The Hail Mary - Week 15

The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens have produced quite the rivalry since the Ravens inception in the mid 90's. The Ravens previous incarnation, the original Cleveland Browns, had a huge rivalry with the Steelers and despite moving states, and changing their name the rivalry has stuck. Not only will personal pride be at stake in their meeting in Baltimore this weekend but also the AFC North title. If the Steelers win they clinch the AFC North and would be on the fast track to a first round bye. However, if the Ravens win then the two teams will be tied for first with 2 games to go.

There are a ton of good games this weekend, let's get into it.

Games That I Will Be Watching

New Orleans (7-6) at Chicago (7-6)

Huge Thursday night game. The Bears need a win to stay in the NFC North race and keep their outside wild card chances alive. The Saints need a win to keep their wild card chances alive. New Orleans won at home against Atlanta to get themselves back in the playoff mix, but winning on the road has been a challenge for them. Bad weather in Chicago, means Bears win.

Prediction: Chicago 24, New Orleans 17

Washington (7-6) at Cincinnati (1-11-1)

The Redskins must run the table to make the playoffs. They had to do the same thing in the 2005 and 2007 seasons. Who knows if this current version has it in them or not but they should certainly beat the Bengals. The Skins are hurting on the offensive line, the team is in turmoil with Clinton Portis butting heads with Jim Zorn, but come on, it's the Bengals they're playing.

Prediction: Washington 21, Cincinnati 14

Buffalo (6-7) at New York Jets (8-5)

Not sure if Trent Edwards or JP Losman is starting for the Bills in this one but it doesn't really matter, the Bills stink. Jets are in a dogfight with the Patriots and Dolphins for the AFC East and have to win this game.

Prediction: New York Jets 31, Buffalo 14

Pittsburgh (10-3) at Baltimore (9-4)

The Steelers have struggled in Baltimore, losing there for five straight years. I think this year will be different because the Steelers defense will make life pretty miserable for Joe Flacco. The Steelers are just a little better and that will show on Sunday.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 17, Baltimore 10

New York Giants (11-2) at Dallas (8-5)

Both teams are coming off disappointing losses last week, although the Giants still clinched the NFC East. The Cowboys are clinging to the final playoff spot but have a brutal December schedule. I have gone back and forth on this one but I believe the Giants simply had an off week against the Eagles and will be back to the team we have seen pretty much all year.

Prediction: New York Giants 27, Dallas 23

Cleveland (4-9) at Philadelphia (7-5-1)

Left for dead by everyone, including their fans, back to back impressive wins have the Eagles back in the playoff race. The Eagles get one last easy one before they finish off the year against the Redskins and Cowboys.

Prediction: Philadelphia 34, Cleveland 14

Rest of Week 15

Tampa Bay (9-4) at Atlanta (8-5)

Another huge game takes place in the NFC South. Both home teams won the intra-division games last week and taught me to stick with the home team.

Prediction: Atlanta 28, Tampa Bay 17

Seattle (2-11) at St. Louis (2-11)

The loser will have sole possession of last place in the NFC West. Feel the excitement!

Prediction: Seattle 21, St. Louis 19

San Francisco (5-8) at Miami (8-5)

This will be a tough one for me to follow. Mike Singletary is doing a fantastic job in San Francisco and while the Niners should see how the team finishes up these last 3 weeks all signs are showing that Singletary is the right man for the job. The Dolphins control their own destiny, if they win out they win the AFC East, which would be an amazing turnaround from 1-15 a season ago.

Prediction: Miami 19, San Francisco 17

Detroit (0-13) at Indianapolis (9-4)

Detroit's best chance for a win went away last week. 0-16 is looking probable.

Prediction: Indianapolis 38, Detroit 17

San Diego (5-8) at Kansas City (2-11)

The Chiefs are 2-11 but they have been competitive all year. 3 of the Chargers 5 wins have come against the Chiefs and Raiders.

Prediction: San Diego 27, Kansas City 24

Green Bay (5-8) at Jacksonville (4-9)

Two very disappointing teams. I keep picking Green Bay, they keep losing. I will go with them here just because it seems obvious that the Jaguars have quit on Jack Del Rio.

Prediction: Green Bay 28, Jacksonville 27

Tennessee (12-1) at Houston (6-7)

Houston has won 3 in a row and this will definitely be a tough one for the Titans. I'm too much of a wuss to pick the upset.

Prediction: Tennessee 34, Houston 31

Minnesota (8-5) at Arizona (8-5)

It sounds like the Vikings will be without QB Gus Frerotte for this one, meaning outcast Tavaris Jackson will get the start. I didn't like the Vikings chances in this one even with the possibility of Frerotte starting, like them even less with Jackson.

Prediction: Arizona 27, Minnesota 14

Denver (8-5) at Carolina (10-3)

Hey, I finally got a Denver prediction right! However, I have missed on the Panthers two weeks in a row. This is the kind of game Denver has been apt to win this year but I think the Panthers finish off an undefeated season at home.

Prediction: Carolina 28, Denver 22

New England (8-5) at Oakland (3-10)

There is a slight chance New England QB Matt Cassel won't play after the death of his father. However, if he were to play, the Raiders are the team to do it against (think Brett Favre).

Prediction: New England 24, Oakland 12

Last Week: 10-6
Overall: 103-57-1