NFL Week 15 Picks, Point Spreads, TV Schedule, and Announcer Lineup

Update: The NFL Week 17 TV schedule, point spreads, and picks post is up.

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Update 12/19: All spreads and picks have been entered below except for the Jets-Falcons game, which still is not on the board.

I am now officially treading water.

After going .500 during Weeks 13 (9-7) and Week 14 (7-9) I currently sit at 7-8 heading into tonight’s Cardinals-49ers matchup on Monday Night Football (I have Arizona -3). So while I’m still 23 games over .500 for the year (111-88), I don’t like this feeling that I’m limping towards the finish line.

Of course, when one of the games I missed was taking the Steelers (-10) over the Browns, and then the Browns actually won, I guess I can’t be too upset. Josh Cribbs was right when he said that fans would pretty forgive everything if the team beat the Steelers.

I, however, do not have one game Super Bowls that I can count on. My goal is to get to at least 30 games .500 by the end of Week 17. That means I need a good showing this week.

Let’s roll through the Week 15 TV schedule, point spreads, and picks.

A couple of quick things to keep in mind:

• All times are ET.
• Some games do not have all of the information filled in as of this post being published (i.e. a few games don’t have spreads yet and the announcer assignments have not yet been announced). I’ll up date this post as soon as the information is available at the506.com.
• Point spread and over-under listings are as of Monday night, and obviously subject to change throughout the week. If you want update point spread info, or some expert advice as you make your weekly picks, below are a few helpful links.
• DocSports: NFL Odds
• DocSports: NFL Picks

And with all that said, here is your Week 15 TV schedule, point spreads, announcers, free picks, and byes.

NFL Week 15 Viewer’s Guide

TV Schedule – Announcers – Kickoff Times – Byes

Point Spreads – Free Picks – Odds – Over-Unders

Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars

• Colts-Jaguars Date: Thursday, December 17
• Colts-Jaguars Kickoff Time: 8:20
• Colts-Jaguars TV Network: NFLN
• Colts-Jaguars Announcers: Bob Papa and Matt Millen
• Colts-Jaguars Point Spread: Colts -3
• Colts-Jaguars Over-Under Odds: 42.5
• Colts-Jaguars Spread Pick: This is a very difficult game to handicap without knowing exactly what the Colts will do with their starters. From all of the reports I’ve read this week, it sounds like the starters will play as normal this week. Regardless, I like the Jags to at least cover, and possibly win, this game. Jacksonville always plays Indianapolis tough and clearly is the team with more riding on this game. Indy is obviously a better team, and would demolish Jacksonville if this were the playoffs, but the Jags have always proven to be a tough regular season foe and the Colts will undoubtedly be in for a Thursday night road dogfight. Colts-Jaguars free pick: Jaguars +3

Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints

• Cowboys-Saints Date: Saturday, December 19
• Cowboys-Saints Kickoff Time: 8:20
• Cowboys-Saints TV Network: NFLN
• Cowboys-Saints Announcers: Bob Papa and Matt Millen
• Cowboys-Saints Point Spread: Saints -7
• Cowboys-Saints Over-Under Odds: 52.5
• Cowboys-Saints Spread Pick: I was thinking about this game while driving into the office today. I know that everyone is writing the Cowboys off because of their history in December and current two-game skid, and obviously the Saints’ weekly dominance this year has been rivaled only by Indy’s, but I just have a gut feeling that Dallas will keep this close. I’d be shocked if they pulled out a W, but once again we are faced with a talented team backed into a corner with their season hanging in the balance. The home field advantage should be enough to ensure a Saints victory, but I think Dallas will have enough pride to make it a good game. Cowboys-Saints free pick: Cowboys +7

Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs

• Browns-Chiefs Date: Sunday, December 20
• Browns-Chiefs Kickoff Time: 1:00
• Browns-Chiefs TV Network: CBS
• Browns-Chiefs Announcers: Ian Eagle and Rich Gannon
• Browns-Chiefs Point Spread: Chiefs -2.5
• Browns-Chiefs Over-Under Odds: 37
• Browns-Chiefs Spread Pick: I love the Browns in this one. Even though Kansas City gets Dwayne Bowe back, their passing game has been abysmal recently. In fact, Matt Cassel threw four picks in Week 14 and was getting booed by the home folks. Cleveland, on the other hand, has actual momentum for the first time all year. Beating the Steelers for the first time since 2003 will do that. This is going to be a close game, and one of the few the Browns play in which they do not have a decided disadvantage at QB. Cleveland needs to contain Jamaal Charles, but have Joshua Cribbs on the other side for the Chiefs to worry about. I like Cleveland to win this game outright. Browns-Chiefs free pick: Browns +2.5

Houston Texans at St. Louis Rams

• Texans-Rams Date: Sunday, December 20
• Texans-Rams Kickoff Time: 1:00
• Texans-Rams TV Network: CBS
• Texans-Rams Announcers: Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots
• Texans-Rams Point Spread: No line as of Wednesday morning
• Texans-Rams Over-Under Odds: No line as of Wednesday morning
• Texans-Rams Spread Pick:

Chicago Bears at Baltimore Ravens

• Bears-Ravens Date: Sunday, December 20
• Bears-Ravens Kickoff Time: 1:00
• Bears-Ravens TV Network: FOX
• Bears-Ravens Announcers: Thom Brennaman and Brian Billick
• Bears-Ravens Point Spread: Ravens -10
• Bears-Ravens Over-Under Odds: 40
• Bears-Ravens Spread Pick: The Ravens got themselves on track against Detroit last week in an offensive explosion that they desperately needed. Chicago fought tough against Green Bay, but simply didn’t have enough to complete the comeback. In this one, Baltimore has everything to play for as they cling to playoff hope. Chicago’s season is done, their coach is probably a lame duck, and they don’t exactly a QB with a whole lot of leadership at the helm. You better be ready for a nasty fight when you go to Baltimore. I don’t think Chicago is, and I think the Ravens roll. Bears-Ravens free pick: Ravens -10

Arizona Cardinals at Detroit Lions

• Cardinals-Lions Date: Sunday, December 20
• Cardinals-Lions Kickoff Time: 1:00
• Cardinals-Lions TV Network: FOX
• Cardinals-Lions Announcers: Dick Stockton and Trent Green
• Cardinals-Lions Point Spread: Cardinals -12
• Cardinals-Lions Over-Under Odds: 47
• Cardinals-Lions Spread Pick: I’m sure that Jim Schwartz has some fire-and-brimstone speeches ready to go, and he’s been cutting players this week to show that the Lions’ putrid play won’t be acceptable, but I don’t see any way that a Lions D that got shredded by Brady Quinn will be able to stop Kurt Warner and Co. Arizona will also be itching to have a good performance after playing poorly against San Francisco. Cardinals-Lions free pick: Cardinals -12

Atlanta Falcons at New York Jets

• Falcons-Jets Date: Sunday, December 20
• Falcons-Jets Kickoff Time: 1:00
• Falcons-Jets TV Network: FOX
• Falcons-Jets Announcers: Sam Rosen and Tim Ryan
• Falcons-Jets Point Spread: Still no line as of Saturtday morning
• Falcons-Jets Over-Under Odds: Still no line as of Saturday morning
• Falcons-Jets Spread Pick: Can’t pick it if there’s no number! The Falcons are awaiting word on Matt Ryan. Al reports seem to indicate the Mark Sanchez will play. I like the Jets to win this game, but I’d probably take the Falcons and the points if it’s 7.5 or above. We’ll see.

Miami Dolphins at Tennessee Titans

• Dolphins-Titans Date: Sunday, December 20
• Dolphins-Titans Kickoff Time: 1:00
• Dolphins-Titans TV Network: CBS
• Dolphins-Titans Announcers: Dick Enberg and Dan Fouts
• Dolphins-Titans Point Spread: Titans -3.5
• Dolphins-Titans Over-Under Odds: 42.5
• Dolphins-Titans Spread Pick: There is something about this Miami Dolphins team that I am really starting to like. Not only are the ‘Fins 7-3 with Chad Henne at QB (after their awful 0-3 start to the season) but they seem to be clicking on all cylinders at the perfect time. And remember, this team had the Saints beaten and put away…until the Saints came storming back and, of course, won. Tennessee is also playing much better now, but with their magical run towards the playoffs over, I can’t imagine them having the same edge they played with in November. Tennessee may win, but I’m taking the Dolphins with the points. Dolphins-Titans free pick: Dolphins +3.5

San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles

• 49ers-Eagles Date: Sunday, December 20
• 49ers-Eagles Kickoff Time: 1:00
• 49ers-Eagles TV Network: FOX
• 49ers-Eagles Announcers: Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, and Tony Siragusa
• 49ers-Eagles Point Spread: Eagles -9
• 49ers-Eagles Over-Under Odds: 43.5
• 49ers-Eagles Spread Pick: The Eagles are going to score their fair share of points against a San Francisco defense that has not been great against the pass this year (Monday night – at home – notwithstanding). However, the Eagles have also been susceptible to big plays through the air this year and have given up 20+ TD passes. I think Philly will win this game since they are at home, but the 49ers have some momentum coming off of Monday night and still have not been eliminated from playoff contention yet. Eagles win but don’t cover. 49ers-Eagles free pick: 49ers +9

New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills

• Patriots-Bills Date: Sunday, December 20
• Patriots-Bills Kickoff Time: 1:00
• Patriots-Bills TV Network: CBS
• Patriots-Bills Announcers: Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf
• Patriots-Bills Point Spread: Patriots -7
• Patriots-Bills Over-Under Odds: 40.5
• Patriots-Bills Spread Pick: This is an extremely difficult game to handicap. The Patriots have Tom Brady, but seem to have a half-interested Randy Moss. They did, however, defeat Carolina by 10 at home in Week 14 and Carolina is a better team than Buffalo. The Bills, on the other hand, will be at home and are coming off a Week 14 W. They also will have payback on their minds after Brady and the Patriots stole one from them in the 4th quarter in Week 1. I don’t think Buffalo is going to win, but their very solid pass defense will keep them in the game until late. Patriots-Bills free pick: Bills +7

Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos

• Raiders-Broncos Date: Sunday, December 20
• Raiders-Broncos Kickoff Time: 4:05
• Raiders-Broncos TV Network: CBS
• Raiders-Broncos Announcers: Gus Johnson and Steve Tasker
• Raiders-Broncos Point Spread: Broncos -13.5
• Raiders-Broncos Over-Under Odds: 37.5
• Raiders-Broncos Spread Pick: If the Raiders still had the suddenly solid Bruce Gradkowski under center, I’d be inclined to take them here. But with either Charlie Frye or (ugh) JaMarcus Russell set to take the football, I just can’t see Oakland even keeping it close against the Broncos in Denver. The Broncos desperately need this game to maintain their pace in the Wild Card race, and I think the get it going away. Raiders-Broncos free pick: Broncos -13.5

Cincinnati Bengals at San Diego Chargers

• Bengals-Chargers Date: Sunday, December 20
• Bengals-Chargers Kickoff Time: 4:05
• Bengals-Chargers TV Network: CBS
• Bengals-Chargers Announcers: Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
• Bengals-Chargers Point Spread: Chargers -6.5
• Bengals-Chargers Over-Under Odds: 44
• Bengals-Chargers Spread Pick: I love San Diego right now. In fact, if the playoffs started today, they would be my pick to go to the Super Bowl – yes, even over mighty Indy. The Bengals have been a nice story, but they proved against Minnesota that they are not yet ready to compete against elite teams on the road. Well guess what? San Diego is an elite team and the Bengals have to go on the road to face them. With no downfield passing game, I just don’t think Cincy can score enough to stay in this game. Bengals-Chargers free pick: Chargers -6.5.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Seattle Seahawks

• Buccaneers-Seahawks Date: Sunday, December 20
• Buccaneers-Seahawks Kickoff Time: 4:15
• Buccaneers-Seahawks TV Network: FOX
• Buccaneers-Seahawks Announcers: Ron Pitts and John Lynch
• Buccaneers-Seahawks Point Spread: Seahawks -7
• Buccaneers-Seahawks Over-Under Odds: 39.5
• Buccaneers-Seahawks Spread Pick: For non-Browns/Chiefs fans, this has got to be he least exciting game on the Week 15 schedule considering the suckiness of the two teams and the complete lack of playoff implications. That said, I’m just going with the home team and moving on. Seattle plays much better at home than they do on the road and TB is going through the growing pains that come with a rookie QB. Bucs-Seahawks free pick: Seahawks -7

Green Bay Packers at Pittsburgh Steelers

• Packers-Steelers Date: Sunday, December 20
• Packers-Steelers Kickoff Time: 4:15
• Packers-Steelers TV Network: FOX
• Packers-Steelers Announcers: Joe Buck and Troy Aikman
• Packers-Steelers Point Spread: Steelers -1
• Packers-Steelers Over-Under Odds: 40
• Packers-Steelers Spread Pick: The Steelers looked terrible on Thursday night. You have to if you’re going to lose to the Browns. The Packers, on the other hand, have been playing terrific football and come into Pittsburgh looking like a slam dunk for the playoffs. I might be nuts, but I’m going to continue to have faith in Mike Tomlin and the Steelers. Somehow, Pittsburgh still has playoff hopes, but this is a must-must-must-win game. With the Steelers at home and having everything to play for, plus coming off last week’s embarrassment, I think they can put a temporary stop to Aaron Rodgers’ and the Packers’ roll. Packers-Steelers free pick: Steelers -1

Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers

• Bengals-Chargers Date: Sunday, December 20
• Bengals-ChargersKickoff Time: 8:20
• Bengals-Chargers TV Network: NBC
• Bengals-Chargers Announcers: Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth
• Bengals-Chargers Point Spread: Vikings -7
• Bengals-Chargers Over-Under Odds: 43
• Bengals-Chargers Spread Pick: It is really tempting to pick Carolina here because they are at home on PrimeTime and have a good enough running game to keep this close. The problem is that Minnesota is just too good. Now that Adrian Peterson is rolling again, Minnesota’s offense is deadly. And the strength of the Minnesota D is stopping the run, which could make life tough for DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Mix in a new playing QB against the vet of all vets on the other side, and there just isn’t much of a reason to put any faith in Carolina right now. Vikings-Panthers free pick: Vikings -7

New York Giants at Washington Redskins

• Giants-Redskins Date: Monday, December 21
• Giants-Redskins Kickoff Time: 8:30
• Giants-Redskins TV Network: ESPN
• Giants-Redskins Announcers: Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, and Jon Gruden
• Giants-Redskins Point Spread: Giants -3
• Giants-Redskins Over-Under Odds: 43
• Giants-Redskins Spread Pick: Boy oh boy, it is hard for me to justify taking the Giants minus 3 here. New York hasn’t been able to stop anyone through the air, and the Redskins suddenly have a potent passing game. Obviously the Giants need this game more, but I have a sneaking suspicion that the Redskins are going to revel playing the underdog role, and are going to be successful doing so at home. Giants-Redskins free pick: Redskins +3

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