Week 15 of the 2016 NFL season is set to begin. For those of you who are in the playoffs of your fantasy leagues good luck! I will now attempt to pick the winners of each game based off of the spreads. If you agree or disagree tweet at me @treydaubert to let me know where I’m wrong for my NFL week 15 predictions. *All spreads are courtesy of oddsshark.com
Thursday Night: Rams At Seahawks (LA +16)
I hate betting on games that feature a line of this magnitude. Los Angeles was embarrassed last week in a 42-14 loss to Atlanta. That game resulted in the firing of head coach Jeff Fisher. I’m not sure anyone knows what to expect with an interim special teams coach in charge. While we don’t know who the Rams will hire at head coach, we still know they are a mess. LA actually beat Seattle earlier this season. I expect them to seek revenge in a big way. Again I don’t bet these kinds of games but I lean slightly towards Seattle.
Seahawks defeat Rams 34-17
Saturday Night: Dolphins At Jets (NYJ +2.5)
Don’t sleep on Matt Moore. In 2011 Moore was capable of putting up a record of 6-6 as the teams starting quarterback. There is no reason to panic as he fills in for Ryan Tannehill for a few weeks. In the battle of Bryce Petty vs. Matt Moore, I’ll take the veteran from Oregon State. Miami has a real chance at a playoff spot and isn’t going to fold now. The Jets, on the other hand, look ready to pack it in for the year. Seriously would you want anyone on their team besides for Leonard Williams?
Dolphins defeat Jets 28-10
Sunday 1 ET: Eagles At Ravens (PHI +6)
I’ll take the Eagles to cover the spread but to lose the game by a field goal. Baltimore has zero offensive identity and has trouble beating anyone by that margin. However, they do have 2 things going for them. Justin Tucker and that front 7. Philly’s offensive line is a mess and could set up big games for Terrell Suggs and Co. That 6 point spread is simply too much for me to give up for a team that can’t score.
Ravens defeat Eagles 23-20
Sunday 1 ET: Jaguars At Texans (JAC +6)
I’m done believing in the Jags. Even though those 6 points look tempting don’t be fooled. Jacksonville is losers of 8 straight and doesn’t appear likely to change this season. The team has given up on Gus Bradley making a change inevitable. Houston to the contrary is well coached and often times puts up a real fight to the most talented of teams. They beat Jacksonville by 3 on the road earlier this season. I don’t see why that number shouldn’t increase during a home affair.
Texans defeat Jaguars 24-14
Sunday 1 ET: Titans At Chiefs (TEN +5)
Marcus Mariota had 86 yards passing last week against Denver. He’s not going to have better luck going against Kansas City that features that most talented secondary in football. Andy Reid has a track record of beating teams he should beat. Unlike last week, Tennessee won’t be able to rely on the rushing attack as teams have trouble running against the stout Dontari Poe. KC wins big.
Chiefs defeat Titans 31-10
Sunday 1 ET: Packers At Bears (CHI +6)
For those who don’t know the Bears have been a completely different team since Matt Barkley took over as the quarterback. His resume includes a 6 point loss to the Titans, a 20 point win over San Fran, and a 3 point loss to Detroit. He has been able to make a game of things. Green Bay wins but they could be sleeping on the Bears.
Packers defeat Bears 24-20
Sunday 1 ET: Colts At Vikings (IND +4)
Talk about a contrast of styles. Minnesota sports a great defense while Indy has Andrew Luck. The other side of the ball for both teams is well below average. The loser is probably out of the playoff hunt in their respective conferences. I have to lean towards the points in this one. I expect this game to come down to a last-minute field goal.
Colts defeat Vikings 26-23
Sunday 1 ET: Steelers At Bengals (CIN +3)
These games are typically closer than most people realize. It’s AFC North football. Cincy won the previous game and could have A.J. Green back in the fold. I like the Bengals again here. They have played well the past two weeks blowing out the Eagles and Browns. Pittsburgh always tends to sleep on teams they shouldn’t. Take the 3 points in my upset pick.
Bengals defeat Steelers 30-28
Sunday 1 ET: Lions At Giants (DET +4)
I’m going to take the Giants here simply because Matt Stafford isn’t healthy. The torn ligaments in his hand is a huge cause for concern. We saw how difficult life was for Derek Carr trying to throw with his pinky issue. I honestly don’t think either team is a serious Super Bowl contender.
Giants defeat Lions 27-14
Sunday 1 ET: Browns At Bills (CLE +10)
It’s hard to believe in the Browns but this could be the week. Getting 10 points is a good way to start. RG3 will now be much more comfortable in his 2nd week on the field. There is a ton of pressure on the Bills right now. Rex Ryan is firmly on the hot seat. Buffalo might need that statement win in order for Rex to keep his job. Browns get their first win.
Browns defeat Bills 18-13
Sunday 4:05 ET: Saints At Cardinals (NO +2.5)
Both quarterbacks have really started to show their age this year. Brees just went 2 straight weeks without throwing a touchdown for the first time in his career. Carson Palmer has been flat out terrible the entire season. I do like the Cardinals to take this one. Offensively they can at least rely on David Johnson. Arizona ranks first in defensive net yards allowed. That’s enough for me.
Cardinals defeat Saints 31-26
Sunday 4:05 ET: 49ers At Falcons (SF +14)
Atlanta just beat LA 42-14. I’m expecting a similar result in this one. The Falcons sports the best offense in the league and are going to put up a lot of points in this game. I can’t name one thing the 49ers do well. Chip Kelly refuses to adapt to the NFL game. Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan will surely pile it on. He is trying to build his resume in search of a head coaching job.
Falcons defeat 49ers 42-3
Sunday 4:25 ET: Raiders At Chargers (SD +3)
It’s that time of year when some of the bad teams start to fold on their head coach. Look no further than the Chargers who look like they have had enough for the year. Oakland rolls in this one as they know they need to win out and get some help if they have a shot at a first round bye.
Raiders defeat Chargers 35-17
Sunday 4:25 ET: Patriots At Broncos (DEN +3)
Denver has been the kryptonite for the Patriots in recent seasons but this time is different. No more Peyton Manning. The Patriots are in the driver’s seat for home field. There is no way that Trevor Siemian wins this game. Seriously after last week, I’m off of the Broncos train. New England looks like they are finding their defensive identity at the right time.
Patriots defeat Broncos 24-10
Sunday Night: Buccaneers At Cowboys (TB +7)
I love Tampa in this one. The Bucs are really improving for a number of reasons. Mike Evans has been the top rated wide out according to pro football focus this season. The defense has also been on a roll allowing an average of 12.8 points per game over this 5 game winning streak. The league is also starting to figure out Dak Prescott. He hasn’t been nearly as good over the past 3 games. Even if Dallas wins, I can’t see it being more than a touchdown difference.
Bucs defeat Cowboys 25-14
Monday Night: Panthers At Redskins (CAR +6.5)
I love points so I’ll go with the Panthers. Washington is your typical example of an average team that is well coached. Carolina isn’t far behind. Think about it. Edge Newton over Cousins. Edge Stewart over Kelley. Carolina is the better team. The Panthers beat the Skins 44-16 last year. I’ll take them again a year later.
Panthers defeat Redskins 27-21
