NFL Week 15 Picks

Before getting into it, we should all recognize Lamar Hunt. Obviously, he was fundamental in pioneering the AFL and guiding the Chiefs, but he was also father figure to American soccer. MLS, especially, is forever indebted to the committment and resolve of Lamar Hunt and all sports fans are grateful for his deeds.

Three games remaining in the regular season. Here comes the gritty.

I can't... SEE out there!

San Francisco (+9.5) at Seattle - Because it just kicked off, let's get this one out of the way. The 49ers disappointed me by laying an egg against the Packers, but Seattle losing to Arizona?? Well, that's the NFL. This season more than ever. Seahawks finally wrap up the division, but aren't good enough to cover. Even at home. Seahawks 27 49ers 23

Da Raiders...
St. Louis at Oakland (-1.5) - Something tells me that they'll be showing this one in Los Angeles, I don't know why. Anyway, that Oakland D keeps fighting. Three picks off Carson Palmer last week. Everyone except for Randy Moss is at least showing some effort. That's more than can be said of the Rams (just ask Marc Bulger!) who officially rolled over and died on Monday. Raiders always seem to play a little harder at home, too. Raiders 17 Rams 14

Game of the Week
Cincinnati (+3.5) at Indianapolis - Quick! Name the last time Monday Night Football had a game actually worth watching? Worth talking about?! You probably have to go back to 1999 or thereabouts. To me, this looks a cinch. Only San Diego has looked hotter than the Bengals over the last month and Indy is... well... being exposed rapidly. Rudi Johnson nabs back-to-back 100-yard rushing performances as the Bengals put a stranglehold on the top wild card spot. Indy has to find a way to keep the Cincy offense off the field. It'll be tough. Bengals 34 Colts 22

The rest...

Dallas (-3.5) at Atlanta -It's weird that there is only one Saturday game scheduled. Usually, the NFL starts booking three for the day at this time of year. So what do we have here: two teams who tend to be overrated (drastically) by the media. They're in love with Tony Romo and the Cowboys, even when they get whaled, and the Michael Vick bandwagon loads up every time he puts together a good game against a schlub team like Tampa. This is a HUGE game with regards to the NFC race and someone's playoff hopes could take a major hit, but I gotta say, these two teams are not pretty to watch in any way. It'll be an ugly game. Atlanta's been a little more erratic this season and they don't have an offense like New Orleans does that can run the Cowboys off the field. Cowboys 24 Falcons 14

New York Jets (+3.5) at Minnesota - It's desperation time for the J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets if they want to keep they playoff pulse beating. Coming off the loss to Buffalo, people are counting them out. That's just how this club (who has been playing way over it's head this year) likes it. The Vikes aren't very good either, consecutive wins over the Cardinals and Lions be damned. Jets 17 Vikings 9

Jacksonville at Tennessee (-3.5) - All aboard the crazy train! This is easily the toughest game to predict, this week. The Jags looked excellent in thumping the Colts, but Fred Taylor to a major hit that looks like it might keep him out of action on Sunday. On top of that, I'm scared to pick against Tennessee these days. They could be down 4,394 points late in the 4th and still win! Titans 31 Jaguars 27

Detroit (+4.5) at Green Bay - This is one of those matchups that just makes you want to curl up and stop watching football. Packers 28 Lions 25

Tampa Bay at Chicago (-13.5) - You know, I'm fairly certain that the Bears have the easiest schedule in the league. Bears 23 Buccaneers 7

Washington at New Orleans (-9.5) - It's called a "blowout" and it'll happen to yet another Saints opponent on Sunday. Saints 41 Redskins 20

Pittsburgh (-2.5) at Carolina - Hey, if Chris Weinke is still starting, I'm not biting. Suddenly, Pittsburgh has crawled their way back to .500 (pending the win on Sunday). Steelers 21 Panthers 16

Cleveland at Baltimore (-11.5) - It seems the vim and vigor that was churning in the Cleveland engine has all but evaporated. Steve McNair for AFC starting QB in the Pro Bowl. Yes, I'm being serious. Ravens 26 Browns 3

Houston (+11.5) at New England - Like I said a couple of days ago, these are not your older brother's Patriots. The Pats cannot be counted on to blow out anyone anymore. Even at home. Patriots 24 Texans 23

Miami (+1.5) at Buffalo - Buffalo playing at home probably should grant them the edge, but Miami's defense has looked better than any other over the last few weeks. Dolphins 16 Bills 10

Denver (-2.5) at Arizona - This is a trap game. The Broncos look dead in the water, but Arizona to win three in a row??? Broncos 20 Cardinals 18

Philadelphia (+5.5) at New York Giants - Like week 2, this will be a war, but the luster off this matchup has worn off considerably since September. Jeff Garcia's fire keeps it close, but the Giants have more talent... unless that talent is pre-occupied with sniping the coaching staff. Giants 34 Eagles 31

Kansas City at San Diego (-8.5) - One step closer to homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. LDT and Larry Johnson featured on Sunday night. Should be a treat. Chargers 30 Chiefs 17