There are some great matchups this week around the NFL and I've been tasked with some predictions. Here follows what I believe will happen. Also, the current odds are posted as they come courtesy of Odds Shark because I know that you probably don't trust me. It's your choice if you want to ridicule my picks or put your car pink-slip down on them, but in case you're wondering, I went 12-4 straight up in Week 13, 11-5 in Week 14, and 13-3 last week. I'm heating up after an abysmal mid season slump!! Here we go!
THURSDAY
Jacksonville Jaguars at Atlanta Falcons (-10.5): Like many of your are wondering, I share your intrigue in why the Jacksonville Jaguars have their third nationally televised game this season. It just seems strange to me. Regardless, here we are. I'm going with the Falcons, because they're at home, they're on fire, and they're a better team. I like the Jags, Maurice Jones-Drew is awesome, and their defense is admirable, but I don't think they'll have a chance in this one. Pick: FALCONS
SATURDAY
Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+6): The Cowboys suffered a pretty heartbreaking loss to the Giants last week and for some reason I think they're due for another letdown. If it were against any other team than the Bucs, I might actually pick for the upset here but as of late I have no faith in Tampa Bay. I really would like to, because they're a young team with a seemingly bright young coach, but the wheels have fallen off this season. Pick: COWBOYS
SUNDAY
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills: Is it weird to you that the Bills and Dolphins are in the same division and that they're rivals? For some reason - I can't really place it - this is very strange to me. I feel like the Dolphins should be in the NFC Caribbean division or something but that's neither here nor there. They are similar to their climate currently - hot. The Bills are not so hot. Even though it's in cold Buffalo I'm going with the Phins in this one. Pick: DOLPHINS
Seattle Seahawks at Chicago Bears (-4): The Bears have some injury issues on offense, missing Jay Cutler and likely Matt Forte. They've been leaning on Marion Barber but he's a downgrade from their starter. Caleb Hanie is their QB and he's been... iffy. The Hawks will look to stop the run and make Hanie beat them through the air, which I find eminently doable. I'm going with Seattle. Pick: SEAHAWKS
Cincinnati Bengals at St. Louis Rams (+6.5). The Rams, and I really don't mean this in a disrespectful way, are awful. Plus, they've lost quite a few players to injuries. Sam Bradford is struggling, his backups are hurt, and Steven Jackson is the only real weapon. The Bengals have a good defense and are coming off a very, very tough stretch of games. They'll look to take out any frustration they've been building up these past few weeks by beating the Rams soundly in their place. Pick: BENGALS
Green Bay Packers at Kansas City Chiefs (+14): The Packers are good. Pick: PACKERS
Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts: (+7): I never really know what to expect from the Titans. They'll likely be going with Matt Hasselbeck but if he can't play, Jake Locker will get the start. Really though, do you think it will matter? Pick: TITANS
New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings (+7): The Saints are rolling, and haven't lost since they laid an egg in Week 8 against the Rams. I don't see the Vikings doing much to get in their way. Pick: SAINTS
Washington Redskins at New York Giants (-7): The Redskins, once losers of six straight but now looking decent again, present a difficult task in picking. They nearly beat the Patriots last week and the Giants just won an emotional and taxing game at Dallas. Not saying they'll look past Washington, but we've seen "letdowns" happen in this situation before. Still though, the Giants tend to play well in the end of the season, and that's why they're my pick. Pick: GIANTS
Carolina Panthers at Houston Texans (-6.5): This is a very intriguing matchup - Cam Newton has essentially carried his team this season and T.J. Yates is tasked with simply keeping them moving forward. The Texans have won six seven games in a row and are quietly one of the best in the NFL. I don't see them losing this week. Pick: TEXANS
Detroit Lions at Oakland Raiders: Oakland plays host to the Lions and typically I'd like to side with the tough-ass Raiders home team here, but for whatever reason, the Raiders have lost their mojo the past few weeks. I'd love to see them get it back, but the Lions are dangerous. With Suh back in the lineup and Oakland still likely without Darren McFadden, their run game could suffer. I'm picking the Lions on the road. Pick: LIONS
Cleveland Browns at Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals are heating up. Whether it's with Kevin Kolb or John Skelton, I'd choose Arizona over Seneca Wallace and the Browns, unfortunately. Pick: CARDINALS
New England Patriots at Denver Broncos (+4): This, honestly, is probably the game of the week. Denver has a very good defense that theoretically could contain the Patriots high-octane offense. The Patriots, on the other hand, don't have a great defense and I could see Tim Tebow doing his thing again. Man, as much as I'd like to pick Denver at home here, I just can't do it. Pick: PATRIOTS
New York Jets at Philadelphia Eagles (-2): Maaaaaaaaan. I just don't trust the Jets in this one. I'm going with a reinvigorated Eagles team with Mike Vick at the helm. Pick: EAGLES
Baltimore Ravens at San Diego Chargers (+1) This will be another very interesting matchup. I can't tell you how many times I've failed when I've picked the Chargers to win this year, but for some reason I have to do it again. Something about the Chargers, late in the year, Philip Rivers vs Joe Flacco, that just tells me San Diego is going to pull it out. Pick: CHARGERS
MONDAY
Pittsburgh Steelers at San Francisco 49ers: This should be a low-scoring defensive battle with two teams running the football a lot. I got nothing but respect for the 49ers, though they are mine enemy, but I just think the Steelers are a better team. This will have playoff atmosphere and provide a good test to the 49ers, but I'm picking Pittsburgh. Pick: STEELERS