Arizona Cardinals

NFL Week 15: Picks and predictions

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:12 p.m. ET

Fansided, Matt Verderame/Fansided

NFL insider Matt Verderame makes his picks of the week, even going so fat to almost pick the Cleveland Browns on the road.

Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks (-16)

Historically, the Rams (4-9) give the Seahawks (8-4-1) plenty of problems, regardless of venue. That said, Seattle needs this game and is going to pound Los Angeles, which is still ecstatic after firing Jeff Fisher.

Pick: Seattle 23, Los Angeles 3

Miami Dolphins (-2.5) at New York Jets

Matt Moore and Bryce Petty. This game is going to be uglier than Lenny Dykstra’s credit score. The Dolphins (8-5) have to win, though, and the Jets (4-9) are ready to lay down.

Pick: Miami 19, New York 13

Detroit Lions at New York Giants (-4)

A sneaky good game. The Lions (9-4) are actually the second seed in the NFC, while the Giants (9-4) are quietly playing great defense. Look for New York to keep rolling.

Pick: New York 24, Detroit 21

Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans (-6)

(Promo voice) Blake Bortles. Brock Osweiler. The Jaguars (2-11). The Texans (7-6). It’s Sunday on CBS. We’re sorry.

Pick: Houston 20, Jacksonville 16

Cleveland Browns at Buffalo Bills (-10)

The Bills (6-7) are in the midst of another mediocre season in purgatory, but that’s heaven compared to where the Browns (0-13) this year.

Pick: Buffalo 29, Cleveland 10

Dec 8, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) looks to pass during the second half against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee Titans at Kansas City Chiefs (-5)

This is going to be a brawl. The Chiefs (10-3) are really good and the Titans (7-6) are pretty good but really desperate. Ultimately, take the talent and experience at home in brutal weather.

Pick: Kansas City 23, Tennessee 17

Philadelphia Eagles at Baltimore Ravens (-6)

The Ravens (7-6) absolutely have to win this game. Look for Baltimore to get the job done against the Eagles (5-8) who have gone in the tank since starting 3-0.

Pick: Baltimore 19, Philadelphia 16

Green Bay Packers (-6.5) at Chicago Bears

Aaron Rodgers vs. Matt Barkley. The Packers (7-6) are going to massacre their longtime rivals at Solder Field.

Pick: Green Bay 30, Chicago 17

Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings (-4)

This could be interesting under normal circumstances. However, the Colts (6-7) are coming apart at the seams from the top down and the Vikings (7-6) have a coach.

Pick: Minnesota 24, Indianapolis 13

Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) at Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals (5-7-1) might be out of the race, but they are going to fight like hell in this one. Still, the Steelers (8-5) need to keep winning and probably squeak out with the victory.

Pick: Pittsburgh 27, Cincinnati 25

Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) signals to teammates during the first half against the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Saints at Arizona Cardinals (-2.5)

This looked like a very intriguing game before the season. Now? The Saints (5-8) and Cardinals (5-7-1) are playing out the string.

Pick: Arizona 24, New Orleans 17

San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons (-14)

The Falcons (8-5) just scored 42 points on the road against a good defense without Julio Jones. This week? They are at home, likely to get Jones back and face the 49ers (1-12). Ballgame.

Pick: Atlanta 30, San Francisco 12

Oakland Raiders (-3) at San Diego Chargers

This is a tricky spot for the Raiders (10-3). Oakland is coming off a tough loss in Kansas City and the Chargers (5-8) are always dangerous with Philip Rivers. Still, the loss of Melvin Gordon probably spells the difference.

Pick: Oakland 33, San Diego 28

New England Patriots (-3) at Denver Broncos

Tom Brady is not losing to Trevor Siemian. The Broncos (8-5) will keep it close with their awesome defense, but the Patriots (11-2) are facing a punchless offense.

Pick: New England 20, Denver 13

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys (-7)

The Buccaneers (8-5) have a real shot in this game. Tampa Bay is playing great football and the Cowboys (11-2) are starting to hear whispers of Tony Romo in the rearview. Could there be an upset?

Pick: Dallas 24, Tampa Bay 23

Carolina Panthers at Washington Redskins (-6)

The Panthers (5-8) are completely shot and the Redskins (7-5-1) have to win. Enough said.

Pick: Washington 29, Carolina 19

Last Week: 10-6
Record: 129-79