National Football League

2016 NFL Picks, Score Predictions For Week 15

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

With Week 15 of the 2016 campaign set to begin, it’s time to take a look at the latest round of NFL picks and score predictions for the upcoming slate of games.

This is it—the home stretch of the 2016 NFL season. The playoffs are so close, you can smell them. Only three weeks of action remain before 12 teams test their luck against the rest of the league’s best.

For now, though, let’s take it one week at a time. That means turning our attention to Week 15, and taking a look at how each of the 16 games on the docket could play out. It’s difficult making weekly NFL picks, but that’s why I’m here to keep you well informed before you gamble away your Christmas bonus.

It’s a unforgiving time of year, especially with some of those teams already out of contention looking to play spoiler. Don’t worry—we’ll work through this together.

Now I will admit, Week 14 was an off one for me. After three-straight weeks of at least 10 wins, I stumbled to 8-8. That brings my season record to 121-84-3, which is a mark I’m still fairly proud of. Could it be better? Absolutely. Yet you can’t win ’em all, right?

Enough nonsense, though. It’s time for my NFL picks and score predictions for Week 15.

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

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

Both of these teams are coming off big letdowns in Week 14. They’ll be looking for a bounce-back win, especially the Seahawks as their battle for playoff positioning continues. Honestly, I don’t think they’ll have too much trouble getting the W.

More from NFL Spin Zone

As fickle as Seattle has been this year, beating the Rams should be a cakewalk. Los Angeles has been one of the worst teams in the NFL over the last couple of months, and the start of the Jared Goff era didn’t help. They’re already likely preparing for the offseason with a miserable 4-9 mark.

While the Rams would love to play spoiler, they don’t have the offense to do it.

In fact, Los Angeles actually boasts the worst offense in the NFL right now. They simply can’t move the ball or find the end zone at a consistent clip, and the defense isn’t helping. Look no further than the 42-14 shellacking they enjoyed last week, courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons.

I’m guessing the Seahawks will come ready to play, especially at home. Even if Russell Wilson struggles again, there’s no way Goff and Co. can outscore him. The departure of Jeff Fisher won’t be enough to save the Rams on Thursday night.

Prediction: Seahawks win 21-6

Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

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

Trust me, I have very little confidence in the Jets heading into Week 15. Despite that fact, it’s going to be difficult for the Dolphins to survive the loss of Ryan Tannehill.

It’s not just a matter of replacing their starting quarterback—it’s a huge blow to the morale of a team still fighting for a Wild Card spot. From a mental standpoint, this Miami offense is going to be deflated and it’s not like their defense has been all that great this year.

That’s why I’m predicting the Jets pull off the upset at home and play spoiler.

I know that Bryce Petty wasn’t exactly impressive against the 49ers. He’s an adequate backup at best, but he’s what New York is going with right now. Bilal Powell, though, should have another monster outing against the NFL’s 30th-ranked run defense.

I’m sure this will be a tight battle between two divisional rivals. However, with the loss of Tannehill and the unfriendly atmosphere, the Dolphins should choke this one away. The Jets continue to ruin their draft positioning in the process.

Prediction: Jets win 24-23

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

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

Right now, the Packers are doing everything in their power to keep their playoff hopes alive. They’ve won three in a row, and now have a promising matchup against the division-worst Bears. It’s the perfect opportunity to keep pace in the race for a Wild Card spot.

It’s not like the Green Bay defense is going to get shredded by Matt Barkley. If they can pick off Wilson five times in one game, I don’t foresee it being too big of an issue to slow down a Chicago passing game with minimal firepower. That means the Packers make slowing rookie Jordan Howard a point of emphasis.

It also helps that Aaron Rodgers will be leading the Green Bay offense. In case you were unaware, he’s a pretty great quarterback even when he’s slumping. As we saw in Week 14, he’s more than capable of putting plenty of points on the board against a decent defense.

No matter what happens, it’s going to be a big game for Rodgers and Co. The Chicago defense has been unable to keep opponents at bay this season, and that should remain the case in Week 15. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bears give them a scare early, but the Packers will pull away at the end. That’ll make it four-straight wins for Green Bay.

Prediction: Packers win 31-20

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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

No matter what the Browns do, it appears they’re incapable of winning a game in 2016. Last week was probably their last best opportunity, and it didn’t go too well. Now they face a solid Bills team that is still holding on to fleeting playoff hopes.

Let’s be honest—this just isn’t going to happen for the Browns in Week 15.

Yes, the Bills aren’t playing great football right now. Tyrod Taylor has taken a step back this season, and the defense hasn’t lived up to its immense potential. LeSean McCoy has realistically been the lone bright spot for Buffalo this year.

Still, it’s Cleveland. Even with Robert Griffin back in the mix, they couldn’t take down a below-average Bengals team. While I wouldn’t say the Bills are that much better, it’s still going to be a tall task for the Browns to keep up with them on the scoreboard. Heck, it may even be a perfect opportunity for Taylor to revive his stock a bit.

Rex Ryan’s seat is red-hot right now. A win in Week 15 should at least buy him some more time, even if the decision is already made.

Prediction: Bills win 19-14

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

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

The Ravens just can’t catch a break this season. It’s been a non-stop roller coaster ride, with too many ups and downs to count. Unfortunately, their latest down has them sitting in an undesirable position.

Baltimore dropped a big one on Monday night, allowing the Steelers to officially pull ahead in the division race. Now they have to play catchup if they plan on making the playoffs. Luckily, they get a very winnable matchup against the tanking Eagles.

After a strong start to the 2016 campaign, Philadelphia has fallen apart down the stretch. It’s as if opposing teams figured out Carson Wentz. The Eagles’ miserable secondary and inability to slow any sort of passing attack hasn’t helped.

That’s why this is a golden opportunity for Joe Flacco and Co. to get back on track. Their offense has improved over the last few weeks, and should have a heyday against one of the NFL’s worst pass defenses. If the Ravens have any hope of leapfrogging the Steelers, they need this win. I’m confident they’ll get it, especially with how awful Philadelphia has been on the road.

Prediction: Ravens win 28-10

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

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

I love that the Titans are alive and well in the AFC South race. Unfortunately, they got dealt an awful hand with this matchup against the smoking-hot Chiefs. Despite the clear advantage on Kansas City’s end, I still expect this one to be a game worth watching even if you’re not emotionally invested in one of these teams. It may even be the best game of the week when all is said and done.

Right now, the Titans are playing some exceptional football. The offense is firing on all cylinders as Marcus Mariota has begun looking like a franchise quarterback. DeMarco Murray continues to do his thing and the defense is doing enough to keep the scoring in check.

With that said, it’s difficult to discount what the Chiefs are doing. While the offense may not be anywhere near elite, the defense is getting close. They’ve shut down some of the best offenses in the NFL this season, and continue to improve as the year goes along. The emergence of Tyreek Hill as an offensive/special teams sparkplug has been a big boost.

It’s an intriguing matchup between a rising offense and near-elite defense. Unfortunately for the Titans, these types of showdowns typically go to the defense. That’s what I’m predicting will happen here.

Prediction: Chiefs win 22-20

Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

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

It took longer than expected, but this Steelers team is finally looking like the contender I thought they’d be at the beginning of the season. They’ve won four in a row, and took control of the AFC North after Baltimore’s loss during MNF. A win against the Bengals in Week 15 would only improve their chances of securing that crown. I’m pretty sure a win is in the cards.

Right now, Pittsburgh is getting hot in a hurry. While some might try to argue the same for the Bengals, their two-game winning streak isn’t nearly as impressive—especially when you consider those wins came against the Eagles and Browns. Really, this will come down to the Steelers offense.

We all know that Cincinnati can get the ball moving when it wants to. Andy Dalton is inconsistent, but still capable of putting a secondary through the shredder. Even Jeremy Hill can get things going against a quality defense. The firepower the Bengals have doesn’t necessary match that of the Steelers, though.

Le’Veon Bell needs to get the ball early and often in Week 15. If Pittsburgh can feed him the way they did in Week 14, they should be well on their way to 9-5.

Prediction: Steelers win 36-21

Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

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

Their offense can be a bit lethargic at times, but the Giants defense has officially asserted itself as a force to be reckoned with in 2016. They put the clamps on the Cowboys in Week 14, and now face a similar challenge against the surging Lions.

Unfortunately for Matthew Stafford and the Detroit offense, it isn’t going to be a fun ride.

So far this year, Stafford and Co. have just had the magic touch. On Sundays, they continue to find a way to pull out the win no matter the odds. Whether it’s due to a clutch Matt Prater field goal, acrobatic catch-and-run by Golden Tate, or surprising scramble by Stafford, the wins just keep on coming.

Not in Week 15, though. If the Giants have anything to say about it, they’ll be sacking and intercepting Stafford much more often than he’ll be finding the end zone. Then look for Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr. to hook up for a touchdown or two, giving New York a slim lead. It’ll be close like all of the Lions’ games have been this year. Unfortunately for Detroit, their five-game winning streak is coming to an end.

Prediction: Giants win 16-14

Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

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

I’m thinking this game could go one of two ways. Either it’s an epic showdown between two teams nursing playoff hopes currently on life support, or it’s a snoozer riddled with mental errors.

I’m hoping for the former, but who knows? No matter what happens, someone’s dreams will be crushed while the other team lives to fight another day. I’m predicting the Vikings will keep their dreams of postseason glory alive at least for one more week.

My reasoning? Well, I’m going to go with the fact that the Colts sport a miserable defense and an offense that’s been a bit hit-and-miss in 2016. Look no further than last week if you want proof that Andrew Luck can get rattled and make costly mistakes, even with the division lead on the line.

While Minnesota’s offense has been subpar this season, Sam Bradford is more than capable of shredding this Indy secondary. They’ve been getting carved up all year long, and Week 15 should be no exception. The Colts will put up some points and the Vikings will probably make a few field goals (and miss a PAT). In the end, though, I see Minnesota edging out Indianapolis in a must-win situation.

Prediction: Vikings win 23-17

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

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

The Texans have essentially spent the entire season on upset alert. Somehow, though, they keep racking up wins and currently hold a flimsy lead in the AFC South. I don’t think they lose their grip in Week 15, though.

Now don’t get me wrong—the Jaguars will put up a fight. Their defense has been impressive this season, but just can’t do enough on its own. That’s because the Jacksonville offense (specifically, Blake Bortles) has been a big disappointment this year.

Put simply, Bortles has done little more than shoot himself in the foot. He gives the ball away time and time again, turning what looked like a Jaguars offense on the rise into a dumpster fire. Especially against the Texans’ stout defense, I find it hard to imagine the third-year quarterback suddenly turning things around.

That’s why, despite Brock Osweiler’s apparent shortcomings, the Texans should earn the victory. The Houston offense is going to be limp for most of the game, but should get some easy opportunities as the defense make plays. That’ll give this team just enough of a push to stay ahead on the scoreboard.

If the Texans win the AFC South, they’ll be the most undeserving division winner of 2016. Then again, it is up to the other three teams to keep them out of that position.

Prediction: Texans win 20-16

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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

I’ll admit I was on the fence with this one. Two teams with ever-so-slim playoff hopes, trying to keep the dream alive as we head into Week 15. Both need miracles to even stand a chance, but they’ll need to start with a win of their own.

That win should go to the Cardinals, who realistically are more talented and have looked better so far this season. That’s not because they own the better record (barely), but because they’ve put a stronger overall product on the field. Realistically, the New Orleans defense just can’t handle what Arizona has to offer.

The Saints currently sport the 24th-ranked defense, while the Cardinals have one of the most talented offenses. They may not have lived up to their potential this season, but they can do some serious damage when Carson Palmer, Larry Fitzgerald and David Johnson are all on their games.

The same can be said for Drew Brees and the Saints top-ranked offense, but they’ll be facing the Cardinals third-ranked defense. When you boil it all down, you get a good matchup that just leans ever so slightly in Arizona’s favor.

Prediction: Cardinals win 30-28

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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

This one is going to be a joke. Like if this is the only game available on your TV, you’d probably be better off watching basketball or something. Based on what we’ve seen from these two teams, this one could be over before the end of the first quarter.

The Falcons currently possess the top scoring offense, evidenced by the 42 points they scored last week. Meanwhile, the 49ers have the worst scoring defense in the NFL, allowing more than 30 points per game. Put simply, it won’t be pretty on Sunday.

I’d expect Matt Ryan, Devonta Freeman and Julio Jones to be enjoying this one from the sideline by the time the fourth quarter rolls around. That’ll be after they all rack up huge yards and take a couple of trips to the end zone. We might even see some third stringers before this one is in the books.

As for the 49ers, they could strike pay dirt a couple of times. Colin Kaepernick is a threat with his athleticism, and Carlos Hyde can also make big plays from time to time. However, they won’t come anywhere close to the points Atlanta produces. If there’s one game I can say for certain will go the way I’m predicting in Week 15, it’s this one.

Prediction: Falcons win 49-16

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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

Right now, the Raiders need a bounce-back win in the biggest of ways. After losing the season series against the Chiefs, they can’t afford to drop another divisional showdown against a Chargers team that can’t figure itself out. Luckily, it shouldn’t be too difficult for the Raiders to pull off. It’s not like San Diego has been a sensational team this season.

In fact, the Chargers have been dealing with some serious issues in recent weeks. Philip Rivers hasn’t been himself, the defense isn’t making as many big plays, and Melvin Gordon is now dealing with knee and hip injuries (via Michael Gehlken). It’s been ugly, especially with a possible move to Los Angeles looming large over this franchise.

That’s why this is the perfect opportunity for Oakland to pounce on the Chargers while they’re bus licking their wounds. It’s obvious the Raiders need the win, and absolutely have the firepower to take down San Diego on Sunday.

Look for Derek Carr to get back to his MVP-esque ways with a huge day. He’s going to shred the Chargers secondary on his way to another massive win that gets the Raiders back on track and back in the mix for a first-round bye.

Prediction: Raiders win 35-13

Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

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

I’d like to say the Broncos stand a decent chance of winning this one. However, when I think logically, I just don’t see any way for Denver to contain the red-hot Tom Brady.

If you watched the Patriots’ Monday night showdown, you were reminded of just how deadly the former sixth-round pick can be. The Ravens put up quite a fight, but Brady wouldn’t let them put another notch in New England’s loss column. Put simply, he picked apart the Baltimore secondary with surgical precision.

If Brady can do that to the Ravens defense, imagine what he can do to Denver.

Now we have to keep in mind that the Broncos are capable of putting up their own fair share of points. You may not necessarily think so after their Week 14 defeat, but Trevor Siemian should have more success against the Patriots middle-of-the-road defense.

Still, when all is said and done, I can’t see this ending any other way than with the Patriots improving to 12-2. It’s another step towards securing the top seed in the AFC, especially after the Raiders’ latest loss.

Prediction: Patriots win 32-23

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

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

I’m sorry Buccaneers fans, but the fun ends here.

For five-straight games, Tampa Bay has found a way to outscore its opponent. On Sunday night, they won’t be so lucky. Why? Because they’re playing arguably the NFL’s best team.

To make matters worse, the Cowboys are coming off a demoralizing loss to the Giants. They’ve now been swept in their season series with New York, which means they absolutely can’t afford to lose any more ground in the NFC East. So you better believe they’ll come at the Buccaneers with everything they’ve got.

Dak Prescott will dump Week 14 from his memory banks and put this Tampa Bay secondary in its place. Ezekiel Elliott will run wild as he has all season long. Dez Bryant may even decide to make a play or two. Either way, it’s going to be a big day for Dallas offense.

That won’t bode well for the Buccaneers, who are desperately clinging to sixth place in the NFC. Things are about to get a whole lot more interesting near the bottom of the playoff picture.

Prediction: Cowboys win 34-14

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

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

Buckle up, kids. This one is going to be a shootout.

On Monday night, we get a matchup that’s more intriguing than records would indicate. The Redskins are right on the edge of playoff contention, and can’t afford a loss. Meanwhile, the Panthers are still a talented team that would love to put a dent in someone’s postseason hopes.

So you can understand why I’m confident this one won’t disappoint the MNF crowd. In fact, it could end up being one of the best games of Week 15—or the 2016 season for that matter.

First off, the Redskins are a lopsided team. The offense is unstoppable at times, while the defense is a disaster. That should mean plenty of points for both sides, with Kirk Cousins be forced to uncork deep bombs to DeSean Jackson on a regular basis.

In the other corner, we’ve got a Carlina offense with plenty of firepower that’s been hot and cold all season. Against this miserable D.C. defense, though, I’d expect Cam Newton and Co. to stuff the stat sheet. You can bet on there being plenty of fireworks between the Redskins and Panthers. When the dust settles, though, Washington will walk away with a much-needed W.

Prediction: Redskins win 45-41

This article originally appeared on