GAME PICKS... NFL WEEK 15
'Attempting' to choose the NFL winners for this weekend
If you, in any way, shape or form, use this game picks to shape your opinions for the upcoming weekend across the NFL… it’s time to run for the hills! These picks should now come with some form of government health warning after the last couple of weeks.
After going 9-7 in Week 13, I dropped to 7-7 in Week 14. With four weeks of the regular season remain, it takes my record for the year to 137-71. I can do better. I will do better. And if you don’t believe me? Well, I don’t blame you.
Let’s get back on the horse and give this another go.
Atlanta Falcons (4-9) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6)
The Bucs have gone into a hole at the worst-possible time and now share the same record as the Carolina Panthers team they will face twice between now and the end of the regular season. But they should have too much for an already-eliminated Atlanta squad. Neil’s Pick… Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Cleveland Browns (3-10) at Chicago Bears (9-4)
The Bears have a chance to quickly move back into the win column at home against the Browns in what has the potential to be one of the coldest games in Soldier Field history. With the temperature dipping to at least -12 degrees Celsius, the Bears can lean on a strong running game. They should find a way past a team woken somewhat by Shedeur Sanders. Neil’s Pick… Chicago Bears.
Baltimore Ravens (6-7) at Cincinnati Bengals (4-9)
The value of Joe Burrow was there for all to see last week, but can Cincinnati’s magical quarterback keep it going now his Bengals are all but out of the playoff race in the AFC. The Ravens turned the ball over five times in losing to Cincinnati on Thanksgiving Day, but they absolutely must have this game. And I think that will matter. Neil’s Pick… Baltimore Ravens.
Arizona Cardinals (3-10) at Houston Texans (8-5)
Two teams heading in opposite directions. The Cardinals have lost five in a row while Houston have won five straight. I’m not expecting an upset in Texas. Houston boast the number one defense in the league in terms of fewest yards and points allowed, and that gives CJ Stroud so much freedom to not feel the need to score on every drive. Neil’s Pick… Houston Texans.
New York Jets (3-10) at Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4)
The Jets are the only team Trevor Lawrence has started multiple games against and never thrown a touchdown pass. That ends on Sunday because Jacksonville’s quarterback has found some good form at the right time of the year. It will likely be Brady Cook or Adrian Martinez at QB for the Jets and neither will provide an early Christmas miracle. Neil’s Pick… Jacksonville Jaguars.
Los Angeles Chargers (9-4) at Kansas City Chiefs (6-7)
Having already beaten Kansas City in Brazil in Week 1, can Jim Harbaugh’s men drive the final stake through the Chiefs’ hearts and officially eliminate them from playoff contention? KC will be out with a loss and a couple of other results going against. Regardless of those other results, the Chiefs have no room for error. I think they stay alive for one more week. Neil’s Pick… Kansas City Chiefs.
GAME OF THE WEEK PRESENTED BY HICKORY’S SMOKEHOUSE
Buffalo Bills (9-4) at New England Patriots (11-2)
Neil’s Pick… Buffalo Bills.
Washington Commanders (3-10) at New York Giants (2-11)
There are not going to be too many headlines written about this game on Monday morning. Washington are a lost cause at the moment and have been devastated by injuries. At least the Giants have the energy of Jaxson Dart at quarterback and that could be the difference. Neil’s Pick… New York Giants.
Las Vegas Raiders (2-11) at Philadelphia Eagles (8-5)
This is just what the doctor ordered for an Eagles team that has lost three in a row. And it is the beginning of a kind run that should get the defending champs over the NFC East finish line and into the playoffs. After the moribund Raiders, Philly gets Washington twice – either side of a tricky trip to Buffalo. Neil’s Pick… Philadelphia Eagles.
Green Bay Packers (9-3-1) at Denver Broncos (11-2)
In this most wide open of seasons, why can’t this be a Super Bowl preview? The Broncos have won 10 in a row, but it has not always been convincing with nine of their 11 victories coming by one score. The Packers look like a complete team led by a quarterback in Jordan Love who has thrown seven touchdown passes over the past two games. Neil’s Pick… Green Bay Packers.
Detroit Lions (8-5) at Los Angeles Rams (10-3)
The Lions have the potential to hit offensive heights few around the NFL can match, scoring at least 34 points in seven games this season. But in the Rams, they could indeed meet their scoring match. Los Angeles have scored at least 33 points on six occasions in 2025 and are backed by a playmaking defense. They appear to be the league’s best team. Neil’s Pick… LA Rams.
Carolina Panthers (7-6) at New Orleans Saints (3-10)
At 7-6, the Panthers have a genuine shot at stealing the NFC South crown this year. But who trusts them? Carolina have alternated wins and losses for the past seven weeks and in that span was a 17-7 loss to the Saints in Charlotte. New Orleans are playing hard for head coach Kellen Moore, but this is one the Panthers have to take on the road. Neil’s Pick… Carolina Panthers.
Indianapolis Colts (8-5) at Seattle Seahawks (10-3)
If the Colts are going to write one of the stories of the season by rolling out an overweight high school head coach five years removed from the NFL in Philip Rivers, I would advise waiting a week. Don’t sacrifice him to that Seattle pass rush. While it would be a remarkable story, I have a feeling the Colts may be cooked. The Seahawks are chasing bigger goals. Neil’s Pick… Seattle Seahawks.
Tennessee Titans (2-11) at San Francisco 49ers (9-4)
San Francisco’s cupcake schedule resumes with a home game against Tennessee as Kyle Shanahan’s men come out of their bye week. Even if their opponents have not been world-beaters in 2025, I credit the Niners for sticking together through a mountain of what could have been season-altering injuries. Neil’s Pick… San Francisco 49ers.
Minnesota Vikings (5-8) at Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1)
Will the Cowboys continue to play hard now that their playoff chances have likely disappeared? I would certainly hope so because I think they can build towards a promising 2026 campaign under Brian Schottenheimer if the D gets improved. Minnesota are all about developing JJ McCarthy, who threw three touchdown passes in Week 14. Neil’s Pick… Dallas Cowboys.
Miami Dolphins (6-7) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6)
Miami have won five of their last six and have changed their identity during the process. They are one of the most effective rushing teams in the league now and are perfectly built to challenge Pittsburgh’s suspect run defense. And the Dolphins have been shutting down opposing rushing attacks, so the Steelers will have to win with Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf. Neil’s Pick… Miami Dolphins.