We have another massive week of NFL action and our free NFL picks have sorted through the best five games of the weekend for you!
The NFL season is winding down, and playoff races are heating up. This week 15 slate includes a few old rivalries and some major storylines as teams look to make a late season playoff push.
Our NFL picks help find who that might be and provide you with our best bets from five of Week 15’s games.
Saturday, December 18th
Las Vegas Raiders @ Cleveland Browns – 4:30 pm ET
*THIS GAME HAS BEEN MOVED TO MONDAY DECEMBER 20TH*
The Raiders and Browns will meet on Saturday for a huge AFC clash with major playoff implications on the line. Both teams are in the fight for a wild card spot and the Browns are still likely in the hunt for the AFC North crown as the season winds down. This should be a fantastic match up between playoff contenders.
Michael Lantz
The Cleveland Browns had a huge in-division win last Sunday, as they snuck past the first-place Baltimore Ravens 24-22. This rocketed the Browns up to second place in the division, and eight in the AFC playoff standings, as they are just on the outside looking in at 7-6. On Sunday they’ll take on a Las Vegas Raiders team that are also in the hunt, sitting one game behind at 6-7.
Las Vegas have had a rough couple of games: they were beaten in a gritty matchup against the Washington Football team, and then they were blown out by the Kansas City Chiefs 48-9. They’ll look to bounce back this week after that distratious loss, as they try to make a final push for the postseason before it becomes too late. Unfortunately, due to almost everyone on the Browns being in COVID protocol, this game was moved from Saturday to Monday. Even then, the Browns probably won’t be back to 100%. Still, aside from an impressive overtime win against the Cowboys, the Raiders have been pretty poor lately. The Raiders might be one of the better passing teams in football, but the Browns are one of the best at defending through the air. This one is so hard to call because we just don’t know who will be available. But I’ll go with my gut and take the Browns at home.
Michael’s NFL Pick: Cleveland Browns (-112)
Mike Su
The Browns come off a close win against the Ravens to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. However, despite the win, the Browns looked bad struggling to beat the Ravens backup quarterback Tyler Huntley. The Browns nearly choked the game away by allowing the Ravens to get an onside kick recovery in the last 2 minutes. The Browns are leaning on Baker despite his injuries and this isn’t a great sign as they head down the stretch. For the Browns to succeed, they need Nick Chubb to get the ball and tire out defenses. Without taking the pressure off of Mayfield, the Browns will continue to struggle late game.
More info on #LVvsCLE being moved to Monday at 5 p.m., including a statement from the organization.
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 17, 2021
The Raiders haven’t looked good either with an embarrassing loss to the Chiefs. The Raiders mustered just 44 total rushing yards in a game which saw them lose 48-9. Their defense looked bad as well as they couldn’t contain the run or the pass. The Raiders allowed Mahomes to throw for an efficient 258 yards on a 139.2 rating and allowed 132 yards on the ground. I think in this matchup the Browns will win this if they rely on nick Chubb against a weak Raiders defense. Although I don’t think this will be a high scoring game, I think the Browns should be able to win this and they are great value in this matchup.
Mike’s NFL Pick: Cleveland Browns (-112)
Tony Battalio
The Cleveland Browns picked up a massive win for their playoff hopes last week against the Baltimore Ravens. It was a game that the Browns virtually controlled from start to finish, despite the ending where it got a bit concerning for Browns fans. Now Cleveland has another must win game in front of them against the Las Vegas Raiders at home. However at the moment no one really knows which Browns are going to show up as COVID-19 outbreaks have made their way throughout the Cleveland Browns facility in Berea, Ohio. Cleveland with a win could potentially take the lead in the AFC North division if the Baltimore Ravens were to lose to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon.
The Las Vegas Raiders are basically in the same situation when it comes to a must win game this week. The Raiders find themselves virtually out of the AFC West division title race. As Kansas City and the Los Angeles Chargers have made it a two horse race the rest of the way out at this point. Vegas has been at the center of turmoil all season and it has started to catch up to them even more in recent weeks. That is why I have the Cleveland Browns winning this game at home, despite the Browns having issues of their own at the moment
Tony’s NFL Pick: Cleveland Browns (-112)
New England Patriots @ Indianapolis Colts– 8:15 pm ET
The nightcap for the two game Saturday slate is the Patriots vs Colts. This game has become sort of a de facto rivalry due to the crazy battles between Manning and Brady in the early and late 2000s and 2010s. Both of those QBs are now gone but this game still holds a ton of playoff implications as well. The top seeded Patriots will be looking to further the gap on the rest of the AFC. While the Colts will be looking to fight for playoff positioning.
Michael Lantz
The New England Patriots continue their pursuit for a number one seed as they face an Indianapolis Colts team that’s on the bubble of being in the playoffs at 7-6. The Colts have been led on the ground by Jonathan Taylor, who’s been the franchise’s greatest running back since Edgerrin James. He’s headed to an All-Pro team this year as he’s had over 1,600 total yards and 18 touchdowns on the season. Taylor will have the opportunity to further prove his greatness as he runs toward a Patriots defense that’s allowed the least amount of touchdowns on the ground this season.
Just when we thought we’d get a little break from the Patriots, they’re already back in the post-Tom Brady era as one of the AFC’s biggest threats. Mac Jones hasn’t wowed with stats like previous rookie quarterbacks, but similar to Brady, he’s playing smart football and making plays when it counts. They also have had a phenomenal pass defense that ranks among the three best in football. It’s not like the Colts offense depends on quarterback Carson Wentz too much, but eliminating from the game and putting all the pressure on Taylor could make things rough. I’ll pick the Patriots to keep their run alive.
Michael’s NFL Pick: New England Patriots (+118)
Mike Su
The Patriots play the Colts as both teams come off a week of rest. The Patriots are the current number 1 seed in the AFC and are looking phenomenal behind Mac Jones and that running attack. The Patriots beat the Bills in their last game with just 3 passing attempts, and a dominant 222 yard rushing attack. The Patriots are looking like the most complete team in the AFC.
Playing on the other side is a team that is arguably alongside the Patriots in the running for the most complete team in the AFC. The Colts sit at 7-6 but their team is a lot better than what their record displays.Over the last 2 months the Colts have played great football and have overcome a poor 1-4 start to the season. Carson Wentz has slid into a reduced role where his only job is to prevent costly mistakes and make plays when needed. This team relies heavily on Jonathan Taylor and their defense. In their las game they obliterated the Texans 31-0. Although the Patriots have the significantly better record, the Colts are no pushovers and will make it a close game just like they did against the Buccaneers. I think that this will be an extremely run heavy matchup and I think the Patriots offer great value here as the Underdog
Mike’s NFL Pick: New England Patriots (+118)
Tony Battalio
Nobody could’ve expected the New England Patriots would revive the dynasty so fast after Tom Brady left for Tampa Bay. But only a couple years later here they are in the running for the number one seed in the AFC as we head toward the playoffs. Now led by a potential rookie of the year award winner Mac Jones, New England has put together a great season. In only year two of the post Tom Brady era they can win the AFC East and clinch a bye in the first round of the playoffs over the last four weeks of the year. However, it will not be an easy task against a very good Indianapolis Colts team to feature the potential MVP Jonathan Taylor in the backfield.
The previously mentioned Indianapolis Colts are also very much in the playoff hunt as well as they head into this high profile match up with the Patriots. The Colts come into this game with a record of 7-6 and need a victory to stay a leg up in the AFC Wild Card race as the season is coming to a close. However I don’t look for the Colts to pick up the victory in this game as I have the New England Patriots coming out with the win on the road in this rivalry renewed.
Tony’s NFL Pick: New England Patriots (+118)
Sunday, December 19th
Tennessee Titans @ Pittsburgh Steelers – 1pm ET
This game could potentially end up being a huge one for AFC Wild Card implications. As the 9-4 Tennessee Titans meet the 6-6-1 Pittsburgh Steelers in the Steel City. Both teams find themselves in the thick of the playoff race as the season is winding down. The outcome of this game could spark storylines down the road.
Michael Lantz
The Tennessee Titans look to bolster their lead in the AFC South and they also hope to gain some ground in the AFC playoff picture. They’ll take on a PIttsburgh Steelers team that’s hanging on by a thread at 6-6-1. After a 41-10 blowout to the Cincinnati Bengals, the Steelers were able to nab a win against division rivals, before barely losing to the Minnesota Vikings. A positive in their loss to the Vikings was that Ben Roethlisberger looked maybe the best he has all season, throwing for over 300 yards and 3 touchdowns. He’ll hope to keep that play alive, as the Steelers face a Titans team that’s phenomenal against the run. Which means running back Najee Harris might be most effective as a receiver in this one.
The Titans will depend heavily on that run defense as well as their inconsistent pass defense, which is coming off a big 4 interception week against Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars. Then again, the Jaguars are the low of the low.in the NFL. I just don’t know how many more weeks this defense can make up for a team that’s missing Derrick Henry and AJ Brown. I think the Steelers keep it interesting at home as they continue to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Michael’s NFL Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers (-116)
Mike Su
The Titans play a dysfunctional Steelers team in a game that is important for the Titans and their playoff seeding. The Titans are 9-4 and are in the running for the top seed despite losing Derrick Henry earlier in the season. The Titans have looked decent in Henry’s absence and handily defeated the Jaguars in a shutout performance. Although that isn’t much of an achievement, it is a strong bounceback game after losing to the Texans and Patriots in the 2 weeks prior.
Six Things to Watch in Titans at Steelers on Sunday
Preview 📰 » https://t.co/p3zSW0b2nV
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) December 17, 2021
The Steelers on the other hand have been surrounded by controversy, namely around the antics of Chase Claypool. Claypool’s celebrations late in the game despite the clock running down is representative of the Steeler’s issues as a whole. However, I do think these issues are overblown and the Steelers will somewhat bounce back this week. The Titans are definitely my favorite to win this but the odds aren’t great so I am leaning toward the Overs in a game that I think will be a shootout.
Mike’s NFL Pick: Over 43 (-110)
Tony Battalio
The Tennessee Titans have a chance to grab a huge win and push themselves closer to capturing the AFC South title and locking up a playoff spot in this week’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. They currently find themselves with a full two-game lead over Indianapolis and with a win and a Colts loss to New England, Tennessee would clinch the AFC South. If they do make it in the playoffs they could also potentially get Henry back as well, which would be bad news for the rest of the National Football League.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are desperate for a victory this week. They have been watching their season fade week by week ever since they tied the Detroit Lions. Pittsburgh has gone winless in four of their last five games and with a loss this week, pending results of other games they could find themselves officially sitting on the couch during the playoffs this year. As for the result of this game, I look for the Tennessee Titans to put one of the final daggers into the Steelers season with a big road win this week.
Tony’s NFL Pick: Tennessee Titans (-102)
Cincinnati Bengals @ Denver Broncos– 4:05 pm ET
The 7-6 Cincinnati Bengals will travel to Mile High to play the 7-6 Denver Broncos in another game that has huge implications on the AFC playoff race this season. The Bengals are coming off a tough loss to the 49ers, while the Broncos crushed the Lions last week.
Michael Lantz
In this AFC battle between two more teams that are 7-6, the Cincinnati Bengals head to Denver to take on the Broncos. Denver has had a lot of success on the ground lately as veteran Melvin Gordon and rookie Javonte Williams have been tearing it up on the ground. On the other side of the ball, the Broncos defense has limited opposing quarterbacks to the lowest completion percentage in football. This will be a big test for Joe Burrow, as he looks to improve upon a strong sophomore year in the league and take the Bengals to the playoffs.
Cincinnati is currently in third, but are technically tied with the Browns for second, and are just on the outside of the AFC playoff picture. Aside from Burrow, running back Joe Mixon will hope to keep the ground game alive, but the biggest focus might be on the defensive unit. The Bengals have been very good at stopping the run this season, but can they do it against this two-headed monster of Gordon and Williams? If it was at home, I’d go with the Bengals, but it’s never fun to play in Denver and I just think that the Broncos matchup is too good against the Bengals.
Michael’s NFL Pick: Denver Broncos (-148)
Mike Su
The Bengals and Broncos are locked in a 5 team tie in the AFC. The Bengals, Broncos as well as 3 other teams are all 7-6 and are all on the edge of making the playoffs. The winner of this game will inevitably have a leg up as we head into the last 3 weeks of the season.
The Bengals started this season hot but have dropped 2 games in a row and have lost 4 of their last 6 games. This includes 2 blowout losses to the Browns and the Chargers. The Bengals need better late-game play from both Burrow and Mixon to ensure they have a chance in this game. The Bengals have been poor defensively and need their defense to step up and lock up the other team’s number 1 target.
The Broncos have been slightly better late this season with Bridgewater and Melvin Gordon playing decently. Last week the Broncos demolished the Lions in a game played in tribute of the late Demaryius Thomas. Gordon had a standout game with 111 yards on 24 attempts. The Broncos defense has been the strength of their team and this defense could easily shut down the Bengals and their inconsistent offensive play.
I think the Broncos win this game despite my feelings toward Joe Burrow’s greatness. Playing in Denver is always tough due to the altitude so naturally the Broncos have the advantage. Combine that with the Bengals inconsistent offense and the Broncos’ great defense, the Broncos should win this one.
Mike’s NFL Pick: Denver Broncos (-146)
Tony Battalio
This game is yet another case of two AFC teams who need a win to keep themselves in playoff contention. As for the Cincinnati Bengals they are in a much better position than the Denver Broncos but they will still need to string some wins together as the season is coming to a close. Cincinnati could potentially find themselves in first place in the AFC North with a Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns loss this weekend. Joe Burrow has come storming back from his knee injury that took him out last season and looks like a potential comeback player of the year award winner this year. If the cards keep falling into place for the Bengals he could become the first Cincinnati quarterback to lead them to a playoff game victory in decades.
The Denver Broncos have put together a good year despite quarterback controversy and tragedies falling upon them. As of this moment they find themselves with a record of 7-6 and needing a win to remain in the AFC Wild Card race. They are in a very similar situation to their opponents, the Bengals, however Cincinnati has the smoother path due to the fact that they have been better against their own division. As for the result of this game I expect the Bengals to pick up the win and nearly end the Broncos faint playoff hopes.
Tony’s NFL Pick: Cincinnati Bengals (+126)
Green Bay Packers @ Baltimore Ravens 4:25pm ET
Two division leaders will meet in Baltimore to try and gain more ground from their respective rivals and conference opponents. The Packers are coming off of a huge win over the Bears on Sunday night football. Meanwhile the Ravens lost to the Cleveland Browns.
Michael Lantz
This should be a fun one between two Super Bowl hopefuls—well, if Lamar Jackson is able to play. The team says Jackson has a “chance”, and if they truly have any “chance” of taking this one, they’ll need him. The Green Bay Packers are the current number one seed in the NFC. Despite all the controversy that surrounded him this season, Aaron Rodgers has been putting up MVP numbers as of late. Green Bay’s offense has been lethal per usual, but they’ve also compiled a decent defense this season. Rodgers will need to be in full force as this Ravens run defense is possibly the best in football. That might eliminate the Packers run game from the picture and put a lot of pressure on Rodgers—which I’m sure he’ll fully welcome. If Jackson plays it’ll be a different story. The Packers can struggle against dual-threat quarterbacks and the home-field advantage can play an even bigger factor. It’s a little hard to make a call on this one without fully knowing Jackson’s status, but to be safe I’ll go with the Packers to win.
Michael’s NFL Pick: Green Bay Packers -7 (-106)
Mike Su
The Ravens look to comeback from a brutal loss to the Browns which almost saw them beat the Browns in the last 2 minutes. I assume Lamar will return this week as he has been listed as questionable in this matchup. With just a few games remaining, Lamar will be ready to do what it takes to secure the win to try to push the Ravens up the rankings in the AFC. The rest of the Ravens team showed great resilience in the face of losing Jackosn early last game and regrouped to nearly win it, which I see as a great sign.
A #Packers win on Sunday locks up the NFC North title.
Path to the Playoffs ⤵️ https://t.co/4x1uRlLgNR
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 17, 2021
The Packers are looking great which is what you;d expect from the number 1 seed in the NFC. Rodgers destroyed the Bears once again with 341 passing yards. However the Packers allowing 30 points from the anemic Bears offense is a worry. The Packers couldn’t contain running quarterback Justin Fields which is a bad sign considering Lamar Jackson is the best running QB in the league.
I think that the Ravens will put up a strong fight in this game and when combined with the strong Packers offense, this game should easily go over.
Mike’s NFL Pick: Over 43.5 (-106)
Tony Battalio
This is my personal game of the week as two of the best teams in the National Football League are going head to head in one of the most anticipated games of the season. The Green Bay Packers and potential Most Valuable Player Aaron Rodgers head to Baltimore to play the Ravens in this one. Green Bay is close to wrapping up the NFC North, and still chasing after the number one seed and a bye week in the playoffs.
The Baltimore Ravens are coming off a tough loss to the Cleveland Browns on the road and if Lamar Jackson’s injury keeps him out of this game, their playoff hopes may be going down the drain. They are almost in a must win situation if they want any chance at capturing the AFC North title, and have an even smaller chance of getting the number one seed in the AFC. With a loss, their Wild Card hopes would also go spiraling. As for the result of this game, I expect that to be just the case as well as I look for the Green Bay Packers to pick up the win in this matchup on the road
Tony’s NFL Pick: Green Bay Packers (-295)
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*Odds and spreads correct at time of publication, courtesy of FanDuel.
