Updated Playoff Picture; Week 15 Picks
It's almost that time of year. I'm talking about the playoffs, not Christmas.
We have an updated playoff picture heading into Week 15 and yes, the red X's are via the magic of Paint.
I went ahead and eliminated these teams, Carolina, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and San Diego, who have eight losses. Mathematically, neither of them are eliminated yet, but for all intent and purposes, they won't be going to the playoffs. Better luck next year.
Arizona, Indianapolis and possibly Cincinnati will get a red X for next week's post, but first, the games must be played and here are my picks for Week 15.
Week 15 Picks (Home team in CAPS)
SEATTLE over Los Angeles (Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ET, NFLN, NBC, Twitter): Rams head coach Jeff Fisher was fired on Monday and I think it was ultimately the right decision. The Rams just haven't gotten any better under Fisher and with a rookie quarterback and moving into a new stadium, the Rams need to improve and turn into a playoff contender. I'll be curious to see who they bring in, but I think it was the right time to make a change. As for Fisher, he is now tied with Dan Reeves for the most head coaching losses in NFL history. This might have been Fisher's last gig in the NFL. As for Thursday, I know the Seahawks looked awful in Green Bay, but they play much better at home and they'll have the advantage against a terrible Rams team. Also, don't forget about the Seahawks rather bold color rush jersey's they'll be wearing on Thursday.
Miami over NY JETS (Saturday, 8:25 p.m. ET, NFLN): As the NFL has done each of the past several seasons around Christmas, we get NFL games on Saturday's. This week the red hot Dolphins take on the dismal Jets. This could be a closer game than the experts think with Miami QB Ryan Tannehill out with a sprained ACL/MCL. Matt Moore is a competent backup and he played alright filling in for Tannehill last week, so I think the Dolphins win this game and keep their playoff hopes alive. Miami has the Bills and Patriots the next two weeks and those will be tougher tests, especially without Tannehill.
Green Bay over CHICAGO (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): Three in a row for the Packers and they've looked impressive doing it. If Green Bay continues to play this good, they'll be tough to keep out of the playoffs. After they defeat the Bears on Sunday, the Packers have the Vikings at home and then on the road against the Lions to finish the season. They control their own fate if they can win out.
BUFFALO over Cleveland (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): Only three weeks remain for the Browns to win a football game and avoid becoming only the second team to go 0-16. They have a slim chance on Sunday of getting a win. The Bills gave up 236-yards rushing to Le'Veon Bell last week, so maybe Isaiah Crowell goes off and runs the Browns to their first win. I doubt it'll happen, but you never know.
BALTIMORE over Philadelphia (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): The Eagles have lost four straight and it hasn't been pretty. They've been outscored 112-64 in those games and the big reason for that is QB Carson Wentz is playing like a rookie. Wentz started off the season hot, but in his last four games, he's thrown 7 INT and has an average QB rating of 70.4. He won't have an easy time on Sunday against a Ravens defense that is number one against the run and number four in total defense. Ravens get the win as they try and catch the Steelers in the AFC North.
KANSAS CITY over Tennessee (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): I know I've said for weeks that I think the Titans will win the AFC South, but now, I'm not so sure. I think the Chiefs will defeat the Titans at Arrowhead on Sunday and if my prediction of the Texans defeating the Jaguars holds true, the Titans will be a game back with two to play. Tennessee should beat Jacksonville next week and if Cincinnati can upset Houston, that would leave a winner take all game in Week 17 when Houston visits Nashville. Sunday night game, perhaps? The Titans have a tough game against the Chiefs before that happens and I think Kansas City will get the win.
Pittsburgh over CINCINNATI (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): It's been encouraging to see the Bengals win their last two games, but I'm afraid it's a bit too late. The Steelers are now in control of the AFC North with the Ravens losing on Monday night and I expect them to ultimately win the division. The Bengals may keep it close, but I don't see the Bengals defense being able to stop Le'Veon Bell who torched the Bills last week.
NY GIANTS over Detroit (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): I haven't been too high on the Giants this season, but if that defense continues to play like they did Sunday night against the Cowboys, the Giants could make a run in the playoffs. The Giants have been the only team to stop the Cowboys offense this entire season and if they can hold them to just seven points and 260-yards of total offense, they can do the same against the Lions. Giants win yet again behind their defense.
MINNESOTA over Indianapolis (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): Colts season was still alive going into last Sunday's divisional showdown with the Texans, but after losing and falling to 6-7, the Colts almost need to win out. They go on the road to Minnesota this week and then at Oakland next week. They have a winnable game the last week against the Jaguars, but it could be too late by then. Vikings meanwhile have to keep winning if they're to have any chance of making the playoffs. My prediction, Vikings win to keep hopes alive, while Colts hopes are smashed.
HOUSTON over Jacksonville (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): I'm still not a big believer in the Houston Texans, but they're in first place in their division and they should move to 8-6 with a win over the woeful Jaguars on Sunday. Their Week 17 matchup at the Titans could be for division crown, but until then, the Texans get another win this week.
ARIZONA over New Orleans (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX): Overall, the Cardinals have a more talented team in my opinion, but it wouldn't surprise me at all if the Saints win this game. A big key for Arizona is the play of QB Carson Palmer. I know there was a monsoon in Miami last week, but Palmer was just 18 of 33 for 145-yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. Palmer hasn't looked good this season and at age 36, you have to wonder if his time is numbered out in the desert. I think Arizona will make enough plays on defense and special teams to get the win, but it'll be a close game.
ATLANTA over San Francisco (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX): Last week might have been the 49ers best chance for another win this season, but they surrendered a 17-3 lead and ultimately lost in overtime to the Jets. Next week in Los Angeles against the Rams could be another opportunity for them to get win number two, but it certainly won't be this week down in Atlanta against the Falcons.
Oakland over SAN DIEGO (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): If the Chargers are to have any chance against the Raiders on Sunday, QB Philip Rivers has to play better. In San Diego's last four games, three of those losses, Rivers has thrown 10 TD and 10 INT. The 10 TD are good, but you can't combine that with 10 INT and Rivers also lost two fumbles in last week's loss to the Panthers. Now, Rivers did throw for 359-yards and 4 TD in the Chargers first matchup with the Raiders, so if he plays well they have a chance. I just don't see it happening though.
New England over DENVER (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): No one has a tougher end to the regular season than the Denver Broncos. Sunday they get Tom Brady and the Patriots at home, then at Arrowhead to face the Chiefs, then they end the season at home against the Raiders. At 8-5, the Broncos need to win at least one, maybe even two games to clinch a Wild Card spot. I think the Patriots will win this game, but Denver has beaten New England the last two times they faced off. In the Broncos two wins against the Patriots last year, the Denver defense was able sack Brady a total of seven times and they hit him 26 times, 17 of those coming in last year's AFC Championship game. If Von Miller and Co. can get to Brady, the Broncos have a chance, in the end though, I think the Patriots win.
DALLAS over Tampa Bay (Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC): Another flex for the NFL this season. Steelers/Bengals was scheduled to be the Sunday night game this week, but Buccaneers/Cowboys has been flexed to Sunday night. This will be the Cowboys third straight primetime game and they'll be in primetime next week as well on Monday night football against the Lions. The NFL has good reason to flex this game as the Cowboys are always good for TV ratings and the Buccaneers have won five straight and currently hold the last Wild Card spot in the NFC. Tampa has beaten Seattle and Kansas City during their winning streak, so it's not like they've beaten the Browns five straight times, its good competition. The Cowboys saw their winning streak end in New York last week, but they'll end the Buccaneers win streak on Sunday night. Dallas is just too good and they get the win against a good Tampa Bay team.
WASHINGTON over Carolina (Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN): Just don't see the Panthers being able to stop the Redskins number two ranked offense. It's been a huge Super Bowl hangover for the Panthers this season as the defending NFC champions will miss the playoffs after they lose their ninth game of the year on Monday night. Redskins, meanwhile, keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
Last Week: 11-5
Overall: 130-78 (.625)
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| Three weeks to go and only one team, the Dallas Cowboys, have clinched a playoff berth. |
I went ahead and eliminated these teams, Carolina, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and San Diego, who have eight losses. Mathematically, neither of them are eliminated yet, but for all intent and purposes, they won't be going to the playoffs. Better luck next year.
Arizona, Indianapolis and possibly Cincinnati will get a red X for next week's post, but first, the games must be played and here are my picks for Week 15.
SEATTLE over Los Angeles (Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ET, NFLN, NBC, Twitter): Rams head coach Jeff Fisher was fired on Monday and I think it was ultimately the right decision. The Rams just haven't gotten any better under Fisher and with a rookie quarterback and moving into a new stadium, the Rams need to improve and turn into a playoff contender. I'll be curious to see who they bring in, but I think it was the right time to make a change. As for Fisher, he is now tied with Dan Reeves for the most head coaching losses in NFL history. This might have been Fisher's last gig in the NFL. As for Thursday, I know the Seahawks looked awful in Green Bay, but they play much better at home and they'll have the advantage against a terrible Rams team. Also, don't forget about the Seahawks rather bold color rush jersey's they'll be wearing on Thursday.
Miami over NY JETS (Saturday, 8:25 p.m. ET, NFLN): As the NFL has done each of the past several seasons around Christmas, we get NFL games on Saturday's. This week the red hot Dolphins take on the dismal Jets. This could be a closer game than the experts think with Miami QB Ryan Tannehill out with a sprained ACL/MCL. Matt Moore is a competent backup and he played alright filling in for Tannehill last week, so I think the Dolphins win this game and keep their playoff hopes alive. Miami has the Bills and Patriots the next two weeks and those will be tougher tests, especially without Tannehill.
Green Bay over CHICAGO (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): Three in a row for the Packers and they've looked impressive doing it. If Green Bay continues to play this good, they'll be tough to keep out of the playoffs. After they defeat the Bears on Sunday, the Packers have the Vikings at home and then on the road against the Lions to finish the season. They control their own fate if they can win out.
BUFFALO over Cleveland (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): Only three weeks remain for the Browns to win a football game and avoid becoming only the second team to go 0-16. They have a slim chance on Sunday of getting a win. The Bills gave up 236-yards rushing to Le'Veon Bell last week, so maybe Isaiah Crowell goes off and runs the Browns to their first win. I doubt it'll happen, but you never know.
BALTIMORE over Philadelphia (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): The Eagles have lost four straight and it hasn't been pretty. They've been outscored 112-64 in those games and the big reason for that is QB Carson Wentz is playing like a rookie. Wentz started off the season hot, but in his last four games, he's thrown 7 INT and has an average QB rating of 70.4. He won't have an easy time on Sunday against a Ravens defense that is number one against the run and number four in total defense. Ravens get the win as they try and catch the Steelers in the AFC North.
KANSAS CITY over Tennessee (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): I know I've said for weeks that I think the Titans will win the AFC South, but now, I'm not so sure. I think the Chiefs will defeat the Titans at Arrowhead on Sunday and if my prediction of the Texans defeating the Jaguars holds true, the Titans will be a game back with two to play. Tennessee should beat Jacksonville next week and if Cincinnati can upset Houston, that would leave a winner take all game in Week 17 when Houston visits Nashville. Sunday night game, perhaps? The Titans have a tough game against the Chiefs before that happens and I think Kansas City will get the win.
Pittsburgh over CINCINNATI (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): It's been encouraging to see the Bengals win their last two games, but I'm afraid it's a bit too late. The Steelers are now in control of the AFC North with the Ravens losing on Monday night and I expect them to ultimately win the division. The Bengals may keep it close, but I don't see the Bengals defense being able to stop Le'Veon Bell who torched the Bills last week.
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| The Giants defense was able to hold Dak Prescott and the Cowboys offense to just seven points last week as they beat Dallas for a second time. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) |
MINNESOTA over Indianapolis (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): Colts season was still alive going into last Sunday's divisional showdown with the Texans, but after losing and falling to 6-7, the Colts almost need to win out. They go on the road to Minnesota this week and then at Oakland next week. They have a winnable game the last week against the Jaguars, but it could be too late by then. Vikings meanwhile have to keep winning if they're to have any chance of making the playoffs. My prediction, Vikings win to keep hopes alive, while Colts hopes are smashed.
HOUSTON over Jacksonville (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): I'm still not a big believer in the Houston Texans, but they're in first place in their division and they should move to 8-6 with a win over the woeful Jaguars on Sunday. Their Week 17 matchup at the Titans could be for division crown, but until then, the Texans get another win this week.
ARIZONA over New Orleans (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX): Overall, the Cardinals have a more talented team in my opinion, but it wouldn't surprise me at all if the Saints win this game. A big key for Arizona is the play of QB Carson Palmer. I know there was a monsoon in Miami last week, but Palmer was just 18 of 33 for 145-yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. Palmer hasn't looked good this season and at age 36, you have to wonder if his time is numbered out in the desert. I think Arizona will make enough plays on defense and special teams to get the win, but it'll be a close game.
ATLANTA over San Francisco (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX): Last week might have been the 49ers best chance for another win this season, but they surrendered a 17-3 lead and ultimately lost in overtime to the Jets. Next week in Los Angeles against the Rams could be another opportunity for them to get win number two, but it certainly won't be this week down in Atlanta against the Falcons.
Oakland over SAN DIEGO (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): If the Chargers are to have any chance against the Raiders on Sunday, QB Philip Rivers has to play better. In San Diego's last four games, three of those losses, Rivers has thrown 10 TD and 10 INT. The 10 TD are good, but you can't combine that with 10 INT and Rivers also lost two fumbles in last week's loss to the Panthers. Now, Rivers did throw for 359-yards and 4 TD in the Chargers first matchup with the Raiders, so if he plays well they have a chance. I just don't see it happening though.
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| Tom Brady couldn't escape Von Miller and the Denver pass rush in January's AFC Championship game. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports) |
DALLAS over Tampa Bay (Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC): Another flex for the NFL this season. Steelers/Bengals was scheduled to be the Sunday night game this week, but Buccaneers/Cowboys has been flexed to Sunday night. This will be the Cowboys third straight primetime game and they'll be in primetime next week as well on Monday night football against the Lions. The NFL has good reason to flex this game as the Cowboys are always good for TV ratings and the Buccaneers have won five straight and currently hold the last Wild Card spot in the NFC. Tampa has beaten Seattle and Kansas City during their winning streak, so it's not like they've beaten the Browns five straight times, its good competition. The Cowboys saw their winning streak end in New York last week, but they'll end the Buccaneers win streak on Sunday night. Dallas is just too good and they get the win against a good Tampa Bay team.
WASHINGTON over Carolina (Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN): Just don't see the Panthers being able to stop the Redskins number two ranked offense. It's been a huge Super Bowl hangover for the Panthers this season as the defending NFC champions will miss the playoffs after they lose their ninth game of the year on Monday night. Redskins, meanwhile, keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
Last Week: 11-5
Overall: 130-78 (.625)
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