NFL 2010 Week 15 Predictions

We had a wild first weekend of fantasy playoffs. The weather affected many people, as did the litany of pick sixes and injuries. We will see what this weekend has in store.

My top 10: previous ranking in parentheses

1. New England (1) – They remain here with a demolition of the Bears. Unfortunately, this might be the last true test of the year

2. Atlanta (2) – They did nothing wrong and showed dominance. In fact, I think the remaining game between the Falcons and Saints will decide that division, home field, and NFC participant in the Super Bowl.

3. New Orleans (3) – Just win baby. Big game for them upcoming soon.

4. Pittsburgh (7) – I don’t like it, but they win. Baltimore was unconvincing, and Green Bay/Chicago lost.

5. Baltimore (5) – They won, that’s what matters. But, this team has zero killer instinct on offense. What happened to big plays from Ray Rice?

6. New York Giants (9) – They continue to win and have shown the ability to move from a passing dominant team to a two running back running dominant team. Combine that with a great pass rush, and this team can go anywhere.

7. Philadelphia (NR) – They are on the bubble, and I don’t trust Andy Reid in big games. However, they could easily, easily have a first round bye in the playoffs.

8. Green Bay (4) – I still love this team, but without Aaron Rodgers, look out below.

9. San Diego (NR) – This team is coming quick. It is pretty good when you blow out a division leader this late in the season by that much.

10. Jacksonville (NR) – Someone, talk me into them being good?

On the Bubble:

Chicago, KC, NYJ

My bottom 4: previous ranking in parenthesis

29. Arizona (29) – Well, they TRIED to throw the ball to Fitz….

30. Detroit (30) – Well, its almost over. And Calvin might win a few fantasy championships this year!

31. Denver (31) – So that just happened. BY ARIZONA

32. Carolina (32) – Andrew Luck anyone?  

NFL 2010 week 15 picks:

Chargers -9.5 over 49ers, 27-10

-Chargers blew out a team that is twice as good as SF last week. The only reason I am not projecting a higher result is because of the short week.

Panthers -2.5 over Cardinals, 17-14

-Someone has to win, and when in doubt, take the West Coast team playing on the East Coast at 1pm. I guess.

Miami -5.5 over Buffalo, 20-14

-Buffalo is still trying, but the tank is pretty much empty. Miami still kind of has a shot, and are trying really hard.

Bengals -1 over Browns, 24-17

-Bengals can score, and I am not sure the Browns as constructed really can. It is in Cincy, and they cannot lose 13 in a row.

Bucs -5.5 over Detroit, 23-13

-The Bucs are still alive and care. The Lions are done.

Texans +1 over Titans, 27-13

-See, the Texans can score. Um, and the Titans can’t. So, Texans win by my understanding of the rules.

I will say, if Chris Johnson cannot run wild this week, he may never.

Colts -4.5 over Jags, 31-21

-Colts assert control over their division once and for all, and the Jags show their weakness.

KC-STL is entirely dependent over whether Cassel plays.

Saints +1 over Ravens, 31-20

-Ravens will not be able to score at the same rate, and I don’t think the cold will bother the Saints that much right now.

Giants -2.5 over Eagles, 24-21

-These games are always close, but I expect the superior pass rush and home field advantage to let the Giants pull this one out. The injuries by the Eagles hurt too. Tuck and Osi can control Vick.

Cowboys -6 over Ethnic Slurs, 27-10

-This is another one of those “can’t score” versus a “can score” team things. Stunningly, it is going to go the same way as the other one I discussed.

Falcons -6 over Seattle, 28-7

-A walk in the park. Roddy White gets off the slide here, and puts together a good game. Seattle self destructs against a truly disciplined team.

I am avoiding OAK-DEN and NYJ-PIT, because they are going to be ugly slugging matches. Stay away from both 6 point games.  

Patriots -4.5 over Green Bay, 36-17

-I am confident they would do this with Aaron Rodgers playing, but give them another 3-4 points if he does. New England is not letting off the gas pedal now, though they may run the ball more against what has been a good pass secondary.

Ironically, the NYJ-PIT game puts New England in kind of in a no lose situation. If the Jets beat Pittsburgh, the Pats essentially seal up a 1^st round bye. If the Steelers win, the Pats wrap up the division.

Chicago +1.5 over Minnesota , 24-14

-Chicago needs this game, and I think the Vikings are done. Favre isn’t the answer, and neither is Tavaris. Also, don’t discount that this game is being played OUTDOORS, and that gives Chicago an advantage. Cutler should play well here. 

Patriots -14 over Packers, 36-10
-Anything over 14 is a dangerous line, but I think the Patriots go for the jugular here. With no Aaron Rodgers, they are no better than the Bears.

Record last week:

Straight up: 9-4

Against the Spread: 9-4

Record this year:

Straight up: 109-37

Against the Spread: 85-72

Lifetime record:
Straight up: 227-115
Against the Spread: 185-158