NFL Week 15 Picks: So long, Oakland

Okay, my first truly big week — 5-1-1. Now, I go for another big effort as the finish line nears. Let’s dive into some Week 15 picks:

 

Last week:    5-1-1

Season:         17-10-1 (.630)

 

Chicago at Green Bay (-4)

The Packers have been squeaking by lately, and this should play out like the first close meeting between these teams, a 10-3 win by the Pack on opening night. The Bears have had extra time to prepare for this one too. Pick: Bears.

Miami at New York Giants (-3)

Since this feels like Eli Manning’s last hurrah (again), give me Big Blue to finally get a win after nearly pulling the upset six days ago in Philly. Miami has continued to play hard for Brian Flores, but it feels like it missed its big chance against the Jets last week. Pick: Giants.

Jacksonville at Oakland (-6.5)

No WAY the Raiders lose their last home game, especially against a Jaguars team in a total free-fall. Nick Foles once threw 7 TD passes in a game at O.Co Coliseum, but he’ll be on the bench Sunday. Pick: Raiders.

Los Angeles Rams (-1.5) at Dallas

For the same reason I liked the Rams last week, I’m going in the opposite direction in Week 15. Dallas has continued to underachieve and embarrass themselves on national television, and can’t afford another meltdown. The Rams run hot and cold and just had their “hot” last week against Seattle. Pick: Cowboys.

Minnesota (-1.5) at Los Angeles Chargers

I just don’t trust the Vikings on the road. The Chargers finally rounded back into form last week, too little too late, of course. I’ll take the Bolts to play spoiler here in the penultimate home game at legendary Dignity Health Sports Park. Pick: Chargers.