NFL Predictions for Week 15: Division Pictures Clear Up
By Paul Novak
Every week our 12th Man Rising panel of experts (self-proclaimed) predicts the winners of each NFL matchup and gives you their reasoning behind two of their selections. The results are totaled each week and at the end of the season we will have a winner who will hold claim to being the all-time greatest predictionaire in NFL history. Be sure to give us your picks in the comments and let us know what you think of our selections.
Paul Novak
Prediction: Bears defeat Saints
Why: Chicago plays at home against a Saints team that was blown at on their own turf, inside a climate controlled dome. Now they travel to Chicago, where it’s freezing outside. The Bears win this one mostly thanks to the conditions.
Prediction: Cowboys defeat Eagles
Why: I’m picking the Cowboys for two reasons. The first is Mark Sanchez. Like Seahawks DE Michael Bennett said, he’s impersonating an NFL QB. Second, every team that losses to the Seahawks has a hangover and typically losses their next game as well.
Mitch Quesada
Prediction: Jets defeat Titans
Why: In a battle of terrible 2-11 teams, the Jets actually have the edge on the road. They have the second-best rushing attack in the league behind only the Seahawks. Yes, you read that right. The Titans allow the most rushing yards per game in the league. If the Jets run the ball and don’t let Geno Smith throw four interceptions in the first quarter, they should win this game.
Prediction: Eagles defeat Cowboys
Why: Eight-straight teams have lost the week after playing the Seahawks, but the Eagles should break that streak against a Cowboys team that doesn’t have the defense to blow out the Eagles the way Seattle did last week. It’s a must-win game for Philly with the division crown on the line and they haven’t lost consecutive games all season. I expect a big win for the Eagles on Sunday.
Colin Floyd
Prediction: Bills defeat Packers
Why: No team is hotter than Green Bay right now, but last week they almost lost to a 5-8 team. Buffalo has a much better defense and will pressure Aaron Rodgers throughout the game. Look for a lower scoring game is which the Bills pull off the upset.
Prediction: Chargers defeat Broncos
Why: The Chargers are fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive while the Broncos are not. Philip Rivers keeps the Bolts in any game and will try his luck dueling Peyton Manning, who is coming off a game where he threw 173 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions.
Thomas Oide
Prediction: Rams defeat Cardinals
Why: I honestly believe that Logan Thomas, the Cardinals’ rookie backup quarterback, should be starting over Drew Stanton. But with Bruce Arians at the helm, that won’t happen. With St. Louis’ defense playing lights out and Drew Stanton‘s inability to push the ball vertically, the Rams will win this game.
Prediction: Browns defeat Bengals
Why: Hereeeesssss Johnny!
But being honest, Johnny Manziel is simply better than Brian Hoyer. I’m excited to see what the electric rookie QB can do with fellow playmakers like Josh Gordon and Isaiah Crowell. Also, it’s worth noting that Andy Dalton always finds a way to lose the big, pivotal games…