NFL Picks Week 15: Wrong Place, Wrong Time

The New Orleans Saints return to the field after a long 10-day layoff. Ten long days to stew on a difficult loss in Atlanta that put New Orleans’ grip on the NFC South title in jeopardy while simultaneously rejuvenating Atlanta’s season. To compound things further, the Saints suffered a devastating rash of injuries on a short week against their arch rivals. Its been a long ten days for the Saints and Who Dat Nation.

Now the Saints should return to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome full of fire and a strong sense of resolve. What stands in their way before their highly anticipated rematch with Atlanta are the New York Jets. The reeling, ailing Jets are simply a team that find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Saints and all the fans in the Superdome look to thoroughly dismantle the Jets and send them on their way.

Here's a look at this and all of the upcoming action in Week 15.

Last week I went 8-8

I told you so: Jaguars over Seahawks!

What do I know: Raiders over Chiefs?

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WEEK 15

Thursday, December 14th - Thursday Night Football

Broncos(4-9) at Colts(3-10)

Denver will lean on its best and only asset, its top-ranked defense in this road win at Indy. Denver wins 28-23.

Pick: Broncos

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Saturday, December 16th - Saturday NFL Special

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

Chicago will keep this game close thanks to their rushing game, but Detroit will win it with their passing game. Detroit wins 24-20.

Pick: Lions

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Chargers(7-6) at Chiefs(7-6)

As hot as the Chargers have been of late, they will be stopped cold in Kansas City. Phillip Rivers will have a few costly turnovers that may ultimately cost Los Angeles the AFC West title. Kansas City wins 20-10.

Pick: Chiefs

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Sunday, December 17th - Early Games

Texans(4-9) at Jaguars(9-4)

Jacksonville will do to Houston what they’ve done best all season, overwhelm them with their rushing attack and stout defense. Jacksonville wins 23-10.

Pick: Jaguars

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Ravens(7-6) at Browns(0-13)

Baltimore will feast on Cleveland turnovers in this one, as the Browns move another step closer to a winless season. Baltimore wins 26-12.

Pick: Ravens

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

Whether its a rusty Aaron Rodgers or just Brett Hundley, the Packers dont have what they need to match up with the resurgent Panthers in Carolina. Carolina wins 32-26.

Pick: Panthers

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Dolphins(6-7) at Bills(7-6)

Miami will ride the wave of emotion from Monday Night’s victory to another divisional win in, thankfully for them, a snow-free Buffalo. Miami wins 31-28.

Pick: Dolphins

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Bengals(5-8) at Vikings(10-3)

Coming off a disappointing loss at Carolina, Minnesota will rebound in a big way at home against Cincy. Minnesota wins 35-13.

Pick: Vikings

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Cardinals(6-7) at Redskins(5-8)

Kirk Cousins will come through with a big game in a home win over the Cards. Washington wins 28-23.

Pick: Redskins

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Eagles(11-2) at Giants(2-11)

No Carson Wentz, no problem (at least this week) as Philly faces the hapless Giants and their league-worst defense. Philly cruises to victory over their divisional rivals. Philadelphia wins 31-23.

Pick: Eagles

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Jets(5-8) at Saints(9-4)

This will be one of those games. Those games where the Saints systematically take apart their opponent and you believe they may be unstoppable. Are there injuries the Saints have to overcome? Sure, just about every team is at that point right now, but the Saints will roll anyway. Bryce Petty and his Jets will be under fire all day long, and the Saints defense will make him pay for every mistake.

While the returning Alvin Kamara will undoubtedly be the focus on the Saints offense, don't be surprised to see Michael Thomas have a big game against the Jets secondary. The Saints will rebound nicely in this one, shedding the disappointment from the game before while raising the anticipation for the next week to come. This is no trap game. There is no “cheese to be eaten”. There is just the Jets standing in the way of a Saints team scorned. It’ll be a satisfying victory for the Saints here. Saints win 34-6.

Pick: Saints

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Sunday, December 17th - Late Games

Rams(9-4) at Seahawks(8-5)

Russell Wilson has been a lethal one-man show this season, and his act will continue to carry Seattle in this brutal, defensive game. Wilson will make the big plays necessary to carry Seattle to victory at home over Los Angeles, and possibly snatch the NFC West title from their clutches in the process. Seattle wins 14-7.

Pick: Seahawks

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Titans(8-5) at 49ers(3-10)

Tennessee squeaks by Jimmy Garoppolo and the 49ers in the Bay Area. Tennessee wins 28-27.

Pick: Titans

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Patriots(10-3) at Steelers(11-2) - Game of the Week

This is the AFC Championship Game rehearsal. In fact, the winner of this game will likely earn homefield advantage for that inevitable rematch for the AFC crown. New England may be coming off a shocking loss on Monday Night, but that may be more to their benefit than detriment anyway. They’ll be laser-focused for this game against the only threat to their crown. Pittsburgh having home field in this game is huge, but the Pats will pull out the win anyway. This game will be great. New England wins 28-26.

Pick: Patriots

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Sunday Night Football

Cowboys(7-6) at Raiders(6-7)

Dallas is getting their mojo back just as Oakland seems to have lost theirs completely. Dallas wins 31-21.

Pick: Cowboys

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Monday, December 18th - Monday Night Football

Falcons(8-5) at Buccaneers(4-9)

This one is going to get ugly in a hurry. Julio Jones may be looking to break his own records against this horrific Tampa defense. By halftime, we’ll all be looking for something else to watch, and waiting for next Sunday’s monster game. Atlanta wins 34-12.

Pick: Falcons

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That's how I see Week 15 playing out as we approach the end of the 2017 NFL Season. Leave us your picks, comments, and insight below.