gained’t thoughts lacking.

Miami (8-5) at Buffalo -7.5 (10-3): The AFC East takes centerstage below the primetime lights of Saturday night time because the second place Dolphins head north to tackle the division main Payments. Buffalo has gained 4 in a row coming into this recreation with the final one being their first over a divisional opponent (the Jets) whereas the hope to stability out a Week Three loss in Miami on this matchup. Miami is enjoying their third straight highway recreation this month after shedding to the Chargers and 49ers of their final two the place they solely scored 17 factors in every recreation. The mini-losing streak has allowed the Payments Mafia to reclaim the divisional lead and have chants of MVP rain down upon their quarterback Josh Allen. Imagine it or not, there could also be some snowfall throughout this recreation, however there’s not anticipated to be a lot wind, maybe superb climate for the playground offensive and stout protection of the Payments. The betting sample for this recreation has been attention-grabbing within the first half of the week, with 60% of the wagers taking the 7.5 factors, however barely one-third of the general cash is supporting Miami, which implies the larger bets are on the Payments, not the Dolphins. Miami scores and permits 24 factors per recreation, an odd state for an 8-5 staff; however since I don’t consider the Dolphins will be capable to publish 24 factors in opposition to the Payments right here, the decide is simple for me, Buffalo -7.5 to win.

Philadelphia -9.0 (12-1) at Chicago (3-10): The Jalen Hurts specific reaches Chicago this weekend when the NFL’s greatest Eagles tackle the Bears. Philly is making an attempt to lock out the NFC’s greatest file and a first-round playoff bye as they begin play this weekend with a two-game benefit over the Vikings and Cowboys respectively. The Bears, nicely, want expertise at virtually each place on the sphere, with the jury nonetheless out of at QB the place Justin Fields has been a one-man band, resulting in Chicago’s poor file. Bettors of every type are taking the large highway favourite on this recreation as NFL followers know the Bears are carried out for 2022 and the Eagles are flying excessive and prepared for the postseason to start proper now. This decide is simple, Eagles -9.0 for the double-digit win and canopy.

Atlanta (5-8) at New Orleans -4.0 (4-9): The drama surrounding the departure of Falcons’ QB Marcus Mariota ended Wednesday night time when the staff round he can be having season-ending knee surgical procedure. Mariota had left the staff after their final recreation December fifth in Tampa Bay and had not been seen at apply since. Desmond Ridder, who changed Mariota throughout their recreation in opposition to the Bucs will begin this weekend, so count on this level to rise earlier than gametime. This recreation doesn’t have a lot curiosity surrounding it except you consider Tampa Bay goes to proceed to lose and permit the NFC South winner to enter the playoffs with a shedding file. Will probably be becoming to see these two video games at 5-9 after this recreation since their division has been so dangerous this yr, but it surely’s tough to see the Falcons doing something on this recreation. New Orleans -4 to win and canopy.

Detroit (6-7) at NY Jets -1.0 (7-6): Even when I wasn’t a life-long Jets fan, this recreation can be very attention-grabbing to me since each groups, consider it or not, are enjoying for one thing on the third Sunday in December. The Lions arrive at Met Life Stadium a sizzling staff after going 3-1 in November, together with a win on the Giants, and have began December on a two-game successful streak after shedding on Thanksgiving to Buffalo. In the meantime, the Jets have slipped to the underside of the stacked AFC East and are the one staff within the division with no playoff spot heading into this weekend. They’re misplaced three of their final 4 video games, however the Jets have gained their final two dwelling video games going again to November sixth in opposition to the Payments and November twenty seventh in opposition to the Bears. I’ve been a fan of the Lions all season and solely want that they had gained a few of these shut video games earlier within the season; however these arduous knocks have paid off now as a result of they’re the higher staff offensively proper now, with the Jets relying an excessive amount of on the league’s third-ranked protection and now, a backup quarterback in Mike White to cause them to the postseason. Whereas I might be rooting for this decide to be incorrect, I’ve extra religion within the Lions proper now, so I’m taking Detroit +1 to win an in depth recreation right here.

Pittsburgh (5-8) at Carolina -3.0 (5-8): In a recreation made for household and associates (solely) to look at, these two 5-8 groups take to the sphere in one other “who cares” matchups that can flood the NFL schedule for the remainder of the season. Kenny Pickett gained’t be capable to play QB for the Steelers in opposition to former AFC North foe Baker Mayfield, who was launched by Carolina and has already gained a recreation for the Rams. As a substitute, it will likely be PJ Walker lined up behind heart for the Panthers in a contest pitting two groups who haven’t been capable of common greater than 20 factors per recreation this season. Each of those groups have respectable wins on their ledger this season in addition to dangerous losses, however when you consider within the Seahawks, then you should purchase into the Panthers, who knocked off Seattle on their dwelling area only a week in the past. That’s why my smooth decide on this recreation is Carolina -3 to win at dwelling.

Dallas -4.0 (10-3) at Jacksonville (5-8): How can a staff with twice as many wins this late within the season solely be a 4-point favourite? What do the oddsmakers see on this recreation that the bettors don’t? The followers of the Cowboys are laying down their money on the cash line and in opposition to the unfold, however how is Dallas not a much bigger favourite? The respect that’s held for the Jaguars is obvious on this recreation and, maybe the win over Tennessee final week is extra vital than the Cowboys win at Minnesota only a month in the past. Jacksonville was up for a divisional recreation final week and can crash again to earth this week in opposition to a Cowboys staff who will take over their stadium on Sunday. Dallas -4 for the win and canopy in north Florida.

Kansas Metropolis -14 (10-3) at Houston (1-11-1): Sure, America, Kansas Metropolis is enjoying Houston this week in a matchup of two groups at reverse ends of the spectrum. KC is hoping the Buffalo Payments slip up and so they can take the highest spot within the AFC playoff image, and Houston is counting their first-round picks in subsequent spring’s NFL draft. Two out of three bettors are taking the factors right here simply out of precept since laying two touchdowns in an NFL recreation is taboo for a lot of of those that observe professional soccer. In any other case, there aren’t any good causes to take Houston right here except you see somebody get damage at apply this week for KC, take Kansas Metropolis -14 to win and canopy.

Arizona (4-9) at Denver -2.5 (3-10): Steer clear of this prepare wreck except your fantasy staff is within the postseason, and you’ve got gamers on this recreation in your rosters! The touring Cardinals are a greater offensive staff with Colt McCoy at QB this season, interval. The Broncos settled for Russell Wilson when getting Aaron Rodgers didn’t work out throughout the offseason, now will watch their draft picks to Seattle. Taking the Cardinals +2.5 to win and an uneventful recreation.

New England -1.0 (7-6) at Las Vegas (5-8): Are the oddsmakers getting again on the Patriots after years of domination by making them small favorites in opposition to dangerous groups? Why else would New England be solely a one-point favourite in opposition to a staff that may’t maintain a fourth quarter lead? Las Vegas has blown 4 leads of 13 or extra factors this yr, however are only a one-point dwelling underdog to the Patriots? What offers? Does anybody count on Josh McDaniels to outfox his former boss Invoice Belichick, the one who talked him out of going to Indianapolis simply to tackle the dumpster hearth that’s the Raiders franchise? New England huge on this recreation as a result of the Raiders needs to be enjoying within the XFL subsequent yr till they get their act collectively.

Tennessee (7-6) at LA Chargers -3.0 (7-6): The bloom is off the rose which can be the Tennessee Titans with final week’s misplaced the Jacksonville additional proof the AFC South is a bunch of .500 groups and Houston. The Titans will nonetheless probably win their division and host a playoff recreation, nonetheless, with the Chargers solely having a Wild-Card berth to shoot for this season, this dwelling recreation is greater for the Bolts by so much. True, the Titans have misplaced three straight and would like to get again into the win column, however they’ve confronted higher groups throughout that point (Cincinnati, at Philly, Jacksonville) and proven how beneath common they’re in comparison with latest years. The Chargers and gained two of their final three, they’re enjoying higher and have a greater staff, which is why they are going to win and canopy.

Cincinnati -3.5 (9-4) at Tampa Bay (6-7): Will a division chief be two video games below .500 by the top of the weekend? If the oddsmakers are proper, the reply is sure for the reason that Bengals are favorited to go on the highway to win their tenth recreation of the season on the expense of the Buccaneers, who will nonetheless lead the NFC South win or lose. The betting market has misplaced religion in Tom Brady this season as cash is coming in from all instructions on Joe Burrow and his bunch of Bengals, and with good motive. Cincy has performed nicely of late and is poised to take over the AFC North lead from the Ravens by the point this weekend is over whereas Tampa Bay has look scarily dangerous for lengthy durations of time inside many video games and over the course of this season. The fault lies within the working recreation for the Bucs, the place they’ve barely managed to common 70 yards per recreation, leaving a 45-year-old QB to fend for himself from the playbook he wished to run after Brady himself ran Bruce Arians out of the city as a part of his return to the staff from retirement. The end result, a 6-8 Tampa Bay staff will go away the sphere on Sunday after Cincinnati (-3.5) wins and covers with simple.

NY Giants (7-5-1) at Washington -4.5 (7-5-1): The Wild-Card involving two of the 4 NFC East groups goes primetime on Sunday night time because the Giants go to Washington. These two groups performed to a 20-20 tie simply two weeks in the past, with NBC pleased to air the rematch his week. The Commanders had a bye week final week, making many query the aggressive stability of the schedule this late within the season whereas the Giants have been tough upped by the Eagles final week in a recreation that was by no means aggressive. The loser of this recreation could also be out of the playoff image if Seattle wins, and the winner of this recreation would have a tiebreaker over the opposite which will push one staff out of the NFC postseason at yr’s finish. New York is limping to the end line this season having already been bitten by the harm bug, their weaknesses as a staff are additionally being uncovered as QB Daniel Jones has managed to win video games whereas not enjoying nicely for half-hour or extra. Washington is the higher staff and might be nicely rested for this contest, they may also have Chase Younger again on the sphere manning their protection as every staff seems to search out a number of extra factors or stop a number of being scored by the opposite staff. The house staff is healthier proper now on this recreation and New York is about to be revealed as a fraud who gained some video games they shouldn’t have in a season they weren’t presupposed to win, messing up the staff’s timetable for years to return. Washington wins and covers the 4.5 factors with a late landing to seal a double-digit victory.

LA Rams (4-9) at Inexperienced Bay -7.0 (5-8): When will NFL followers and media be taught that if you wish to see who can have a nasty season simply take a look at the late December ESPN Monday Evening schedule. You’ll have in all probability earned huge cash when you predicted each of those groups can be thus far below .500 this late within the yr, with each beginning QBs (Matthew Stafford and Aaron Rodgers) coping with injurie. Oddsmakers don’t seem impressed with the primary impression Baker Mayfield made in his Rams’ debut after the previous Brown and Panther put collectively two TDs drives within the fourth quarter, together with going the size of the sphere to win the sport with three seconds to spare in a win. This week, nonetheless, Mayfield head to ten-degree Lambeau Area, the place the Packers will make one ultimate stand this season earlier than fading away for the vacations and the postseason. Whereas a landing would possibly appear to be so much for Inexperienced Bay to be yielding, however, at dwelling in opposition to a staff who is able to mail in the remainder of this season, the Packers -7 is a straightforward wager on this meaningless Monday Evening recreation to finish Week 15.

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