Pro Picks: NFL Week 15 Preview

Pro Picks is a recurring column that provides predictions for upcoming NFL games, capturing the excitement and expectations of the league as it progresses into Week 15. This week features some significant matchups, including a potential Super Bowl preview and a clash for Pennsylvania bragging rights.

The Detroit Lions, leading the NFC with an impressive record of 12-1, aim to extend their 11-game winning streak as they take on the Buffalo Bills, who are champions of the AFC East with a record of 10-3. In another notable encounter, the Pittsburgh Steelers, holding a record of 10-3, will face off against the Philadelphia Eagles, currently at 11-2. These games collectively feature four of the six NFL teams that have achieved double-digit victories thus far in the season. Week 15 has already begun with the Los Angeles Rams defeating the San Francisco 49ers by a score of 12-6 last Thursday night.

With the bye weeks concluded, the Pro Picks provides insight on the full slate of games ahead:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6) at Los Angeles Chargers (8-5)

**Line:** Chargers favored by 3
The Buccaneers, despite being plagued by injuries, have managed to secure victories over three struggling teams, elevating them to the top of the NFC South. Quarterback Baker Mayfield must demonstrate better ball protection as he leads an offense reliant on their passing game, especially with defensive players sidelined. The Chargers, led by Justin Herbert, narrowly missed a victory against Kansas City last week, and they boast a league-low average of 15.9 points allowed per game.
**PICK:** Chargers win 23-17

Buffalo Bills (10-3) at Detroit Lions (12-1)

**Line:** Lions favored by 2.5
Josh Allen threw three touchdown passes and rushed for three scores in a recent loss, hampering Buffalo’s ambitions for the AFC’s top seed. The Lions, who trail the Vikings and Eagles, need a win to maintain their position at the top of the NFC. Detroit’s recent close games raise concerns, especially with a defense that could be vulnerable to Allen’s prowess.
**UPSET ALERT:** Bills win 30-27

Kansas City Chiefs (12-1) at Cleveland Browns (3-10)

**Line:** Chiefs favored by 4
Patrick Mahomes continues to lead the Chiefs to late-game victories but has struggled against the spread in recent matches. The Browns, though underperforming, have shown resilience, particularly with Jameis Winston under center. Kansas City is expected to assert dominance this week.
**PICK:** Chiefs win 24-18

Cincinnati Bengals (5-8) at Tennessee Titans (3-10)

**Line:** Bengals favored by 5
Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are having standout seasons, although Cincinnati’s playoff hopes seem dim. The Titans struggle with scoring, making for competitive matchups in which their defense plays a pivotal role. A recent short week could affect the Bengals after their road win against Dallas.
**PICK:** Bengals win 24-16

Washington Commanders (8-5) at New Orleans Saints (5-8)

**Line:** Commanders favored by 7.5
Following a bye, Jayden Daniels and the Saints’ offense are looking for a bounce-back against a Commanders squad holding onto the final wild-card spot. The Saints cling to slim postseason hopes as quarterback Derek Carr continues to battle injuries.
**PICK:** Commanders win 23-17

Baltimore Ravens (8-5) at New York Giants (2-11)

**Line:** Ravens favored by 16
Coming off a bye, the Ravens face a struggling Giants team, whose performance has significantly declined. Concerns about Justin Tucker’s kicking may fade as Baltimore enters as a heavy favorite.
**PICK:** Ravens win 33-13

Dallas Cowboys (5-8) at Carolina Panthers (3-10)

**Line:** Panthers favored by 3
The Panthers nearly upset the Eagles and are looking to capitalize against a Cowboys team whose playoff hopes are dim. The recent trend favors Carolina as they step into a crucial match against Dallas.
**PICK:** Panthers win 22-20

New York Jets (3-10) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-10)

**Line:** Jets favored by 3.5
Aaron Rodgers and the Jets are viewed as favorites in this matchup that features two teams battling to meet pre-season expectations. Mac Jones will start again for the injured Trevor Lawrence as both teams aim to improve their record.
**PICK:** Jets win 23-16

Miami Dolphins (6-7) at Houston Texans (8-5)

**Line:** Texans favored by 3
Tua Tagovailoa’s return has revitalized the Dolphins, who need wins to stay in playoff contention. The Texans, recovering from a bye, will look to exploit any weaknesses in Miami’s game to secure victory.
**PICK:** Texans win 24-23

Indianapolis Colts (6-7) at Denver Broncos (8-5)

**Line:** Broncos favored by 4
On a three-game winning streak, the Broncos are in contention for a wild-card berth, while the Colts fight for their postseason lives. Both teams have had the benefit of an extra week to prepare.
**PICK:** Broncos win 24-18

Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (11-2)

**Line:** Eagles favored by 5
Despite their success, the Eagles are under scrutiny as they prepare to face the competitive Steelers. Jalen Hurts’s connection with A.J. Brown will be crucial for Philadelphia, while Pittsburgh will focus on stopping Saquon Barkley.
**PICK:** Eagles win 22-20

New England Patriots (3-10) at Arizona Cardinals (6-7)

**Line:** Cardinals favored by 6
The Cardinals, having fallen from playoff contention due to a losing streak, will face a struggling Patriots team. Recent performances indicate New England may keep things close, but Arizona needs to secure a much-needed victory.
**PICK:** Cardinals win 24-16

Green Bay Packers (9-4) at Seattle Seahawks (8-5)

**Line:** Packers favored by 3
The Seahawks have surged recently, taking the lead in the NFC West after a shaky stretch. The Packers, however, have performed well against non-division opponents, making for an intriguing matchup that could have playoff implications.
**PICK:** Packers win 27-20

Chicago Bears (4-9) at Minnesota Vikings (11-2)

**Line:** Vikings favored by 7
Sam Darnold is showcasing impressive play, while the Vikings maintain momentum with six consecutive victories. The Bears have struggled significantly, especially away from home, which could enhance Minnesota’s winning streak.
**PICK:** Vikings win 26-16

Atlanta Falcons (6-7) at Las Vegas Raiders (2-11)

**Line:** Falcons favored by 4
After a challenging stretch, the Falcons have the chance to rebound against the struggling Raiders, who are vying for the number one pick in the upcoming draft. The easier schedule may come as a relief for Atlanta in their quest for a playoff slot.
**PICK:** Falcons win 26-19

As for last week’s predictions, a solid record of 9-4 straight up and 6-6-1 against the spread was achieved. The cumulative results show a strong season performance, with a straight-up record of 143-75 and an against-the-spread record of 111-94-3 overall. Prime-time matchups have rendered a straight-up record of 34-12, while best bets have delivered encouraging results of 9-5 straight up and 8-6 against the spread. The excitement continues as the NFL season heads into its final stretch!