NFL Picks: Week 15

I wish I had started this blog a lot earlier in the season, if I had done so then each week I would post my picks and I would have been able to compile a season record. This will be my first week of picks which I will do each Thursday before the weekend including the playoffs. Here we go for week 15.

Colts (13-0) vs Jaguars (7-6)

The starters should play long enough in the game for the Colts to pull out the win. The Jaguars offense has more than have fallen off in recent weeks. Colts 27, Jaguars 13.

Cowboys (8-5) vs Saints (13-0)

The Cowboys' late season struggles have continued in early December. The defense can't make a stop at a big time and the offense has been inconsistent. The Saints are sailing along smooth coming in with an unblemished record. Tough road game for Dallas. Saints 34, Cowboys 27.

Falcons (6-7) vs Jets (7-6)

The Falcons have been killed by injuries in the second half having to play their games without starters in a few positions including Michael Turner and Matt Ryan. The Jets on the other hand come off three straight victories and that defense seems to be back on track. Jets 21, Falcons 10.

Cardinals (8-5) vs Lions (2-11)

The Cardinals are coming off a game against the 49ers in which they turned the ball over 7 times and Kurt Warner didn't have a single touchdown pass. Look for them to turn that all around with a game against the pitiful Lions. Cardinals 34, Lions 13.

Houston Texans (6-7) vs Rams (1-12)

Last week the Texans beat a Seahawk team who didn't show up to play. Schaub and Johnson played pitch and catch all day. Put them up against an abysmal Rams team and expect more of the same. Texans 42, Rams 14.

Patriots (8-5) vs Bills (5-8)

With all the talk in New England about whether or not Randy Moss was trying in the 2nd half against the Panthers this week expect a big game out of Moss. The Bills have battled in most games this year but they don't have enough to compete with New England, even if they aren't the team of a few years ago. Patriots 27, Bills 17.

Browns (2-11) vs Chiefs (3-10)

There have been a lot of distractions in Cleveland recently. Mike Holmgren has shown interest in a front office job and that my spell the end for Eric Mangini. Meanwhile things in Kansas City haven't been much better. Matt Cassel has been a disappointment of late and Jamal Charles has become the Chiefs most dangerous threat. Brady Quinn and the Browns win a sloppy one in KC. Browns 19, Chiefs 17.

Bears (5-8) vs Ravens (7-6)

Speaking of disappointing quarterback play has there been a bigger letdown in the NFL this year than Jay Cutler? He continues to throw interceptions at horrible times and Matt Forte has taken a step back in his sophomore season. The Ravens still have hopes of the playoffs and they don't let the Bears end those now. Ravens 24, Bears 14.

49ers (6-7) vs Eagles (9-4)

San Francisco always plays hard as you can see from their win over Arizona last week. On the otherside the Eagles have been dynamic on offense of recent and look to be rolling along. 49ers keep it close for a half but it won't be enough. Eagles 31, 49ers 17.

Dolphins (7-6) vs Titans (6-7)

The Dolphins have quietly gone about their business this year and are back in contention for a playoff spot. The Titans' chances seem slim, just as they did at 0-6 and look what happened. A real sleeper of a good game this week. Not sure if Vince Young is in or out but either way I like Tennessee here to finally even up their record. Titans 24, Dolphins 21.

Raiders (4-9) vs Broncos (8-5)

Perhaps out of all teams with disappointing quarterback situations Oakland tops the list. JaMarcus Russell has been Leaf-like so far in his career in the Raiders. The Broncos have had a surprisingly good year with Kyle Orton doing enough to get the job done. The Broncos take another step in cementing themselves in the playoffs. Broncos 27, Raiders 10.

Bengals (9-4) vs Charges (10-3)

This is an impossible game for an emotion Bengals team. Traveling to San Diego just a few days after hearing about the passing of teammate Chris Henry will be hard. San Diego's December ways continue. Chargers 34, Bengals 21.

Packers (9-4) vs Steelers (6-7)

The Packers have all but locked up a playoff spot while the Steelers are still holding out hope that they can somehow obtain one. The Steelers need to put forth a big effort this week if they have any chance of playing deep into January. I see the Steelers pulling out a great effort this week. Steelers 24, Packers 13.

Buccaneers (1-12) vs Seahawks (5-8)

Horrible game this late in the season. No appeal whatsoever. I give the edge to Seattle although both teams just want this season to end. Seahawks 17, Buccaneers 14.

Vikings (11-2) vs Panthers (5-8)

Minnesota got back on track last week after a letdown against the Cardinals a week before. Favre has had an unbelievable season up until this point. The Panthers are another one of those teams who can't wait for this season to be over. Vikings 31, Panthers 14.

Giants (7-6) vs Redskins (4-9)

The Giants defense has been terrible of late which directly goes back to the loss of Kenny Phillips in the secondary. Aaron Ross has since moved to safety and the Giants were burned the last two weeks by Tony Romo and Donovan McNabb. The Redskins aren't a powerhouse but I see them being able to put up some points. Like Washington in an upset. Redskins 28, Giants 24.