NFL Picks Week 15: Just Like Old Times

The New Orleans Saints face the Indianapolis Colts in the Saints’ 2019 Regular Season home finale. The Saints are coming off an exhausting loss in the Superdome against San Francisco last Sunday, so the extra day of rest by playing this weeks game on Monday Night will be welcome. The loss a week ago was unfortunate but not disheartening. Remember, this team remains 10-3 and is guaranteed, at worst, a 3-seed in the NFC.

Now the Colts come to town, on the 10th anniversary season of the Saints’ defeating the Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. The energy in the building will be off the charts in the Saints’ last game in the Superdome until the playoffs. The Saints will make it look just like old times this week, not the old times like last week where Drew Brees had to carry the entire team while the defense tripped all over itself, but the old times where the Saints put the boots to their opponents in primetime in the Dome.

Let’s take a look at this and all of the upcoming action in Week 15.

Last week I went 8-8

I told you so: Falcons over Panthers!

What do I know: Saints over Niners?

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WEEK 15

Thursday, December 12th - Thursday Night Football

Jets(5-8) at Ravens(11-2)

The Jets defense has kept them afloat this season, but they will fold against Baltimore’s attacking offense. Baltimore wins 35-10.

Pick: Ravens

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Sunday, December 15th - Early Games

Patriots(10-3) at Bengals(1-12)

What, is this even a real matchup?! Bill Belichick will not allow the Pats to lose three straight games, and Cincy is just the opponent to get this team back on track. New England wins 42-13.

Pick: Patriots

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Buccaneers(6-7) at Lions(3-9-1)

Tampa won’t be as hot on offense as they have been in recent weeks but they'll get enough to beat Detroit. Tampa wins 19-14.

Pick: Buccaneers

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Texans(8-5) at Titans(8-5)

Houston comes into Tennessee on a roller coaster, while the Titans are just rolling. Houston has a strange habit of coming through just when you're ready to bail on them, this will be one of those spots. Houston wins 21-20.

Pick: Texans

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Broncos(5-8) at Chiefs(9-4)

Denver having no passing attack to speak of will give KC’s below-average defense the break they need, allowing their dynamic offense to take over. Kansas City wins 27-6.

Pick: Chiefs

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Dolphins(3-10) at Giants(2-11)

Miami makes it back-to-back losses at MetLife Stadium in this one. Giants win 26-21.

Pick: Giants

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Eagles(6-7) at Redskins(3-10)

Philly keeps their division title and playoff hopes on life support with a win over Washington. Philadelphia wins 28-13.

Pick: Eagles

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Seahawks(10-3) at Panthers(5-8)

Prepare for a ruthless bloodletting in this one, folks. Seattle has so much to play for, while Carolina has nothing and no one to play for. Seattle wins 42-10.

Pick: Seahawks

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Bears(7-6) at Packers(10-3)

Chicago will once again prove they are who we thought they were, getting absolutely steamrolled by Aaron Rodgers and the Pack in Lambeau. Green Bay wins 30-3.

Pick: Packers

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Sunday, December 17th - Late Games

Vikings(9-4) at Chargers(5-8)

Minnesota’s defense will shut down the Chargers running game, putting all the pressure on Philip Rivers, allowing their pass-rushers to pin their ears back and harass Rivers all game long. Minnesota wins 34-6.

Pick: Vikings

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Jaguars(4-9) at Raiders(6-7)

As Oakland is watching their wild card hopes vanish, they will come out with desperation at home against the Jags. Oakland wins 26-16.

Pick: Raiders

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Browns(6-7) at Cardinals(3-9-1)

Just when you think Cleveland has figured it out, they go out and do Browns-like things. That will happen here in the desert. Arizona wins 27-19.

Pick: Cardinals

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Rams(8-5) at Cowboys(6-7)

The sudden re-emergence of Todd Gurley will spell trouble for the flailing Dallas defense, as Gurley will surprisingly outplay Ezekiel Elliot, forcing Dallas into a do-or-die scenario against Philly. Los Angeles wins 35-16.

Pick: Rams

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Falcons(4-9) at 49ers(11-2) - Game of the Week

On paper this looks like a pretty convincing Niners win, but it will be very difficult for Kyle Shanahan to get his team up emotionally after their showdown in New Orleans last week. Atlanta has been looking better, thanks mostly to their passing attack, and they will surprisingly stand toe-to-toe with the Niners in this one. Ultimately the Niners rushing attack and special teams will seal the win in the end. San Francisco wins 17-14.

Pick: 49ers

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Sunday Night Football

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

This will be a classic defensive slugfest that will ultimately be won by Buffalo’s relentless rushing attack. Buffalo wins 27-21.

Pick: Bills

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Monday, December 16th - Monday Night Football

Colts(6-7) at Saints(10-3)

The Saints will get back on track this week by getting back to their bread and butter, which is stopping the run and forcing Indy to become one-dimensional. Once they establish that, Cam Jordan and the pass rush can pin its ears back and get after the quarterback. Of course, the naysayers will say this isn't possible without Marcus Davenport and Sheldon Rankins in the lineup, but that isn't an excuse. This Saints defensive line is deep, and those backups who have had impressive seasons, will need to take the reigns and continue to shine. Next man up. Its what champions do, and if you need reminding, the Saints are the first and only champions in the NFC so far this season.

As easy as it can be to fall into the trappings of the old “the sky is falling” mentality following the pivotal loss last week and the recent rash of injuries, this team has already proven it is not only built to withstand injuries, but they tend to play smarter and harder in spite of them. The Saints will play an inspired game and the crowd will be inspired behind the 10th anniversary celebration of the 2009 World Champions. Saints win 34-21.

Pick: Saints

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That’s how I see Week 15 playing out as we approach the end of the 2019 NFL Season. Leave us your picks, comments, and insight below!