Week 15 has arrived, and the battle for the playoffs is in full swing. This week will feature eight big matchups with all 32 teams playing and both teams still in playoff contention. It should be a great weekend of football.
This came a week after the favorites had pretty much taken care of business. The biggest upset was the Rams winning a hard-fought shootout against the Bills. The otherwise limited upset did not cause significant damage to the remaining survivor pool. Eagles vs. Panthers, Saints vs. Giants, and Dolphins vs. Jets were close games, but the championship favorites managed to cope.
I've done pretty well with my weekly Survivor Picks column, but my prediction that the Falcons would beat the Vikings was completely off the mark. Atlanta looked like it was going to give Minnesota a hard time in the first half, but the gears went out of whack in the second half.
Now it's time for week 15's picks. Below is the complete list of my picks. There are many options to consider. Each week this season, we'll break down the safest picks, the most valuable picks, potential trap picks, and one upset pick if you feel like you need to play with your picks a little. Go against the direction.
safest pick
Ravens vs Giants
Tommy DeVito is back in the saddle, but it doesn't really matter who starts on the Giants' roster. Some may save the Ravens for Week 18 against the Browns, but if you haven't used them yet, this is probably the week to go to Baltimore.
the most valuable choice
Cardinals vs. Patriots
vikings vs bears
Arizona has lost three in a row, but Seattle and Minnesota have followed, so it's not like they've lost to a bad team. Drake Maye has been great this season, but has struggled with limited help. If Arizona doesn't win this home game, it won't qualify for the playoffs.
Minnesota has won six straight games and the division games are tough, but it's hard to keep running away. This is probably the last game you'll want to use the Vikings in, so get them if you don't already have them.
upset pick
raiders over falcons
Kirk Cousins quickly turned into a pile of trash. This game may have gotten them back on track, but it looked like the Raiders would end their nine-game losing streak this weekend.
trap pick
Commanders who control the saints
bengals vs titans
The Saints can't beat good teams, but the question now is how do we evaluate the Commanders? They advanced with a bye and defeated the Titans the week before. However, three weeks earlier, they lost three straight to Dallas, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. The Eagles and Cowboys are contenders, although the Cowboys aren't particularly good but are still tough. I think Washington will win this game, but I'd stay away from that game.
Cincinnati is getting back on track against bad teams, so they should probably win this game. Still, I personally would avoid playing a road game with the inconsistent Bengals.
