NFL Week 15

We began Week 15 by taking the 49ers and the points Thursday night and they won outright over a staggering Seattle squad. Since there’s a game Saturday, I figured it’s a good idea to get all the picks out today. Remember, these picks are for informational purposes only and should not be used as the basis for any actual cash wagers.

Cowboys –3 over FALCONS: Dallas was surging before getting steamrollered by the Saints last Sunday night. Now with the Giants and Eagles a game behind, they cannot afford a loss to a Falcons team likely missing their two best running backs in Dunn and Norwood. Parcells will pound the ball against small defense. Cowboys 24-16

Jets +3 over VIKINGS: Jets were putrid against Buffalo at home last week. Vikings run defense getting plenty of attention, but that’s because everyone’s throwing on them. Pennington will rebound and keep flickering playoff hopes alive. Jets 20-17

RAVENS –11 over Browns: Baltimore is looking for a playoff bye, and that’s more than enough motivation at home. Browns offering up sacrificial backup QB. Fresh meat for a nasty defense. Ravens 33-14

PATRIOTS –11.5 over Texans: Tom Brady chewed out team this week coming off desultory shutout in Miami. Barring a catastrophe, Pats are playoff bound and need to get in gear. Enter Texans, coming off crushing home loss in OT to Titans. Patriots 28-6

BILLS –1 over Dolphins: Buffalo has won six straight in this series, they’re playing at home and they’re better than their 6-7 record indicates. They played San Diego tough and lost by a point at Indianapolis. A few fortunate bounces and this team could have 8 or 9 wins. Miami had their playoff game last week and is due for a letdown. Bills 17-13

Steelers –2.5 over PANTHERS: Carolina was dreadful against the Giants and is pretty much toast. The Steelers are playing for pride and a .500 record. Plus they’ll have had a nice 10-day rest. Steelers 26-10

SAINTS –9.5 over Redskins: Memo to Joe Gibbs. You can always return to NASCAR, which may not have passed you by like the NFL did. Saints chopped, cut, sliced and diced the Cowboys last week and this could be easier, but I expect a slight letdown. Saints 30-13

TITANS +3.5 over Jaguars: Vince Young is emerging as a legitimate leader, but is due for a loss. SI has him on the cover, to boot. Jaguars have a playoff berth in sight and coming off blowout of Colts, have their running game in gear. Expect a slugfest. Jaguars 17-16

BEARS –13.5 over Buccaneers: I really wish the Giants drafted Devin Hester. Grossman may have a little confidence back now and the Bucs are usually miserable in the cold. This year, they’re just miserable. Bears 28-3

PACKERS –5 over Lions: Hurry, the malls are still open. Buy Matt Millen a going-away present. Packers 27-20

Eagles +5.5 over GIANTS: Suddenly, the winner of this game is in good wildcard position. In fact, if the Cowboys lose Saturday, the game is for a first place tie in the NFC East. Jeff Garcia is playing well, but the Giants have also stabilized and could be ready to roll a bit. These two usually play them close. Giants 28-24

CARDINALS +2.5 over Broncos: I told you the malls are still open, right? Actually, Denver still has an outside shot at playoffs, but can’t score much. Leinart looks pretty good. Cardinals usually play well after their annual 1-8 start. Broncos 17-16

Rams + 2.5 over RAIDERS: Oakland crowd should be in festive holiday mood, meaning fewer assaults than normal. Last reminder: The malls are still open. Rams 23-17

Chiefs +8.5 over CHARGERS: Chiefs still have playoff shot and will play hard, but San Diego has that Super Bowl look and has homefield advantage in sight. Chargers 30-24

Bengals +3 over COLTS: Bengals lead the league in arrests, having notched their eighth this season when Deltha O’Neal got pinched for DUI last week. Colts lead the league in jailbreaks on defense, surrendering a ghastly 375 years rushing last week to Jags. Colts won a shootout last year, but the Bengals need this much more. Bengals 34-31