NFL Week 15 Mock Contest
Last week we lost the momentum of the week before. I am still surprised that Tennessee fell so flat at home against Jacksonville. Going 2-3 doesn't hurt the overall record too badly, but it does sting a little.
This week we have a trio of Saturday games. That means more teams on short rest, making performances harder to predict, but no teams are on their byes this week.
There are only a few games where the spread is more than a TD and this week Kansas City is the beneficiary of taking on Houston. The Texans are terrible but they put more than a scare into Dallas last week. At home, they are "just" -14.5.
Week 1 Record: 2-3
Week 2 Record: 3-2
Week 3 Record: 2-3
Week 4 Record: 4-1
Week 5 Record: 3-2
Week 6 Record: 1-4
Week 7 Record: 3-2
Week 8 Record: 3-2
Week 9 Record: 3-1-1
Week 10 Record: 4-1
Week 11 Record: 3-2
Week 12 Record: 2-3
Week 13 Record: 4-1Week 14 Record: 2-3
Combined Record: 39-31-1
Week 14 in Review
Tennessee Titans -3.5 (loss)
Tennessee did not look good in the outright loss to Jacksonville. The dead number was not the difference maker.
Philadelphia Eagles -6.5 (win)
Philly took care of rival New York the same way they have been taking care of opponents all season long.
Minnesota Vikings +2.5 (loss)
I thought the wrong team was favored against Detroit. I was the one in the wrong though.
Seattle Seahawks -3.5 (loss)
It was a dud of a game for the Seahawks as they lost at home to Carolina. It might wind up costing them a spot in the playoffs.
Los Angeles Chargers +3 (win)
The Chargers won outright, and now I am going to have to rethink my strategy on them (just to get burned again, right?).
The Picks (finally)
San Francisco 49ers -3 (at Seattle Seahawks)
This game is Thursday night so don't wait too long. San Francisco has not missed a beat with Brock Purdy at the helm and it looks like he should suit up here. The 49ers are not at full strength right now but with Seattle slipping it is hard not to like San Francisco, even on the road. When these teams met in September the result was 27-7 at Levi's Stadium. This one will be closer, but SF will still win.
Los Angeles Chargers -3 (vs Tennessee Titans)
The Chargers came through for me last week. They are at home and getting the Titans in a down spot. I don't like them to stymie RB Derrick Henry too much, but as long as they keep him out of the end zone Chargers' QB Justin Herbert can put up more than enough offense to get the home win. The key is the number staying where it is.
Dallas Cowboys -4.5 (at Jacksonville Jaguars)
I never like a dead number like this one. However, this looks like a buying opportunity with Dallas off a bad outing (even in a win) and Jacksonville off of one of its best. Dallas should be able to dominate Jacksonville because their defense is so strong. I love the way that Dallas can build leads and then squeeze the life out of teams when they try and play catchup. Last week was a wake-up call too.
Detroit Lions -1 (at New York Jets)
I am still trying to figure out the Lions. They are competitive because they are scoring the ball and that puts pressure on opponents. I can see how the Jets will fall prey to it too especially if top defensive lineman Quinnen Williams is out and the weather is challenging. That might suppress offense on both sides. That helps Detroit out more than the home side because the Lions are the better offensive team. They can win 17-14 if need be.
Minnesota Vikings -4.5 (vs Indianapolis Colts)
There is no other way to look at it, Minnesota did not look good last week. Now they are taking on an Indy team that is in flux, but they are back at home, and even though this is a dead number I don't trust the Colts' offense to be able to score like Detroit did last week. Minnesota can load up against the run and dare them to make some big pass plays. I don't think they can complete enough to stay in the game so don't let the number push you off this one.
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