Week 15 NFL Preview

Last week's top games gave us a little bit of everything. The Vikings rebounded quite nicely and routed the Bengals. Minnesota was able to right many of their failures the week before while Cincinnati knows that they will need a little bit more moving toward the finish line in 2009. The Cowboys came out pretty strong, but despite everything they did; they were overmatched by the Chargers. It is hard to see many teams beating the Chargers right now. They might not dominate for 60 minutes, but do enough when they aren't on automatic.

After the Eagles routed the Giants earlier this year, we expected more out of them in the rematch. But got more of the same in what turned out to be a shootout at times with the Eagles scoring enough and via the big play and put a little distance in the NFC East between them and both the Cowboys and Giants. The Giants defense gave up another bunch of points and looks like a shell of their former selves. On Monday, the Cardinals were coming off a big win and came out flat against the 49ers and turned it over seven times and that was more than enough. The Cardinals come out great one day and bad another and that is something they have to fix if they want to make another Super Bowl run.

In other action, the Steelers have now loss five in row and to bad teams in Cleveland now along with Oakland and Kansas City. Both the Saints and the Colts survived another week and move to 13-0.

All and all, I went 14-2 last week and brings my total to 159-49 after fourteen weeks.

Now for Week 15:

Games of the Week:
Saturday Night: Cowboys at Saints: The Cowboys are 0-2 in the month and head to the Superdome to face the undefeated Saints. This seems like a possible blowout, but despite two losses the Cowboys and QB Tony Romo have played half way decent. For that reason, I expect the Cowboys to give the Saints a good challenge, but I don't know if it will be enough especially with the demons of the past looming over their heads. The Saints haven't played especially well a few times this year and have escaped one than one game somehow with a win. Pick: Saints

Bengals at Chargers: The Bengals have looked very good this year while the Chargers are next to unbeatable. This will be a great challenge for the Bengals especially after the recent loss of WR Chris Henry. They will have a lot on their minds and will play inspired, but the Chargers will have the antidote to whatever the passionate Bengals bring to San Diego. Pick: Chargers

Sunday Night: Vikings at Panthers: The Vikings are still in the hunt for the top seed in the NFC while the Panthers are looking to show that their start was a falsity. They are playing better football and the Vikings must not come out sloppy similarly to how they played against Arizona. This could be a Minnesota blowout, but I think the Panthers will keep it close at least in the first half. Pick: Vikings

Monday Night: Giants at Redskins: The Giants catch a nice break with the Redskins. However, the Redskins aren't a gimme win like the Giants might have thought a few weeks ago. The Redskins have continued to play hard for coach Jim Zorn despite the fact that he will most likely be gone in a month. The Giants know that they win and win big to show that they are still worth talking about this year. Both would truly like a win, but the Giants need it for their postseason lives. Pick: Giants

Rest of the pack:
Thursday Night: Colts at Jaguars: The Colts ride their 13-0 record into Jacksonville against a team that has challenged them in recent years including a close battle earlier this season. Expect the Jaguars to keep it close with running the ball and defense as they know a loss will put them deep in the playoff hole. The Colts look to play their starters and thus the same end result will continue for them. Pick: Colts

Patriots at Bills: The Bills gave the Patriots a scare earlier this year and odd as it seems they aren't terribly much different today. The Patriots have lacked something the last few games while the Bills are starting to improve. The Patriots have had a lot of success against the Bills under Bill Belichek and QB Tom Brady. I think the Bills will fight but it will not be enough. Pick: Patriots

Cardinals at Lions: The Cardinals look to put on an offensive show against the Lions. Average offenses have blown out this defense what will this offense do? The Lions might be able to score a few times against a not so great defense on Arizona's end. Pick: Cardinals

Dolphins at Titans: Another playoff matchup of sorts. Both teams started 0-9 between them and now are in the playoff hunt due to strong records since. This one will close and could be decided by the ultimate x-factor: HB Chris Johnson of the Titans. He is on a pursuit of 2,000 rushing yards and how well he is controlled by the Dolphins defense could mean the difference. Don't think so though. Pick: Titans

Browns at Chiefs: The Browns got a huge win over the Steelers last week and that has to boost their confidence going up against the Chiefs. Their offenses are fairly even and thus should some what of competitive game. Not sure how exciting it will be though. Pick: Chiefs

Texans at Rams: The Texans have a dangerous offense and could blow the Rams out if they can't get anything going. Pick: Texans

Falcons at Jets: These two teams are fighting for the playoffs and a win would be huge as the season is getting near the end. A loss will certainly put the loser back a bit. The Falcons are stick banged up on offense and that doesn't bode well against a tough defense. Pick: Jets

Raiders at Broncos: The Broncos know that they shouldn't take the Raiders lightly especially since they are watching another strong start slip away. Pick: Broncos

49ers at Eagles: The Eagles showcased their offensive talent a week ago and will need to bring all that after the 49ers shocked a even better offense a week ago. Pick: Eagles

Packers at Steelers: The Packers are starting to roll while the Steelers are on the rocks after losing five straight now. They are in bad shape, but will come to play inspired and try to finish strong and possibly still make the playoffs. The Packers have a strong defense and an improving week-by-week offense. Should be a good one. Maybe a duel. Pick: Steelers

Buccaneers at Seahawks: The Bucs have struggled. The Seahawks have struggled. Could be a battle who makes the fewest mistakes. Might not be a pretty one. Pick: Seahawks

Bears at Ravens: These two are better known for their defenses, but it will probably be the better offense in this one that wins. The Bears have had moments that they looked horrible while the Ravens are clearly focused on making the playoffs and will be tough to beat since they have been playing much better and running the ball over teams. Pick: Ravens

This is the best time of the year. The playoffs are approaching and the heat is on for many teams as they fight to see who is the best and the hottest going into "the tournament."