NFL Week 15 Picks: Same Old, Same Old

Why would we think the AFC would ever be different? Four QBs representing the conference for 17 of the last 18 years (the NFC has had 12 in that same span). And yet here we go again — the Chiefs and Patriots are on top of the AFC because no one else wants to rise up. Thankfully, Tom Brady is in the NFC to restore order, right?

Last week: 3-3

Season: 9-8

Carolina at Buffalo (-13)

I hate picking Buffalo in general, and especially giving away a ton of points, but they have to be peeved beyond belief after choking against top teams the last couple weeks. Carolina is in a total free-fall, and Buffalo has to be desperate after falling to 7-6. Against my better judgment, I’m taking the big number. Pick: Bills.

Dallas (-11.5) at New York Giants

Here’s another big number, but this is a division game, so you never know. The Giants have occasionally surprised this year and Dallas, who is the only undefeated division team in football at 3-0, have all the pressure on it with the top seed in the conference still in sight. Going with the gentlemanly cover for Big Blue here. Pick: Giants.

Houston at Jacksonville (-5)

I have no logic for this game other than the fact that the Jaguars must be ecstatic to have Urban Meyer gone. It still felt like it should’ve happened earlier. So can a loose and relaxed Jaguars team get revenge on a Texans team that waxed them in Week 1? My guess is yes. Pick: Jaguars.

Tennessee at Pittsburgh (-1.5)

Don’t ask me how, but the Titans could control their own destiny for the top seed in the AFC if New England loses to Indianapolis. The Titans have a healthy Julio Jones, so they’re halfway back on offense. After a shutout against Jacksonville, here’s thinking Tennessee’s defense is rejuvenated against a slumping Steelers team. Pick: Titans.

Atlanta at San Francisco (-9)

The Falcons stole an improbable win by the Bay in 2019 and are actually playing half-decent football of late. The 49ers are very much in the hunt and need to recapture their energy after a long overtime game against Cincinnati last week. Here’s thinking that will make this game closer than anticipated. Pick: Falcons.

Washington at Philadelphia (-6)

Are you ready for some Tuesday Night Football? Of course this had to happen at some point in 2021, but the bottom line is the Eagles need to find a way to win at home. They’re 1-4 at the Linc this year, and the WFT looked overmatched against Dallas last week. Even with some healthier bodies for the WFT by game time, an Eagles team that should be ticked off for essentially being punished for Washington’s problems should have a good effort in store. Pick: Eagles.