Kirk Cousins will start his first game of the season against the Falcons, Jay Cutler will return to face the Browns and the Dolphins will look for a big home win against the Patriots. Let's preview Week 15!
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Thursday December 12, 2013 8:25pm
NFL Network -- Brad Nessler, Mike Mayock
This will be a good game, as it was when these two teams met in San Diego. The Broncos jumped out to a big lead early, but the Chargers slowly inched their way back into the game. They weren't able to get close enough to have a shot at winning, but it was close enough. Now it gets harder for the Chargers because I can't envision the Broncos losing at home at all. Then again, the Chargers can hang onto the fact they beat the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium several weeks ago.
San Diego Chargers 24 Denver Broncos 34
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Sunday December 15, 2013 1pm
FOX -- Sam Rosen, Heath Evans
The brief regime of Kirk Cousins begins in this one, as the Redskins will deactivate Robert Griffin III for the final three games. What if Cousins turns out to be better than Griffin III? Does it become a quarterback competition in next year's training camp? Many people believe the Redskins are showcasing Cousins so they can trade him and acquire some draft picks. After all, the Rams do have some of their picks from the Griffin III trade.
Washington Redskins 20 Atlanta Falcons 24
San Francisco 49ers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sunday December 15, 2013 1pm
FOX -- Dick Stockton, Ronde Barber
The Buccaneers have been decent lately, thanks to the improving play of Mike Glennon. However, the 49ers are on a mission now. The division title may be out of reach, but they're still two games back. However, they need to win to ensure their Wild Card spot. Therefore, I see the 49ers taking care of business.
San Francisco 49ers 28 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13
Seattle Seahawks vs. New York Giants
Sunday December 15, 2013 1pm
FOX -- Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch
Justin Tuck put it best when he told reporters the Giants have to be focused and play smart to avoid embarrassment. If the Giants lose in embarrassing fashion, Tuck said the Seahawks are the type of team that will laugh at you. Tuck seems to have the motivation. Let's see if the rest of the team has the motivation. This is a winnable game for the Giants. The Seahawks aren't necessarily a great road team and it might snow. However, the Giants aren't good, so the Seahawks can squeeze this one out.
Seattle Seahawks 24 New York Giants 21
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Minnesota Vikings
Sunday December 15, 2013 1pm
FOX -- Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa
The Eagles are playing good football, and playing against the lowly Vikings helps their pursuit of an NFC East crown. The Cowboys fell a game back after their Monday night loss to the Bears, so the Eagles must take care of these games. The way Nick Foles is playing, I believe they'll win this one.
Philadelphia Eagles 34 Minnesota Vikings 20
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins
Sunday December 15, 2013 1pm
CBS -- Jim Nantz, Phil Simms
The Patriots' offense may struggle now that Rob Gronkowski is out for the season again, this time with a torn ACL. The Dolphins' defense can make plays, so this can be one of those upset games. I believe the Dolphins will stun the Patriots.
New England Patriots 20 Miami Dolphins 23
Buffalo Bills vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Sunday December 15, 2013 1pm
CBS -- Andrew Catalon, Rich Gannon
Both teams are 4-9, but the Bills are coming in having lost five of their last six games. On the other hand, after an 0-8 start to the season, the Jaguars have won four of their last five games. The Jaguars are at home in this one. This is a no-brainer. I'm going with the Jaguars.
Buffalo Bills 13 Jacksonville Jaguars 21
Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts
Sunday December 15, 2013 1pm
CBS -- Kevin Harlan, Solomon Wilcots
The Texans will play their first game since Gary Kubiak was fired as head coach. The Colts have already locked up the division, but I'm sure they don't want to lose to the lowly Texans. The Colts must also play to get at least the #3 seed in the playoffs. A #4 seed may guarantee a date with the Chiefs. They don't want to play the Chiefs.
Houston Texans 17 Indianapolis Colts 24
Chicago Bears vs. Cleveland Browns
Sunday December 15, 2013 1pm
FOX -- Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick
Brian Urlacher recently said on a FOX Sports show that Josh McCown should remain the starter even when Jay Cutler comes back healthy. I completely agree. However, Marc Trestman has already made the call that Cutler is healthy and will start in this one. McCown is on such a roll, I just don't see why the Bears pulled him. McCown may not necessarily be a long-term solution, but they must ride out the hot hand. Cutler can come back and destroy everything the offense had working for them. I'll still pick the Bears for a victory, but we'll see next week when they're in Philadelphia.
Chicago Bears 30 Cleveland Browns 20
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Oakland Raiders
Sunday December 15, 2013 4:05pm
CBS -- Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts
It'll be interesting to see Matt McGloin go up against the Chiefs' defense. This is the most difficult defense he has seen so far. He's been sharp in certain moments, and looks like he could be the franchise quarterback if he continues to improve. Only time will tell if he is a franchise quarterback. The Chiefs will make it hard on McGloin in this one.
Kansas City Chiefs 31 Oakland Raiders 10
New York Jets vs. Carolina Panthers
Sunday December 15, 2013 4:05pm
CBS -- Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf
Geno Smith had a decent game in last week's win over the Raiders. However, he's facing a stout defense, so Smith may look miserable like he has in recent weeks. This game could get ugly fast.
New York Jets 7 Carolina Panthers 27
Green Bay Packers vs. Dallas Cowboys
Sunday December 15, 2013 4:25pm
FOX -- Joe Buck, Troy Aikman
It doesn't appear as if Aaron Rodgers will play in this one. So this pick is easy. I highly doubt Matt Flynn can go into Cowboys Stadium and get a victory. Another loss may make playoff chances very dim. If the Packers lose this one, they will question whether they should have Aaron Rodgers return at all.
Green Bay Packers 13 Dallas Cowboys 31
Arizona Cardinals vs. Tennessee Titans
Sunday December 15, 2013 4:25pm
FOX -- Justin Kutcher, Charles Davis
The Titans are fully capable of winning this game, as it is a home game for them. Also, Tyrann Matheiu is out for the season with a torn ACL, so it makes it easier on the Titans' offense. Still, the Titans haven't looked good as of late, and the Cardinals are trying to keep pace and hopefully grab a Wild Card spot in the playoffs. The Cardinals can't afford a letdown. They'll win this one narrowly.
Arizona Cardinals 27 Tennessee Titans 24
New Orleans Saints vs. St. Louis Rams
Sunday December 15, 2013 4:25pm
FOX -- Chris Myers, Tim Ryan
The Saints aren't a strong road team, but games like this are games they are capable of winning. The Saints must protect Drew Brees. The Rams are an unpredictable team. They have impressive wins here and there, and they have bad losses here and there as well. I'm not exactly sure what you can expect from them this week, but don't be shocked if they win. I'm still picking the Saints however.
New Orleans Saints 31 St. Louis Rams 14
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Sunday December 15, 2013 8:30pm
NBC -- Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth
The Steelers have probably eliminated themselves from playoff contention with two consecutive losses to the Ravens and Dolphins. Those are two teams who are also fighting for Wild Card spots, so they have the edge on the Steelers. The Bengals are in the driver's seat at 9-4 and two games ahead of the Ravens for the division lead. However, the Bengals just aren't consistent, and playing in Pittsburgh might still be too big for them. Remember, they won last year in Pittsburgh to eliminate the Steelers. I think the Steelers want payback and they'll get it.
Cincinnati Bengals 13 Pittsburgh Steelers 16
Baltimore Ravens vs. Detroit Lions
Monday December 16, 2013 8:40pm
ESPN -- Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden
The Lions need victories, so they need to take care of their last two home games against the Ravens and the Giants in order to try and win the NFC North. The Lions are very inconsistent, getting spectacular performances from many talented players one week, and coming out with a dud the next. Losing to the Eagles was painful, especially since they allowed LeSean McCoy to run all over them in the snow. They'll stop Ray Rice in this one. They just have to avoid getting beat deep. Joe Flacco will look to go Chris Houston's way, as he has been beat deep a number of times this season. Still, the Lions will play well enough for the victory.
Baltimore Ravens 20 Detroit Lions 27
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