FAVORITE TEAMS

As the NFL closes in on the postseason, the Rams and Saints battle to stay alive. The Rams hold firm at seven while the Saints battle for either a playoff spot or the NFC South title. The Rams are in the right situation late down the stretch. With Cooper Kupp, Rookie of the Year candidate Puka Nacua, surging running back Kyren Williams, and Aaron Donald all active, Los Angeles could make some surprising noise in the last three weeks. New Orleans trudge through their schedule, but they did shut down the last two struggling offenses to only six points each. It won’t be the case here unless their offense finds some consistency. With all that talent led by Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara, Taysom Hill, Chris Olave, Juwan Johnson, and many more, you would think this would be an offensive juggernaut. Not the case when there’s a lack of consistency while watching coach Dennis Allen put that simple puzzle piece together for 15 weeks. LA might be off to a slow start against New Orleans’ defense, but they eventually break and outplay them.

MY PICK: RAMS

What an interesting time in Florida. Tampa Bay is trending on a 3-game winning streak while Jacksonville’s trending on a 3-game skid. Ever since Trevor Lawrence sustained an ankle injury against Cincinnati, they struggled to bounce back. Countless opportunities faded against Baltimore with missed field goals and a Trevor Lawrence fumble. Now, Lawrence’s in concussion protocol and uncertain if he’ll play this Sunday. Meanwhile, Baker and Tampa are shaking and baking in hopes of finishing their last three games for their third straight division title. While Baker Mayfield’s playing more efficient, Rachaad White, Mike Evans, Cade Otton and some upstart receivers come through for the journeyman while the defense is doing plenty to keep the team in the game. While wins against the Panthers, Falcons, and Packers don’t seem convincing, a win is a win no matter who they play. Jacksonville could be at a disadvantage if Lawrence is inactive, but CJ Beathard’s not a bad backup. He has enough talent on the roster to keep the teams alive. It’s easy enough to believe the Bucs could win outright, but they’re 3-3 at home and 0-4 against teams above .500 while Jacksonville’s 6-1 away from home. Whether or not Lawrence is available, the team will find a way to defeat the Bucs and stay in control for the AFC South title.

MY PICK: JAGUARS

When there’s a will, there’s a way and this matchup should have plenty since they’re both capable of it. While Houston sits at eight, Cleveland’s in control at five, but things can change real fast in the AFC. Cleveland’s defense led by Myles Garrett can compete with anybody in the NFL. The offense is resilient enough to do the same with just about anybody on that roster. While Joe Flacco’s a godsend, the credit goes to coach Kevin Stefanski and the front office for staying ahead with the playoffs right in their reach. Houston’s a big surprise thanks to DeMeco Ryans, an improved defense, and rookie phenom CJ Stroud (who’s still in concussion protocol). Stroud’s an important part of the roster, but it’s potentially doubtful that he’ll play. The offense will hinge on the new backfield in Case Keenum and Devin Singletary to produce. This is a pivotal matchup that could once again shift the AFC wild card standings (pending the Jags and Colts in the AFC). However, Cleveland’s not the best on the road and lost the last two at Denver and the Rams. But with Houston’s offense beat up on the depth chart, the Browns’ defense will give their offense enough chances to slow cook and carve out Houston.

MY PICK: BROWNS

The NFC North finally has a matchup to decide the division title, which could be after this weekend. A Lions win means the NFC North belongs to them along with a playoff berth in one foul swoop. However, it’s not a cakewalk. The offense is facing a stingy Vikings defense led by defensive coordinator Brian Flores, defensive end Danielle Hunter, and safety Harrison Smith. They will bring the heater to Jared Goff as much as possible to see how he handles it all. When Goff’s calm and cool, he’s efficient and dangerous with the Sun God Amon-Ra St. Brown, sensational rookie tight end Sam LaPorta, and duo bruiser backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs along with one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Can Nick Mullens step up or is it up to rookie Jaren Hall or e-quarterback Josh Dobbs? While Mullens did well “per se”, there was criticism of his performance. Josh Dobbs was a bright spot for two games before turnovers cost them the last two wins. Jaren Hall had something going against Atlanta with a touchdown run before sustaining an injury and being sidelined since. A starting Vikes’ quarterback must beware of Aidan Hutchinson and the front seven. They must beat the first level defense to have any shot at outplaying Detroit. Unfortunately, with the lack of trust at quarterback despite Justin Jefferson and TJ Hockenson being active, I’m picking the Lions to escape the upset against Minnesota.

MY PICK: LIONS

Dallas plays their second straight Game of the Week against another AFC East opponent, the Miami Dolphins. After coming off a pivotal win against the Eagles with a 20-point victory, they went cold in Buffalo with a 21-point loss. Dallas has the offensive weapons led by Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Tony Pollard to compete, while their defense led by DeMarcus Lawrence, Micah Parsons, and Jayron Kearse has the talent to challenge a good offense. They’re nearly unbeatable (and undefeated) at home, but they’re anything but fantastic against good to great competition on the road. They’re 0-3 against teams with an above .500 record and outscored badly by two 73-20. Miami proved to be a Super Bowl contender, but their problem is defeating above .500 teams, above .500 teams on the road, and a physically capable opponent. They have a chance to prove it in the last three weeks of the season. The Fins have plenty of dangerous players across the board ranging from Tua Tagovailoa down to Raheem Mostert, Tyreek Hill, Terron Armstead, Christian Wilkins, Bradley Chubb, and Xavien Howard. I could name more, but it’s too much to list. The only problem is health and half of the starters, including Tyreek Hill and Xavien Howard, are not. This is by far the most pivotal matchup to prove who’s capable of surviving and going the distance in the postseason. While Miami’s best at home, injuries are a concern especially after three starting offensive linemen didn’t practice together this week. Take this into consideration when you have DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons as pass rushers. Dallas has the opportunity to finally win a road game against an above .500 team to stay alive for the division title.

MY PICK: COWBOYS

OTHER GAMES

SATURDAY

BENGALS AT STEELERS

BILLS AT CHARGERS

SUNDAY

COLTS AT FALCONS

SEAHAWKS AT TITANS

COMMANDERS AT JETS

PACKERS AT PANTHERS

CARDINALS AT BEARS

PATRIOTS AT BRONCOS [SUNDAY NIGHT]

TOP WEEK 15 RESULTS: 4-1

WEEK 15 TOTAL – 48-29

OVERALL WEEK 15 RESULTS: 11-5

TOTAL RESULTS – 155-79