WEEK 15: ELITE TEAM PICKS OF THE WEEK

The final stretch has come, and this is the start of the turning point for the NFL season. For many teams around the league, they will be facing their divisional rivals in multiple games in this last three game stretch. I’m ready, are you NFL fans??

Los Angeles Rams (4-9) at Seattle Seahawks (8-4-1)

Seattle suffered an absolute brutal loss at the hands of the Aaron Rodgers and that suddenly ferocious Green Bay Packers defense. Russell Wilson threw five interceptions, and look rattled all game. Los Angeles suffered a similar loss against Atlanta. Todd Gurley is not producing, and that is really slowing down this Rams team.

Seattle Seahawks 17 Los Angeles Rams 13

Miami Dolphins (8-5) at New York Jets (4-9)

The Dolphins escaped last week with a win, but did not escape the injury bug. Looks like Tannehill suffered a knee injury, although it is not known yet how serious it is. The Jets were able to get an overtime win as Bryce Petty performed very nicely. I think New York is able to get a win here.

New York Jets 24 Miami Dolphins 16

Green Bay Packers (7-6) at Chicago Bears (3-10)

The Packers have caught some fire on both sides of the ball, as Rodgers is in his best form, despite his injury, and the defense roughed up Wilson with constant pressure and five interceptions. The Bears held their own against division-leading Detroit, but wasn’t able to pull out. Green Bay is hot, and should take one in the Windy City.

Green Bay Packers 27 Chicago Bears 20

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-11) at Houston Texans (7-6)

Jacksonville has been the team this season that I have been most disappointed with. With an up and coming offense, they have not been able to deliver on their promise. The Texans were able to win last week after a long slide. They still have a hold on the division lead, and should make it less tenuous this week.

Houston Texans 20 Jacksonville Jaguars 14

Cleveland Browns (0-13) at Buffalo Bills (6-7)

The Browns look likely to end the season winless, as their only real bright spot has been the solid play of Isaiah Crowell. The Bills looked solid against the Steelers, but ended up with a 7 point loss. This week, I don’t think Cleveland will have enough firepower to end their season-long slide.

Buffalo Bills 30 Cleveland Browns 10

Philadelphia Eagles (5-8) at Baltimore Ravens (7-6)

Carson Wentz was flying high last week, but Philly’s defense couldn’t hold things together. While Wentz’s developing relationship with Zach Ertz is developing nicely, the rest of his team hasn’t been able to rally. Baltimore looked good against New England, and should pull out a W this week.

Baltimore Ravens 24 Philadelphia Eagles 20

Tennessee Titans (7-6) at Kansas City Chiefs (10-3)

Tennessee’s defense continues to show its significant promise under defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau, after holding Denver to a mere 10 points. The Chiefs lost a very important division matchup last week against Oakland, and it stings more because it was at Arrowhead. I think KC can win this week, though.

Kansas City Chiefs 31 Tennessee Titans 19

Detroit Lions (9-4) at New York Giants (9-4)

The Lions are entering a very tough stretch of three games. The face New York, Dallas and Green Bay. With New York keeping Dallas close, these two teams as well as the Pack will be playing very hard. With New York flying high, I think the G-Men take this one at MetLife.

New York Giants 17 Detroit Lions 13

Indianapolis Colts (6-7) at Minnesota Vikings (7-6)

This is a pretty interesting game. Both teams are still in contention for their division but still pretty far, too. Indy lost last week despite a solid performance from Andrew Luck, while Minnesota took one against the bad Jaguars. This one is a tossup in my mind, with Minnesota with the W because of home field advantage.

Minnesota Vikings 27 Indianapolis Colts 25

Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-7-1)

Pittsburgh seems to be clicking on all cylinders, as Le’Veon Bell absolutely exploded last week, with 236 yards and three touchdowns. The Bengals have improved significantly from early on in the season, but the Steelers will outmuscle them for the win.

Pittsburgh Steelers 24 Cincinnati Bengals 17

New Orleans Saints (5-8) at Arizona Cardinals (5-7-1)

The Cardinals playoffs are dwindling with every passing week, and the Saints can’t seem to play spoiler against two straight playoff teams. I think the Saints play the ultimate spoiler this week, however, as they permanently halt any hopes for the Cards this week in the desert.

New Orleans Saints 17 Arizona Cardinals 10

San Francisco 49ers (1-12) at Atlanta Falcons (8-5)

San Francisco looked so close to pulling off their second win last week against the Jets, but faltered in overtime. The Falcons continued their offensive dominance last week, with some help from their defense and special teams. Simply put, this one could be a blowout as well.

Atlanta Falcons 34 San Francisco 49ers 20

New England Patriots (11-2) at Denver Broncos (8-5)

39 year old Tom Brady still has it. 406 yards and multiple touchdown tosses, it’s simply amazing. The Broncos were not able to capitalize on their numerous scoring chances, as they were held to 10 points. While Brady has historically struggled at Mile High, this one should be over quickly.

New England Patriots 26 Denver Broncos 9

Oakland Raiders (10-3) at San Diego Chargers (5-8)

The Raiders are the hottest team in the league, and seem destined to take the league’s most competitive division behind the legs of Latavius Murray and arm of David Carr. This week, they face a team that will still be licking their wounds after star Melvin Gordon went down with a bad injury.

Oakland Raiders 25 San Diego Raiders 16

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-5) at Dallas Cowboys (11-2)

The Buccaneers are holding on to that #6 seed for dear life. They will need to have a better offensive output if they are going to be successful in that endeavor, as 16 points will not cut it in the final stretch and during their possible playoff appearance. Dallas wins, and gets one game closer to securing their division, as well as the number one seed.

Dallas Cowboys 26 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23

Carolina Panthers (5-8) at Washington Redskins (7-5-1)

The Redskins are fighting tooth and nail for that #6 seed, and seem to be in a solid position for it. The Panthers won last week. This Monday night game should be a tight one, and a great game. I’m taking Carolina in overtime, but it’s really a tossup.

Carolina Panthers 25 Washington Redskins 22 (OT)