Week 15 NFL Picks: Vikings Silence Bengals, NFC North Race Gets Tighter
We just keep hovering right around the middle, and with an 8-6-1 record last weekend, the picks are now one game below that coveted .500 mark.
It’s going to take a strong closing stretch of the season to land above that threshold, so hopefully, this weekend is another step in the right direction. Before we get into the Week 15 NFL picks, here is a look back at how we did in Week 14:
- Patriots +6 (W)
- Lions -3.5 (L)
- Buccaneers +1.5 (W)
- Colts -1 (L)
- Browns -3 (W)
- Saints -5 (W)
- Texans -3.5 (L)
- Ravens -7 (L)
- Vikings -3 (T)
- 49ers -10.5 (W)
- Bills +1.5 (W)
- Broncos +3 (W)
- Eagles +3.5 (L)
- Dolphins -13 (L)
- Giants +6 (W)
Season Record: 103-104-9
Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders
- Spread: Raiders -3
- O/U: 34.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Raiders -3
It’s tough to take the Raiders in any game after how their offense performed against the Vikings last weekend, but this is a Chargers team without Justin Herbert that hasn’t scored more than 10 points since Week 11. The Raiders will take care of business at home against this lethargic offense.
Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals
- Spread: Bengals -3
- O/U: 40.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Vikings +3
The Vikings are making another QB change, going to their fourth starter for the first time in franchise history. This latest choice is Nick Mullens who, at the very least, can at least come the closest to replicating the skillset of Kirk Cousins (if you don’t look too closely). While Mullens isn’t as talented as Cousins, he is a gunslinger who can keep Minnesota in games.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts
- Spread: Colts -1.5
- O/U: 42.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Colts -1.5
For whatever reason, the Colts haven’t found nearly as much success at home as they have on the road this year. Still, this is a Steelers team that has been reeling recently. Indy is talented enough on the offensive side of the ball to win this game.
Denver Broncos at Detroit Lions
- Spread: Lions -4
- O/U: 47.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Broncos +4
When you’re hot, you’re hot, and the Denver Broncos are red-hot right now. They’ve won six of their past seven games, including four wins over teams who currently hold winning records. On the other side, the Lions have shown some vulnerabilities defensively over the past few weeks. This feels like a field goal game, so I’ll take the Broncos to at least keep it close.
Chicago Bears at Cleveland Browns
- Spread: Browns -3
- O/U: 36.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Browns -3
In one of the many strange quarterback storylines of this 2023 season, it has been Joe Flacco who has unlocked the Cleveland Browns offense. Flacco became the first Browns QB to throw for 300 yards since Week 11 of last season, and while Chicago’s defense has proven to be an improving group, Cleveland is the more talented team.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers
- Spread: Packers -3.5
- O/U: 41.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Packers -3.5
Green Bay has been thinking long and hard about the defeat that they suffered at the hands of the New York Giants this past weekend, and now, Week 15 becomes something of a must-win if they want to hold their playoff position. Playing host to the Buccaneers at Lambeau Field, the Packers get the job done this weekend.
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans
- Spread: Titans -2.5
- O/U: 38.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Texans +2.5
Last week went horribly for the Texans against the New York Jets while Tennessee could not be riding higher after their win against the Miami Dolphins. Even still, the Texans have proven that they are a good football team capable of bouncing back from a bad loss. They need this one to keep pace with the playoff pack.
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins
- Spread: Dolphins -8.5
- O/U: 37.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Dolphins -8.5
The Miami Dolphins suffered the heartbreak of all heartbreaks on Monday night against the Titans, and now, they need to stack together wins in order to give themselves a chance at the No. 1 seed in the AFC. They should be able to rally and capture a win against the Jets.
Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots
- Spread: Chiefs -9.5
- O/U: 37.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Patriots +9.5
The Chiefs will be yet another contending team looking to avenge a loss this week. They ultimately should win this game, but New England’s defense has proven to be no joke over the past few weeks. Unless the Chiefs get a massive game from Travis Kelce, New England can keep this one close.
New York Giants at New Orleans Saints
- Spread: Saints -6
- O/U: 39.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Giants +6
It’s been weeks since the Saints put together a truly dominant game on the offensive side of the ball, and Tommy DeVito has somewhat rejuvenated the New York Giants over the past couple weeks. Again, New York may not have the chops to win this game on the road, but they can certainly stay within striking distance.
Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers
- Spread: Falcons -3
- O/U: 34.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Falcons -3
The Carolina Panthers are going to need a very fluky game to earn another win this season. Their defense is a mess, and the injuries to the offensive line have made it impossible for Bryce Young to throw the ball. Atlanta takes this one.
Washington Commanders at Los Angeles Rams
- Spread: Rams -6.5
- O/U: 50.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Rams -6.5
Things have gotten back on track for the Los Angeles Rams in recent weeks, and their offense will be too much for the Commanders to handle this weekend. Rams win big.
San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals
- Spread: 49ers -12.5
- O/U: 47.5 points
Frey’s Pick: 49ers -12.5
The Cardinals are coming off a bye week, so they will be well-rested coming into this game. However, the 49ers have been an unstoppable group ever since they got healthy. They’ve won each of their past five games by double digits, and Arizona won’t be the team to cause a hiccup.
Dallas Cowboys at Buffalo Bills
- Spread: Bills -2.5
- O/U: 50.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Bills -2.5
The Cowboys made a big statement by dominating their matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, but that game was at home. Can they replicate that performance on the road, though? Maybe so, but I will ride with the Bills this week.
Baltimore Ravens at Jacksonville Jaguars
- Spread: Ravens -3
- O/U: 42.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Jaguars +3
The Ravens defense has quietly struggled a bit in recent weeks, allowing 30+ points in two of their last four games. This game has the chance to turn into a shootout between Lamar Jackson and Trevor Lawrence, so I’ll ride with the home team here.
Philadelphia Eagles at Seattle Seahawks
- Spread: Eagles -4
- O/U: 47.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Eagles -4
This Monday night game could be ugly. The Eagles are looking to send a message after their embarrassing loss to the Cowboys last weekend, and the Seahawks have been floundering as of late, being losers of four straight games. I’ll take the Eagles to fly here.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.
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