NFL picks and score predictions for Week 15 as the playoffs come into view.
What a 2020 NFL season it has been. In just three weeks, the madness of the regular season will be over and the attention will turn to what’s sure to be an exciting (and unprecedented) 2020 NFL Playoffs. For now, though, we’re ready to deliver our weekly NFL picks!
As always, we’ve got you covered with the Week 15 edition of NFL picks and score predictions. Now I’ll never claim that these are going to be 100 percent on point. In fact, there’s a very good chance at least a few of my picks will go completely awry. I will, however, make my selections based on research, experience, and careful consideration.
The good times continued into Week 14. After two straight weeks of 10 wins, I couldn’t help but repeat myself, finishing the weekend with a 10-5 record on my Week 14 NFL picks. With that outcome, my overall record on the year moves to 127-79-1. All things considered, I have to say I’m perfectly okay with that mark through 14 weeks.
Just remember that making picks is not a science. As much research goes into it, anything can happen on any given Sunday. Isn’t that part of why we watch football in the first place?
Now that we’ve gotten all of that out of the way, here are my NFL picks and score predictions for Week 15. Just keep in mind that I assume no responsibility if you choose to place wagers based on my picks — that’s your decision, not mine.
Los Angeles Chargers (4-9) at Las Vegas Raiders (7-6)
Thursday, December 17, 8:20PM ET
I’ve said it plenty of times before and I’ll say it again — the Los Angeles Chargers are better than their record indicates. Unfortunately, poor coaching and luck this season have watched them fall further than any anticipated coming into the year.
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As for the Las Vegas Raiders, they’ve been wildly erratic. We honestly have no idea what to expect from them each and every weekend. The Raiders haven’t been amazing this season, but they’ve shown enough upside to warrant serious consideration for one of the final playoffs spots in the AFC.
On Thursday night, Las Vegas is going to take advantage of Los Angeles’ inconsistent defense with a career performance from Derek Carr. The young gunslinger comes ready to play, and Jon Gruden puts together the perfect game plan to set him up for success. Carr shreds the Chargers’ secondary, throwing for at least 350 yards and four touchdowns.
Justin Herbert does his best to keep things close, but can’t create enough points to get Los Angeles the W. The season is effectively over for the Chargers, while the Raiders do just enough to stay relevant for at least one more week.
Prediction: Raiders win 31-26
Buffalo Bills (10-3) at Denver Broncos (5-8)
Saturday, December 19, 4:30PM ET
It’s true — the Denver Broncos have surprised us a few times this season. I knew they had talent coming into the season, but injuries derailed them far before they even had an opportunity to take the field. As frustrating as it is, that’s professional sports for you.
The fact remains that we are where we are, and the Buffalo Bills are the far superior team heading into Week 15. They’ve got one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL, and a defense that’s holding up its end of the bargain (for the most part). Throw in one of the best receivers in the league, and you’ve got a team worth taking seriously.
Now don’t get me wrong. The Broncos can’t be overlooked, even with their playoff hopes all but dashed. Drew Lock has shown potential at times but has also had more collapses than are comforting. However, if the Denver defense can step up as it has several times already in 2020, this could be a closer game than most of us would expect.
Ultimately, though, I believe the Bills get the W. Allen does his usual thing, connecting with Stefon Diggs early and often to put the Broncos on their heels. Lock turns it over one too many times, and Buffalo walks away with another hard-earned victory as they look to get even more momentum heading into January.
Prediction: Bills win 35-23
Carolina Panthers (4-9) at Green Bay Packers (10-3)
Saturday, December 19, 8:15PM ET
Despite a few hiccups this season, the Green Bay Packers are suddenly in first place in the NFC and are looking like the team to beat in the conference as the postseason nears. Now they just need the wins to keep coming if they plan on enjoying that first-round bye.
Luckily, a matchup with the limping Carolina Panthers presents an ideal opportunity to secure win No. 11 on the year. The Panthers haven’t been the same since their early-season success, and are simply trying to survive on Sundays. They shouldn’t pose too much of a threat in Week 15.
With that said, Carolina isn’t going to simply roll over and give up the game. Teddy Bridgewater and Mike Davis should do a fair amount of damage, even against Green Bay’s outstanding defense. Ultimately, though, I don’t think their defense is up to the challenge of slowing Aaron Rodgers, who is one of the MVP frontrunners at this moment.
The Packers have already been crowned NFC North champs, and move one step closer to earning the top seed in the conference with this win. As for the Panthers, they get one week closer to beginning their offseason and going back to the drawing board for Matt Rhule’s second season in Carolina.
Prediction: Packers win 33-24
San Francisco 49ers (5-8) at Dallas Cowboys (4-9)
Sunday, December 20, 1PM ET
You know, I want to root for the San Francisco 49ers. Of all of the teams to get punched in the gut by 2020, the 49ers may have suffered the most significant of beatings. At this point in the season, I just don’t know if the drive and will to win is there.
With that said, it’s not for a lack of talent or even desire to win. This team is just bruised and battered, and the current season has not treated them kindly. At this point, it’s probably best for them to just get through these next three weeks and turn their attention to what will hopefully be a much better 2021 campaign.
Now, when it comes to the Dallas Cowboys, they’ve still got everything to play for. Even without Dak Prescott, they’ve looked good at times. Andy Dalton is playing like a quality starting quarterback, and the defense hasn’t been complete garbage in recent weeks. With a divisional title still within reach, the Cowboys will come guns blazing.
Dallas gets the win in what turns out to be a competitive but largely unexciting matchup. The 49ers struggle to get much going on offense, while the Cowboys do just enough to stay ahead on the scoreboard. Jerry Jones and Co. get the win, but that doesn’t mean they’re still relevant.
Prediction: Cowboys win 21-18
Seattle Seahawks (9-4) at Washington Football Team (6-7)
Sunday, December 20, 1PM ET
There’s plenty of reason to believe the Washington Football Team could pull off the upset in Week 15. They’ve got one of the league’s best defenses, which tends to give their offense a boost. Unfortunately, I still don’t see them pulling out the win against the Seattle Seahawks.
Despite their ugly start to the season, the Seahawks defense has finally righted the ship. In recent weeks, they’ve shown resilience, an ability to get after the quarterback and stinginess in the scoring department. Against an offense that’ll likely feature Dwayne Haskins at quarterback, that doesn’t seem like a recipe for success for Washington.
So essentially this will come down to whether or not we see the MVP-caliber Russell Wilson or the turnover-prone Wilson that reared its ugly head a few weeks back. After demolishing the Jets in Week 14, though, Wilson should have his confidence back and be ready to make the most of whatever the D.C. defense gives him.
Washington may be in the lead in the NFC East, but that doesn’t mean they’re invulnerable to talented teams like the Seahawks. Wilson has an outstanding day, leading the Seahawks on a few clutch drives that help them stay on pace with the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC West.
Prediction: Seahawks win 30-20
Chicago Bears (6-7) at Minnesota Vikings (6-7)
Sunday, December 20, 1PM ET
This is do-or-die for these NFC North foes. The Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears currently sit in the No. 8 and No. 9 spots in the conference, respectively, meaning a loss could spell near elimination while a win could keep the window of opportunity open for another week or two.
So who gets the victory in Week 15? You can call this bias if you want, but I’m giving the oh-so-subtle edge to the Minnesota Vikings. They’ve already taken down the Chicago Bears once this season, and have looked like the more complete team down the stretch.
There are two main factors in my mind. The first is which Mitchell Trubisky comes to play. He was exceptional in Week 14 but remains all over the map. If the Vikings can get pressure on him early and force him into mistakes, his confidence will crumble. The second is that Minnesota needs to capitalize on opportunities when they arise — missing three field goals simply isn’t an option.
Kirk Cousins steps up against a formidable Chicago defense, and Dalvin Cook has a much better game than the last time these two teams met. In the waning minutes, Minnesota’s defense gets a miraculous stop and keeps their slim changes of a playoff berth alive.
Prediction: Vikings win 26-24
New England Patriots (6-7) at Miami Dolphins (8-5)
Sunday, December 20, 1PM ET
As rough as this season has been for the New England Patriots, they’re still not out of it yet. They’ve managed to keep their slim playoff hopes alive despite a couple of ugly stretches this season, but I’m not sure how much they’ve live after losing to the Miami Dolphins in Week 15.
Yes, that’s right — the Dolphins have got this one. Do you know why? It’s because of their outstanding defense, and the lack of firepower the Patriots have on offense. There’s simply no way New England is going to score enough to make this a game on Sunday.
Despite coming off a game in which they gave up 30 points to the Chiefs, the Dolphins’ defense has been exceptional this season. Xavien Howard has interceptions in five straight games, and the defensive front has done a great job of making opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable. Expect more of the same against Cam Newton and Co.
The last time the Patriots failed to win the AFC East title was in 2008. When that happened, it was the Dolphins who took the division. Although it’s unclear if Miami will be the champs this year, it’s clear that New England’s streak is destined to end.
Prediction: Dolphins win 24-18
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-12) at Baltimore Ravens (8-5)
Sunday, December 20, 1PM ET
Every time I start to lose faith in the Baltimore Ravens, they find a way to convince me their legitimate threats. They won a shootout with the Browns on Monday night, and are now looking to work their way back into the AFC playoff picture with only three weeks remaining.
What a turn of luck, as they pull a Week 15 matchup with the miserable Jacksonville Jaguars, who haven’t won since Week 1. Even with the Ravens’ struggles over the last few weeks, I don’t see any way that they trip up against a club like the Jaguars.
With that said, you can never count out Gardner Minshew. The eccentric quarterback is back under center and should give the Jaguars a subtle boost on offense. While I’ve always been a fan of his Minshew Magic, I’m not sure it’s going to be enough to get Jacksonville over the hump against a surging Baltimore squad.
Lamar Jackson has another spectacular game, throwing and running all over the Jacksonville defense. While it’s going to take more than a creampuff win against the Jaguars to force their way back into the postseason picture, the Ravens getting the victory will be a great start.
Prediction: Ravens win 36-17
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-5) at Atlanta Falcons (4-9)
Sunday, December 20, 1PM ET
Honestly, I’m still a bit blown away at how bad the Atlanta Falcons have been this season. Even when they seem on the verge of turning things around, they begin another slump that’s landed them at 4-9 heading into the final few weeks of 2020.
As for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it hasn’t been a completely smooth ride either. They’re sitting somewhat uncomfortably in the sixth spot in the NFC right now, but that doesn’t mean things can’t change in a hurry. Especially if the Falcons come ready to play spoiler in Week 15.
In fact, I’m predicting that’s exactly what happens on Sunday. The Buccaneers come into this one feeling good after having secured another win against the Vikings in Week 14, and let their guard down. The Falcons, who have nothing to lose at this point in the season, prepare to pull the rug out from under their NFC South rivals.
Matt Ryan has an outstanding day, carving up the Tampa Bay secondary. The Atlanta defense puts pressure on Tom Brady all game long, forcing him into making a number of those costly mistakes he’s become prone to making in 2020. The Buccaneers’ hold on a postseason berth suddenly isn’t so solid.
Prediction: Falcons win 27-23
Detroit Lions (5-8) at Tennessee Titans (9-4)
Sunday, December 20, 1PM ET
The last few weeks, the Tennessee Titans have begun to look like the legitimate contender they’ve long promised to develop into. Perfect timing, seeing as the playoffs are right around the corner and there are plenty of top AFC teams that are getting cold at just the wrong time.
While the Detroit Lions are technically still in the mix as the fringe NFC playoff teams continue to stumble through the final month, it seems unlikely they make the necessary push to the postseason. Playing the Titans on Sunday certainly won’t help in terms of bolstering their record before the season ends.
Right now, the Lions have one of the worst run defenses in the NFL. As it so happens, the Titans have one of the best run offenses in the NFL. I don’t know about you, but that seems like an ideal opportunity for Derrick Henry to pad his league lead in rushing yards and moving one step closer to being the league’s back-to-back rushing champion.
The Lions offer a lot of scoring potential, but they’ve already failed to deliver on it a number of times this season. They’ll score on Sunday, especially against the Titans’ subpar defense, but they won’t be able to slow Henry down enough to come out ahead on the scoreboard.
Prediction: Titans win 27-22
Houston Texans (4-9) at Indianapolis Colts (9-4)
Sunday, December 20, 1PM ET
This season hasn’t been at all as planned for the Houston Texans. Even after Bill O’Brien was shown the door, the Texans haven’t been able to bounce back from a poor start and the damage the former head coach did to this once-promising roster.
Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts are rolling right now. They’ve now won four out of their last five, and are doing everything they can to keep pace with the Tennessee Titans for the AFC South title. The defense has done much of the work, but Philip Rivers, Jonathan Taylor and the rest of the Indy offense has done their part as well.
As long as the same Colts team shows up, I find it hard to believe the Texans can pull off the upset. Deshaun Watson is still playing well for Houston, but the lack of surrounding playmakers has hindered his ability to put points on the board in 2020. It also doesn’t help that the Houston defense is a mess, as we saw this past weekend against the Bears.
At this point, the Texans are just waiting for this season to be over. They’re already out of the postseason picture. Even if they would like to play spoiler against a divisional rival, I don’t foresee them mustering enough on either side of the ball to get it done on Sunday.
Prediction: Colts win 36-17
Philadelphia Eagles (4-8-1) at Arizona Cardinals (7-6)
Sunday, December 20, 4:05PM ET
Let’s not trip over ourselves running to take back the mean things we’ve said about the Philadelphia Eagles this season. While it’s great for them to have pulled off the Week 14 upset, I’m not going to suddenly change my tune about the caliber of team they are.
Yes, it was an impressive win. But they simply figured out how to overcome a temporary offense built around a gadget player. The Arizona Cardinals will provide a much more difficult challenge for the Philadelphia defense, which hasn’t exactly been a dominant bunch this season.
Kyler Murray, despite his occasional off games, has been an offensive force this season. Then again, having DeAndre Hopkins to throw to certainly helps. While the Eagles are still a team worth taking seriously, the Cardinals have enough firepower on both sides of the ball to turn this game into a blowout.
That’s not necessarily going to be the outcome, but the Cardinals getting a win will. Philadelphia looked like the favorite in the NFC East but dug themselves too deep a hole. Unless the rest of the division loses in Week 15, it’s looking like this season is over for the Eagles.
Prediction: Cardinals win 31-20
New York Jets (0-13) at Los Angeles Rams (9-4)
Sunday, December 20, 4:05PM ET
At this point, the odds seem in favor of the New York Jets being only the third team in NFL history to go 0-16. They’re coming off a complete dismantling at the hands of the Seahawks, and now face a hot Los Angeles Rams team that is desperate to keep the wins coming.
If the Jets couldn’t move the ball against the Seattle defense, they don’t stand a chance against the Rams. Los Angeles’ defense is one of the best in the league, featuring the game-wrecking abilities of Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey. Let’s just say a horrid offense against a dominant defense never goes well for the former.
Meanwhile, the Rams just need to play smart, consistent football on the offensive end. As long as Jared Goff doesn’t give the ball away over and over and Los Angeles can get the running game going, they shouldn’t have too much trouble running up the score on this squad.
The Jets are just sad, as indicated by their 0-13 record. Adam Gase will likely be looking for a new job soon, and this franchise will undergo a complete overhaul in the offseason. For now, though, they’ll play punching bag as the Rams look to stay in the hunt for the NFC West crown.
Prediction: Rams win 33-9
Kansas City Chiefs (12-1) at New Orleans Saints (10-3)
Sunday, December 20, 4:25PM ET
I had a feeling that, sooner or later, people were going to figure out Taysom Hill. Sure, he’s a talented player, but I don’t think he’s capable of being a full-time starting quarterback who can win with his arm. The Philadelphia Eagles tried to prove that in Week 14.
Now we’re heading into Week 15, and the New Orleans Saints have a matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs that’s sure to be a true test of their contender status. Luckily for the Saints, it seems likely they’ll have Drew Brees under center when they face off with the top team in the AFC. Unfortunately, I’m not sure the aging gunslinger is going to be enough.
Yes, the New Orleans defense has been outstanding this season. Then again, they couldn’t contain a rookie quarterback against Philadelphia. How do they plan on holding Patrick Mahomes from lighting them up and outscoring their offense? Honestly, it seems highly unlikely.
The Saints will give them a run for their money, and this one may even be close until the clock strikes zero. With all of that said, the Chiefs are going to emerge victorious in this one, further solidifying their status as a favorite to repeat as NFL champions.
Prediction: Chiefs win 37-32
Cleveland Browns (9-3) at New York Giants (5-8)
Sunday, December 20, 8:20PM ET
Even after their thrilling Week 15 loss to the Ravens, the Browns are still one of the most intriguing teams in the AFC. They’ve looked like a different squad under Kevin Stefanski, and Baker Mayfield is overcoming his sophomore slump to put up impressive numbers.
Now can Cleveland do what needs to be done — take down a quality but ultimately beatable New York Giants team to inch closer to securing a playoff berth? It seems likely, especially given the way the Giants played last week. At least the Browns looked like a contender in their loss to Baltimore.
What’s really going to be the difference for the Browns is their offense. Can Mayfield avoid making costly mistakes? Will the run game get going early and stay hot? Can Cleveland’s front five step up and keep the Giants’ underrated defense from throwing a wrench in the works? So many questions, and all of them are imperative to the Browns’ success on Sunday.
While New York has won four of their last five, I still don’t have confidence in them to keep their winning ways alive. Daniel Jones is too unstable, which means the offense can disappear at any time. That happens again in Week 15, allowing the Browns to cruise to victory.
Prediction: Browns win 29-10
Pittsburgh Steelers (11-2) at Cincinnati Bengals (2-10-1)
Monday, December 21, 8:15PM ET
At this moment, the Pittsburgh Steelers are suffering a slump of sorts. After starting the season 11-0, they’ve lost their last two games and desperately need a bounce-back win in the worst of ways. Enter the Cincinnati Bengals.
When the Bengals had Joe Burrow under center, they were a threat to win each and every week. Although it didn’t happen often while he was around, Cincinnati was at least competitive. We can’t say that about them anymore, especially after the whooping they took at the hands of the Cowboys this past weekend.
Seeing as the Bengals are at a disadvantage, it only makes sense to predict the Steelers walk away from this one victorious. Their defense will shut down anything the Cincinnati offense can put together, and the Bengals’ 24th-ranked defense isn’t going to have the talent to keep the Pittsburgh offense in check.
Look for Ben Roethlisberger to get back on track, shredding the Cincinnati secondary to the tune of at least three touchdowns. Despite dropping the first-round bye due to their two-game losing streak, the Steelers manage to stop the bleeding with a much-needed divisional win.
Prediction: Steelers win 34-13