Sometimes when you pick the Las Vegas Raiders, no matter how bad the opponent, you pay a price. That’s not necessarily a new lesson from Week 14, but it was definitely top of mind as Baker freaking Mayfield led the Rams back in the fourth quarter to send us all to an 0-1 start to the week.
Most of us never recovered from there. Charles Curtis did, finishing the week with a 7-6 record (88-112-8 overall). Blake Schuster (81-91-8) and I (91-109-8) each went 5-8, and Caroline Darney went 4-9 (87-100-6).
Before we get into our Week 15 picks, here’s a word from the crew:
Blake: It turns out inadvertently picking only favorites against the spread isn’t a winning strategy. Who knew?
Caroline: I apologize for my embarrassing performance. I promise to try and get better.
Charles: A winning week from me?! Hey, look at us dot GIF.
1
49ers at Seahawks (+3.5)
Prince: 49ers
What can I say? Purdy is holding down the fort. And San Fran’s defense is nasty.
Blake: 49ers
I thought I could trust the Seahawks defense. Then they gave up 30 points to a Panthers team that might not be able to contend in the CFL right now.
Caroline: 49ers
PURDY HIVE STAND UP.
Charles: 49ers
Who knew that NOT having a quarterback is actually a winning strategy in 2022? Seriously, though: That Niners defense is so good.
2
Colts at Vikings (-4)
Prince: Vikings
I could see this one going a lot like the Jets game a couple weeks ago, where the Vikings escaped with a five-point win.
Blake: Vikings
Every single last remotely positive vibe in Indianapolis is gone and the Vikings are in the hunt for a huge bounce back game. I’ll ride with the team that needs this one more.
Caroline: Vikings
This one will be within one possession, but I think it’s more a touchdown win than a field goal win.
Charles: Vikings
Can’t trust Matt Ryan to cover even against a leaky Vikings defense.
3
Ravens at Browns (-2.5)
Prince: Ravens
If the Ravens lose, I don’t think it’s by more than a couple points.
Blake: Browns
Oh gosh this game is going to be bad. I could see the Browns winning on a field goal.
Caroline: Ravens
That Steelers-Ravens game was hideous, but this is going to be a Justin Tucker kick for the win.
Charles: Ravens
Underdogs, eh? I don’t get it, but thanks for that, oddsmakers!
4
Dolphins at Bills (-7.5)
Prince: Bills
I know the Dolphins are going to snap out of this slump soon, but something tells me this won’t be the game.
Blake: Dolphins
I’d feel much more confident if this game were in Miami, but giving this Dolphins team a touchdown head start in a likely shootout is too much to pass up.
Caroline: Bills
Miami in Buffalo in December? Riding with the Bills.
Charles: Dolphins
I’m ignoring what Tua did last week and focusing on how this is a divisional matchup that ended with the Fins winning the last time they met.
5
Chiefs at Texans (+14)
Prince: Chiefs
Dameon Pierce is a tough loss for Houston’s offense.
Blake: Texans
I’m praying for a backdoor cover. Chiefs go up big early and start pulling starters down the stretch.
Caroline: Chiefs
I think Blake is right with the starters thing, but I think KC still wins by two touchdowns.
Charles: Chiefs
I hope Andy Reid just shows the Cowboys-Texans game from last week on a loop and says, “DON’T DO ANY OF THIS.”
6
Lions at Jets (-1)
Prince: Lions
Detroit is … good!?
Blake: Lions
Detroit is good!
Caroline: Lions
I don’t know who is playing QB for the Jets this week, and … Detroit is good!
Charles: Lions
This should actually be a fun game to watch! Who’d have said that back in September?
7
Cowboys at Jaguars (+4.5)
Prince: Cowboys
I think Dallas bounces back from last week’s near-upset in a big way behind a strong game from the running backs.
Blake: Cowboys
Dallas is also good! And the Jaguars are not.
Caroline: Jaguars
Last week was some uninspiring nonsense from the Cowboys. The Jags could keep this close, or even win.
Charles: Cowboys
Dallas will wipe away last week’s near-loss to Houston (ugh) with an all-around domination this week.
8
Falcons at Saints (-4)
Prince: Saints
Tough call without having seen Desmond Ridder play, but I’m guessing he struggles a little in his first action.
Blake: Saints
Agree with Prince, but Ridder has my attention.
Caroline: Saints
Uhhh, sure. The Saints.
Charles: Saints
New Orleans’ defense against a rookie making his first start is the serious X-factor.
9
Steelers at Panthers (-2.5)
Prince: Panthers
Carolina is quietly creeping up in the South.
Blake: Steelers
The NFC South is definitely creepy, I’ll give you that. Not one team over .500.
Caroline: Steelers
Here’s hoping that Kenny Pickett is healthy, because Trubisky cannot go back out there. Please. Don’t even talk to me about Mason Rudolph.
Charles: Panthers
Carolina’s defense is no joke right now.
10
Eagles at Bears (+9)
Prince: Eagles
The MVP front-runner should have a field day in this one.
Blake: Eagles
I know “Bear Weather” and all but only nine points here? The Eagles disrespect is wild.
Caroline: Eagles
The Eagles are going to win the Super Bowl, aren’t they?
Charles: Eagles
I don’t see any way the Bears cover after what Philly did to (sob) the Giants last week.
11
Patriots at Raiders (+1)
Prince: Patriots
Do the Raiders have any life left after last week’s collapse?
Blake: Patriots
At this point you couldn’t give me a free bet to place on the Raiders. I’m done.
Caroline: Patriots
Can’t fool me (again and again).
Charles: Patriots
I’m with Blake: Can’t bet on the Raiders anymore!
12
Cardinals at Broncos (-2.5)
Prince: Cardinals
Can I take the under instead?
Blake: Cardinals
This will be like watching a train wreck in slow motion. Pure NFL Sickos Game of the Week stuff. Can’t wait.
Caroline: Cardinals
If I’m missing on this one, I’m at least going down with the rest of them. This game should just be canceled. Call it off. Send everyone home.
Charles: Cardinals
Are we all agreeing on betting on Colt McCoy? That’s how bad it’s gotten for Russell Wilson, whew.
13
Titans at Chargers (-2.5)
Prince: Chargers
Looking for another big Justin Herbert game.
Blake: Titans
It’d be super cool if Tennessee could knock it off with these fumbles but I trust their change-of-pace attack anyways.
Caroline: Chargers
Another one I just don’t feel great about!
Charles: Chargers
This is a really tough one. I don’t think either team is worth betting on here, so I’ll take an LA team that SHOULD be better than it is.
14
Bengals at Buccaneers (+3.5)
Prince: Bengals
Cincy is clicking on all cylinders. The Bucs…are not.
Blake: Bengals
I just don’t see Tampa Bay keeping up with Cincy’s offense. At all.
Caroline: Bengals
Yeah, this is all Burrow.
Charles: Bengals
Betting against Tom Brady, with ease. What a sentence to write!
15
Giants at Commanders (-4.5)
Prince: Giants
A tie in their first meeting perfectly sums up how close these teams are.
Blake: Giants
I just can’t buy into Washington, even if I’m not totally sold on New York so give me the points.
Caroline: Giants
Neither team is speaking to me in this one, but I’m going with Danny Dimes.
Charles: Giants
Yep, I love the points here.
16
Rams at Packers (-7)
Prince: Rams
No more Baker Mayfield magic, but the Rams should at least keep it tight.
Blake: Rams
This is still a horrendous Green Bay team so getting a full touchdown is hard to pass up.
Caroline: Rams
I feel like this is another gross one.
Charles: Packers
Aaron Rodgers OFF THE BYE LET’S GOOO (lol).
