NFL PICKS, PREDICTIONS & BEST BETS: WEEK 15
The Bills came through with a road victory over the Chiefs, and they will have at least a bit of momentum when they host the Cowboys in Week 15. The 49ers are on a major roll, and it is likely to continue when they face the struggling Cardinals. This week is packed with predictions for all 16 games starting with Thursday Night game.
See our full breakdown of NFL Picks, NFL Player Props, and NFL Odds
Each week we bring you our best NFL picks and predictions for every game of that week. Take a look at our past picks and weekly win-loss records:
NFL Week 1 Picks: 11-4 straight up, 6-6, ATS, 2-1 Best Bets
NFL Week 2 Picks: 11-5 straight up, 7-6-1 ATS, 2-1 Best Bets
NFL Week 3 Picks: 6-10 straight up, 6-10, 0-3 Best Bets
NFL Week 4 Picks: 12-4 straight up, 11-4-1 ATS, 1-1-1 Best Bets
NFL Week 5 Picks: 5-9 straight up; 7-7 ATS, 1-2 Best Bets
NFL Week 6 Picks: 10-5 straight up; 8-6 ATS; 2-1 Best Bets.
NFL Week 7 Picks: 5-8 straight up; 4-9 ATS; 1-2 Best Bets
NFL Week 8 Picks: 13-3 straight up; 11-4-1 ATS; 1-1-1 Best Bets
NFL Week 9 Picks: 11-2 straight up; 10-3 ATS; 3-0 Best Bets
NFL Week 10 Picks: 10-4 straight up; 12-2 ATS; 2-1 Best Bets
NFL Week 11 Picks: 8-5 straight up; 4-9 ATS, 1-2 Best Bets
NFL Week 12 Picks: 8-8 straight up, 6-10 ATS, 1-2 Best Bets
NFL Week 13 Picks: 8-5 straight up, 5-8 ATS, 0-3 Best Bets
NFL Week 14 Picks: 8-7 straight up, 8-7 ATS, 1-2 Best Bets
NFL Week 15 Schedule
The Chiefs and the Eagles appear to be in lock step with each other. Both participants in last year’s Super Bowl have lost their last two games. The Cowboys roll over every opponent at home, but how will they do when they go to Buffalo in Week 15 of the NFL season?
Thursday, Dec. 14
- Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders, 8:15 p.m. ET, Amazon Prime
Saturday, Dec. 16
- Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. ET, NFLN
- Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts, 4:30 p.m. ET, NFLN
- Denver Broncos at Detroit Lions, 8:15 p.m. ET, NFLN
Sunday, Dec. 17
- Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots, 1 p.m. ET, Fox
- Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m. ET, Fox
- Chicago Bears at Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m. ET, Fox
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers, 1 p.m. ET, Fox
- New York Jets at Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
- New York Giants at New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. ET, Fox
- Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
- San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals, 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS
- Washington Commanders at Los Angeles Rams, 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS
- Dallas Cowboys at Buffalo Bills, 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox
- Baltimore Ravens at Jacksonville Jaguars, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC
Monday, Dec. 18
- Philadelphia Eagles at Seattle Seahawks, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC
NFL WEEK 15 PICKS AGAINST THE SPREAD AND PREDICTIONS
Take a look at all of our picks and predictions for every NFL matchup. We cover all Week 15 games with our expert analysis and determine the NFL best bets for the full week 15 NFL slate.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS at LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
Spread: Las Vegas -3
O-U: 34
Moneyline: LV -162, LAC +136
This line is somewhat shocking because the Raiders were unable to generate any kind of offense against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14, so how is it possible they could be favored over any team? The Chargers were nearly as bad as the Raiders on both sides of the ball in their 24-7 home loss to the Denver Broncos, and they saw quarterback Justin Herbert suffer a fractured right finger that has basically eliminated this team from playoff contention.
The Raiders have a huge difference maker on defense in Maxx Crosby (13.5 sacks) and he will dominate if his knee injury allows him to be in the lineup. However, the Raiders must get more out of quarterback Aidan O’Connell and Davante Adams in the passing game.
Prediction: Las Vegas, Straight up and ATS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS at CINCINNATI BENGALS
Spread: Cin. -3.5
O-U: 40
Moneyline: Cin. -198, Min. +166
Both teams are playing with backup quarterbacks, but that’s where the similarity ends. Jake Browning has been sharp since taking over for Joe Burrow, and he appears to be growing into the job. Josh Dobbs looked like a miracle man in his first two games with the Vikings after Kirk Cousins went down, but he has fallen dramatically in the next 3 games. Dobbs was replaced by Nick Mullens in Minnesota’s 3-0 victory over the Raiders, and the move could be permanent.
The Vikings have been playing sensational defense, and they have one of the best pass rushers in the NFL in Danielle Hunter. If the Vikings can’t keep it a low-scoring game, they are likely to fall short against the surging Bengals
Prediction: Cincinnati, Straight up and ATS
PITTSBURGH STEELERS at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Spread: Ind. -2.5
O-U: 42
Moneyline: Ind. -136, Pitt. +118
The Steelers are trying to remain in contention for a playoff spot even though they have been basically devoid of a consistent offense throughout the season. That does not seem likely to change with Mitch Trubisky under center. The Steelers have dropped two games in a row to the Cardinals and Patriots, and the only way they are going to beat the Colts on the road is for T.J. Watt and the defense to dominate.
Gardiner Minshew has given the Colts a lift as he was forced into action and he has regularly thrown accurate passes. Running back Zack Moss and wideout Michael Pittman are vital weapons in the Colts offense who can cause problems for the Steelers.
Prediction: Indianapolis, Straight up and ATS
DENVER BRONCOS at DETROIT LIONS
Spread: Det. -4
O-U: 47
Moneyline: Det. -200, Den. +168
This is a game that sees two teams moving in opposite directions. The Lions were one of the NFL’s darling teams of the early season, but they have lost 2 of their last 3. Their defense has crumbled as they have allowed 29.8 points per game over their last 5 outings and quarterback Jared Goff has been troubled by turnovers.
The Broncos looked like the worst team in the league when they gave up 70 points and 726 yards to the Dolphins in Week 3, but they have won 6 of 7 games as Russell Wilson has rallied the offense and linebackers Alex Singleton and Josey Jewell have done the same with the defense. If the Lions lose this home game, there will be a full-fledged panic going on in Motown after their brilliant start.
Prediction: Denver, Straight up and ATS
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS at GREEN BAY PACKERS
Spread: GB -3.5
O-U: 42.5
Moneyline: GB -174, TB +146
The Packers had a chance to stretch their winning streak to 4 games, and after taking a late lead on a Jordan Love TD pass, defensive coordinator Joe Barry’s defense allowed Tommy DeVito to march the Giants down the field and win the game on a last-second field goal. That loss hurts badly, and this game appears to be a dog fight that could come down to the last possession.
Baker Mayfield has a game-breaking wide out in Mike Evans (62-1,020-10) who could provide the difference in a tight game. The Bucs have the tiebreaker edge in the NFC South, so they will be fighting tooth and nail at Lambeau Field in December to steal the victory. The Bucs must be able to move the ball in order to win their next few matchups.
Prediction: Tampa Bay, Straight up and ATS
NEW YORK GIANTS at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Spread: NO -6
O-U: 37
Moneyline: NO -270, NYG +220
The Giants are kicking themselves because they played so badly in the first half of the season and fell out of the playoff race. They have turned things around with Jersey Boy Tommy DeVito, and he has provided accuracy and clutch play. He led a game-winning drive against the Packers on Monday night in Week 14, and they should be competitive at New Orleans if running back Saquon Barkley can hold onto the ball.
The Saints broke a 3-game losing streak with a 28-6 triumph over the lowly Panthers, but quarterback Derek Carr has taken a ton of physical abuse this year and running back Alvin Kamara is no longer the explosive back he once was.
Prediction: New Orleans, Straight up; NYG, ATS
ATLANTA FALCONS at CAROLINA PANTHERS
Spread: Atl. -3
O-U: 34.5
Moneyline: Atl. -156, Car. +132
The Falcons had numerous chances to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 14, but they let victory slip through their grasp once again. Their last 5 losses have all been by one score, and head coach Arthur Smith bears quite a bit of the responsibility for those defeats. Desmond Ridder is an athletic quarterback, but is limited in his accuracy and timing.
The Panthers are a complete disaster, and the team can make all the excuses it wants for rookie quarterback Bryce Young. However, he has not made any progress this season and he may not be the player the Panthers thought he was when they drafted him with the No. 1 pick. If the Panthers are going to win another game this season, this may be the spot.
Prediction: Carolina, Straight up and ATS
HOUSTON TEXANS at TENNESSEE TITANS
Spread: Tenn. -1.5
O-U: 37.5
Moneyline:Tenn. -116, Hou. +102
The Texans enjoyed a dream season through the first 13 weeks, but they fell apart in the second half of their Week 14 game against the offensively challenged New York Jets and dropped a 30-6 decision. The loss became disastrous when rookie QB C.J. Stroud suffered a concussion late in the 4th quarter, and his status for this game is questionable.
The Titans were down by 14 points against the Dolphins with less than 3 minutes remaining, but rookie QB Will Levis led a shocking comeback. The Titans managed a 28-27 triumph, sending shockwaves throughout the loser’s locker room. Tennessee had lost 4 of 5 games prior to the comeback, and they are still a 5-8 team that does not have a realistic chance of making the playoffs.
Prediction: Tennessee, Straight up and ATS
NEW YORK JETS at MIAMI DOLPHINS
Spread: Mia. -12.5
O-U: 40
Moneyline: Miami -720, NYJ +520
A shocking thing happened on the way to this Week 15 game: the Jets scored 30 points in the second half and overpowered the Texans. Suddenly, Zach Wilson completed 27 of 36 passes for 301 yards and 2 touchdowns, and the Jets came to life. It may be too little and too late, but suddenly Robert Saleh’s team has hope. However, trying to compete against the Dolphins is a major step up the ladder - especially after missing out on the win Monday.
The Dolphins are fighting for the No. 1 seed in the AFC, but they blew a 14-point lead in the final minutes against the Titans. Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins offense endured a major hit when Tyreek Hill suffered an ankle injury in that game. Unless the Jets can continue their offensive awakening, the Dolphins have a major advantage for this short week matchup.
Prediction: Mia, Straight up and ATS.
CHICAGO BEARS at CLEVELAND BROWNS
Spread: Cle. -3
O-U: 37.5
Moneyline: Cle. -172, Chi. +144
The Bears appear to be a much better team than they were at the start of the season when they dropped their first 4 games. They have won 5 of their last 9 games as Justin Fields has been able to combine his athletic talent with much improved passing. Wideout D.J. Moore is a game-changing player and he has developed excellent chemistry with Fields.
The Bears defense is playing at a sensational level and they will challenge veteran Cleveland quarterback Joe Flacco. Flacco is the best quarterback available for the Browns, who are a dominant team at home having registered a 6-1 record when playing on the shores of Lake Erie. Amari Cooper and tight end David Njoku could be the difference makers in this game.
Prediction: Cleveland, Straight up and ATS
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS at NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Spread: KC -9.5
O-U: 39
Moneyline: KC -510, NE +390
Patrick Mahomes lost his cool at the end of the Chiefs’ Week 14 game against the Buffalo Bills, and his display of anger at the officials probably masked his anger at his group of wide receivers for falling short this season. After years of playing sensational offensive football, the Chiefs are just slightly above average. That’s difficult to conceive considering they have the game’s most creative quarterback and a sensational tight end in Travis Kelce.
The Chiefs are playing excellent defense, but so are the Patriots. Unfortunately for Bill Belichick, the offense may be the worst in the league. Bailey Zappe has taken over at quarterback from Mac Jones, but there is no reason to think he can move the ball consistently against defensive end Chris Jones and the Kansas City defense.
Prediction: KC, Straight up; NE, ATS
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at ARIZONA CARDINALS
Spread: SF -13.5
O-U: 47
Moneyline: SF -950, Ariz. +640
The 49ers are currently the best team in the NFL, and it may take quite a bit of improvement from any of the contenders in either conference to knock them off their perch. The versatility on offense is quite remarkable, as the combination of quarterback Brock Purdy, running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver Deebo Samuel appear to be unstoppable.
They are backed up by George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk, and this team is nearly as strong on defense thanks to pass rusher Nick Bosa and middle linebacker Fred Warner. The Niners’ 3-game losing streak in the middle of the season is a distant memory, and there will be no letdown against the Cardinals. Arizona has some offensive life with Kyler Murray at quarterback, but this team will not be able to stay with the Niners for more than one quarter.
Prediction: SF, Straight up and ATS
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS at LOS ANGELES RAMS
Spread: LAR -6.5
O-U: 48.5
Moneyline: LAR -310, Wash. +250
The Rams played a brilliant game in Week 14 against the Baltimore Ravens before they lost 37-31 on a punt return for a TD in overtime. Nevertheless, the Rams have played 4 good games in a row, and there is no reason for quarterback Matthew Stafford and his teammates will lose momentum. The Rams have an excellent chance of winning their next 3 games – against the Commanders, Saints and Giants – before they close the season on the road at San Francisco.
Washington appeared to have a chance at the start of the season when they opened with a 2-0 record and demonstrated a dangerous defense, but they have fallen apart and have lost 9 of 11 games. Quarterback Sam Howell and wide out Terry McLaurin are a decent duo, but the Rams are a smooth-running machine at this point.
Prediction: LAR, Straight up and ATS
DALLAS COWBOYS at BUFFALO BILLS
Spread: Buff. -1.5
O-U: 48.5
Moneyline: Buff. -126, Dall. +108
The Bills continue their gauntlet run though the NFL, as they face the explosive Cowboys after facing the Eagles and the Chiefs in back-to-back games. They pushed the Eagles to the limit before losing that game in overtime and found a way to beat the Chiefs on the road. Josh Allen is a brilliant performer with incredible athleticism, but he has thrown 14 interceptions and has fumbled 4 times. Each remaining week is the game of the season for the Bills.
The Cowboys have played sensational football behind Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons, but they have struggled on the road. They are 3-3 in games away from Jerry’s World, and their road victories have come against the Giants, Chargers and Panthers. This game will be a major challenge for a talented Cowboys team.
Prediction: Buffalo, Straight up and ATS
BALTIMORE RAVENS at JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Spread: Balt. -3.5
O-U: 43.5
Moneyline: Balt. -174, Jax. +146
The Jaguars seemed ready to make a run at the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoff structure, but back-to-back losses to the Bengals and Browns have scuttled those dreams. However, they are still a strong team that is capable of beating a powerful team like the Ravens. As long as Trevor Lawrence can avoid turnovers – he has thrown 10 interceptions – the Jaguars can dictate the pace of this game.
Lamar Jackson is a legitimate MVP candidate and he will attempt to trigger the Baltimore offense, but Jacksonville pass rusher Josh Allen has 13.5 sacks and is capable of causing havoc on a consistent basis.
Prediction: Jacksonville, Straight Up and ATS
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Spread: Phil. -4.5
O-U: 48
Moneyline: Phil. -205, Sea. +172
The Eagles have been punched in the mouth twice in the last 2 weeks by their biggest NFC rivals. After getting pounded in back-to-back weeks by the 49ers and Cowboys, head coach Nick Sirianni has to restore confidence in Jalen Hurts & Co. As painful as those 2 losses were, the Eagles have an excellent chance of winning their remaining 4 games, starting with this Monday Night Football matchup.
The Seahawks are reeling as they have been hurt by injuries. QB Geno Smith (groin) could not play in Week 14 against the Niners and he is questionable in this spot. They bring a 4-game losing streak into this game, and it’s difficult to see them beating a focused Eagles team.
Prediction: Phil., Straight Up and ATS
WEEK 15 NFL PICKS & BEST BETS
NFL PICKS AGAINST THE SPREAD: BEST BETS FOR WEEK 14 OF THE NFL
- At Cincinnati -3.5 over Minnesota – The Vikings are playing sensational defense at this point in the season, having allowed just 2 TDs in the last 4 games. However, the Minnesota offense has fallen off the charts and they are likely to struggle with Josh Dobbs or Nick Mullens at quarterback. Jake Browning has been on fire for the Bengals, and the team has responded well to his leadership and should cover the 3.5 points.
- Los Angeles Rams -6.5 over at Washington – The Rams may have lost their Week 14 road game to the powerful Baltimore Ravens in overtime, but they played a sensational game. The Rams have played themselves back into playoff contention, and Matthew Stafford is not going to let this game against the faltering Commanders get away. Los Angeles wins this game by at least 2 touchdowns.
- San Francisco -13.5 over at Arizona – The 49ers have reeled off 5 wins in a row after a 3-game losing streak, and they are on track to take the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff structure. They are not about to falter in a game against the Cardinals. The Cowboys lost a game at Arizona earlier this year, and there is no doubt that head coach Kyle Shanahan will remind his players of that shocking upset. The 49ers are not the Cowboys and will take care of business.
