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NFL Picks Week 15: Avoiding The Trap

In the week between two pivotal games with Carolina, the Saints face an old familiar foe in St. Louis. It's a classic trap game for the Black & Gold in Week 15.

Scott Boehm

In the NFL, sometimes you're the hammer, and sometimes you're the nail. In Week 13, the New Orleans Saints were the nail in Seattle, but in Week 14 they returned to that familiar hammer status in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Now the Saints face a franchise that has been a thorn in their side for quite some time, the St. Louis Rams.

The Rams, who no matter how badly their season is going, always give the Saints fits. The Rams have nothing to play for and the Saints have everything to play for, yet none of that will matter come kickoff, and the Saints must focus and play to their full potential against a deceptively dangerous opponent. No looking past the Rams this week, don't eat the cheese, and avoid the trap. Here's a look at all of the upcoming action in Week 15 .

Last week I went 11-5, Season record 129-79

I told you so: 49ers over Seahawks!

What do I know: Giants over Chargers?

WEEK 15

Thursday, December 12

Chargers(6-7) at Broncos(11-2)

Two of the NFL's top passing offenses should put on an aerial show at Mile High.

Pick: Broncos

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Sunday, December 15th - Early Games

Redskins(3-10) at Falcons(3-10)

Two division champions from a year ago meet in a matchup of the NFC's most disappointing teams.

Pick: Falcons

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49ers(9-4) at Buccaneers(4-9)

They'll be lucky to crack 300 passing yards combined in this one.

Pick: 49ers

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Seahawks(11-2) at Giants(5-8)

I think this game will be much closer than many will expect.

Pick: Seahawks

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Eagles(8-5) at Vikings(3-9-1)

Philly will roll easily under the roof in Minnesota.

Pick: Eagles

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Patriots(10-3) at Dolphins(7-6)

As much as Miami needs this game, and as much as New England is hurting, I just don't know if I trust Miami to pull this one out.

Pick: Patriots

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Bills(4-9) at Jaguars(4-9)

Buffalo snaps Jacksonville's winning streak.

Pick: Bills

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Texans(2-11) at Colts(8-5)

Suspect Indy pulls out the win against a defeated Houston team.

Pick: Colts

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Bears(7-6) at Browns(4-9)

Chicago keeps their NFC North title hopes alive in a close win at Cleveland.

Pick: Bears

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Sunday, December 15th - Late Games

Chiefs(10-3) at Raiders(4-9)

Kansas City handles Oakland in the "Black Hole".

Pick: Chiefs

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Jets(6-7) at Panthers(9-4)

Carolina follows their thrashing in the Superdome with a decisive win over Rex's Jets.

Pick: Panthers

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Packers(6-6-1) at Cowboys(7-6)

Even Matt Flynn should look Rodgers-esque against this atrocious Dallas defense.

Pick: Packers

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Cardinals(8-5) at Titans(5-8)

Even without Tyrann Mathieu, Arizona will topple Tennessee.

Pick: Cardinals

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Saints(10-3) at Rams(5-8)

The key to whether this game is a rout or a nail-biter will come down to two factors: First is the Saints focus and intensity to start the game, then second and most importantly, how the offensive line handles the St. Louis pass rush. If Drew Brees is given time and a relatively clean pocket, the Saints will overwhelm St. Louis, if not, this one may come down to the fourth quarter. I fully expect a sharply focused and highly motivated Saints team to show up this week.

Pick: Saints

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Sunday Night Football

Bengals(9-4) at Steelers(5-8)

Pittsburgh pulls the upset at home over AFC North leaders, Cincinnati.

Pick: Steelers

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Monday, December 16th - Monday Night Football

Ravens(7-6) at Lions(7-6) - Game of the Week

The defending champs get a surprise win in Detroit thanks to a stout defensive effort and superior coaching.

Pick: Ravens

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That's how I see Week 15 playing out as we approach the end of the 2013 NFL Season. Leave us your picks, comments, and insight below. Who Dat!