NFL Week 15

As we enter Sunday's games in Week 15 there are only a few games with zero playoff implications. One is the Seahawks at Rams. Ironically, just a few years ago those teams were playoff rivals but both have deteriorated into the dregs of the league. The Packers-Jaguars game is pretty much meaningless, and the Chargers, visiting Kansas City, need to run the table and pray Denver collapses. Extremely doubtful that will happen. After this weekend we'll have a much clearer picture of the playoff scenarios.

We began Week 15 with a push in the Bears-Saints game Thursday and stand at 110-95-4 for the season.

SUNDAY
JETS -7.5 Bills: Jets have stumbled badly the past two weeks and we're not hearing any more Super Bowl talk. Still they can win the AFC East if they beat Buffalo and Miami at home and win at Seattle next week. They better start playing desperate or they'll have the choke label wrapped tight around their necks. Bills offense has disappeared and if the Jets are wise they'll get blitz happy. Jets 27-10

Packers -2.5 JAGUARS: Green Bay sure can score, but their defense is a shambles. Jags packed it in weeks ago. Packers 34-14

COLTS -17 Lions: Lions have no plans to screw up the perfect season while the Colts are rolling. This should be over by the second quarter. Colts 41-10

BENGALS +7 Redskins: Washington still has remote playoff shot, but let's face it, their season ended last weekend. They can't score, their offensive line is decimated and Clinton Portis and Jim Zorn are feuding. Little Danny Snyder will probably be interviewing for a new coach again. Bengals 27-17

FALCONS -3 Bucs: Vaunted Bucs defense shredded by Panthers Monday night and all of a sudden they look vulnerable. Even if they lose here though, they get a couple of patsies at home and should make it. Falcons 30-21

49ers +6.5 DOLPHINS: San Francisco has shown life and look much better prepared than Jets last week. Dolphins headed for showdown with Jets in two weeks and should win here, but they never win big. Dolphins 20-17

Seahawks -3 RAMS: Time to go Christmas shopping. Seahawks 27-13

TEXANS +3 Titans: Houston has quietly crept toward respectability the second half of the season while Tennessee is on auto-pilot. Still, Tennessee needs to lock up home field advantage or they could face the Steelers next week with it on the line. Should be entertaining. Titans 28-27

CHIEFS +5 Chargers: Chargers always seem to be sleepwalking in these early road games. Chiefs nearly won at San Diego this year and even though there's a remote shot for the Chargers to sneak into the playoffs, their season ends here. Chiefs 24-21

CARDINALS -3 Vikings: These are perhaps the No. 3 and 4 seeds in the NFC, although with a loss, the Vikings are tied with Chicago. Arizona a completely different team at home. Cardinals 31-24

Steelers +2 RAVENS: This will be nasty. These teams hate each other, the division is on the line and it'll be cold and merciless. Edge goes to the Steelers based on their resilience and QB experience. Steelers 20-17

Broncos +7.5 PANTHERS: Expect a letdown from home team after big win last Monday, but Denver can't keep their backs healthy and Panthers are simply the better team that actually controls their own destiny toward the NFC's top seed. Panthers 24-20

Patriots -7 RAIDERS: Pats were fortunate to escape Seattle with a win and won't have to work nearly as hard against moribund Raiders. Patriots 31-10

SUNDAY NIGHT
Giants +3 COWBOYS: Giants were flat against Eagles and never got untracked. While Brandon Jacobs is out, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw can pick up the slack. Giants will tee off on Tony Romo, Terrell Owens will have a mental breakdown on national television and Wade Phillips will still be searching for a clue. As always, The Olbermann Rule is in effect. Giants 24-21

MONDAY NIGHT
EAGLES -14 Browns: Have to give Philly credit for their resurrection after they looked finished a month ago. Cleveland in total disarray and this team and coachng staff is about to get blown up. Eagles 34-7