NFL picks and predictions for Week 15

Note: These first three picks was posted in our thread on Thursday. I am listing them here for record-keeping purposes.

Thursday Night Football: We’re only a couple of days removed from the firing of Jeff Fisher, and now the Los Angeles Rams will have to try to re-gather themselves in Seattle on Thursday Night Football. The chances of Seattle losing this one are slim to none. Seahawks 35, Rams 0

Saturday Night Football: The Dolphins are in a bind: they are finally contending for the playoffs, but are without Ryan Tannahill for a few weeks. This seems like a game they could get by without him, but then again, it is a division game on the road, and the Jets rallied last week to beat the 49ers. I feel really hesitant to go with the Dolphins, but I’m banking on a run-heavy game and then Adam Gase being creative with his playcalling to put Matt Moore in some good situations. Dolphins 23, Jets 13

Nobody Wants to be the First: I’d love to fantasize about Robert Griffin III flipping the switch, but I’m not optimistic about it. Buffalo’s defensive front should have more success against Cleveland’s offensive line than they did against the Steelers last week, limiting the run game and forcing Griffin to be too one-dimensional. With the weather anticipated, I expect Buffalo to run it about 35-40 times and to break a few big ones. A late score draws Cleveland to within one possession, but they can’t get the ball back. Bills 24, Browns 17

They're Back: The Packers have ripped off three straight impressive wins in a row, including last week's domination over the Seahawks. They also took care of the Bears once this season with ease, and I don't think Aaron Rodgers calf injury will limit him very much. Packers 31, Bears 16

Coin Flip: It's been an ugly stretch for both of these teams, but both teams are still alive in the playoff race. I still don't have faith in the Vikings' offense, so any week I pick them -- like this week -- is because I feel their defense will cause enough havoc for the opposition. Vikings 20, Colts 13

Staying On Top: Somehow, someway, the Texans are still atop the AFC South. They are 4-0 in the division, and a win over Jacksonville could virtually lock up a playoff spot for them if the Titans can't win this week. I can't place any faith in Blake Bortles, so I'll give Houston the edge. Texans 23, Jaguars 20

Defense Prevails: The Eagles are 1-6 on the road, and Carson Wentz' early-season buzz has quickly warn off. The Ravens' top-ranked defense will keep them in contention through the end of the season, and they'll cause problems for the rookie quarterback. Ravens 26, Eagles 20

The Right Formula: Effective ground-and-pound with Le'Veon Bell, and a vicious-hitting defense? The Steelers have their winning formula down pat now. Although Cincy has won two in a row, their run defense looks pretty suspect, and Bell should have a big day against them. Steelers 31, Bengals 20

Cream of the Crop: I'm loving both of these teams. The Raiders were the talk of the AFC all season, but Kansas City kept their focus and now find themselves atop the division. Tennessee is no cakewalk, as they are coming off a 13-10 win over the Broncos. I'm harping on a lot of home records this week, though, and that includes the Chiefs at Arrowhead. Chiefs 31, Titans 24

Failing to Capitalize: Both of these teams had chances to make a return push for the playoffs over the past few weeks, but neither team has succeeded in that effort. Both teams have veteran quarterbacks, but haven't gotten into a good enough flow. I'll say that the Saints' two-week scoring drought (low points) will end as Brees has a big day. Saints 35, Cardinals 17

Lock of the Week: The 49ers had a bad Jets team down and buried last week and couldn't muster any offense in the second half or overtime to hang on. There is no way that defense will stop Atlanta's high-powered offense. Falcons 42, 49ers 13

Grinding it Out: The Chargers are a disappointing 5-8, but have wins over playoff-caliber teams like Denver, Atlanta, Tennessee, and Houston. With Derek Carr's thumb issue, you never know if the team's seemingly rare offensive struggle last week will continue. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. Raiders 27, Chargers 23

Not Enough Offense: (Sigh) This is another reminder that Peyton Manning is retired. The Broncos are going to end up missing the playoffs as New England hands them their second straight loss. Patriots 28, Broncos 18

Sunday Night Football: Credit to the NFL for flexing this game to Sunday Night Football. The Cowboys are 0-2 against the Giants, but 11-0 against the rest of the NFL. The Bucs have ripped off five straight wins, are 5-1 on the road, and have held the Chiefs, Seahawks, and Saints to a combined 33 points during their winning streak. Dallas' offense struggled for really the first time last week, though, and they should be in for a rebound to where they can control the clock. Cowboys 24, Buccaneers 20

Monday Night Football: The Redskins are on the verge of a wildcard spot, while the Panthers have to be a bit mentally demoralized with this disappointing season after making the Super Bowl in 2015. I like the Redskins to close out the week with a win. Redskins 27, Panthers 17