The Hail Mary - Week 15

The quest for perfection by the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints continues to be the talk of the NFL. The NFL had no idea when they made the schedule that both teams would have prime time all to themselves in Week 15 but that is exactly what has happened. The Colts play at Jacksonville tonight, while the Saints host the Cowboys on Saturday night. It seems the Colts will start their best players Thursday but it isn't known how long they will play. The Saints are still going full speed ahead, as they have not yet locked up home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.

Games That I Will Be Watching

Indianapolis (13-0) at Jacksonville (7-6), Indianapolis favored by 3

If the Colts play their starters the whole game I have no doubt they will win. However, the Colts have made it seem like that is not what they will do, increasing the anxiety of gamblers and fantasy football players. Jacksonville has virtually no good wins this season and is not deserving of a playoff berth. Their remaining schedule will make sure that they are home come January. I predict the game remains close, and Colts coach Jim Caldwell plays his starters the entire game.

Prediction: Indianapolis 24, Jacksonville 20

Dallas (8-5) at New Orleans (13-0), New Orleans favored by 7

Dallas is 0-2 in December and while it might be harsh to say they are choking again, the really good teams win tough games. It gets no tougher than a game at the Superdome against the undefeated Saints. Cowboys WR Roy Williams came out talking a lot of trash, which is especially funny considering he sucks. Some people think the Boys will spring an upset in this one, but its December, those people need to get real.

Prediction: New Orleans 30, Dallas 24

Chicago (5-8) at Baltimore (7-6), Baltimore favored by 10 1/2

I think Vegas got a little too excited by the Ravens demolition of sorry Detroit. Jay Cutler will definitely be good for a few interceptions, but I don't think the Ravens will blow the Bears out.

Prediction: Baltimore 24, Chicago 14

Cincinnati (9-4) at San Diego (10-3), San Diego favored by 6 1/2

Who knows what kind of frame of mind the Bengals will be in after the death of WR Chris Henry. They could either come out inspired to play or just be too emotionally drained. The Chargers have won eight in a row and are doing it despite not having much of a running game. That will come back to bite them in January.

Prediction: San Diego 23, Cincinnati 17

Green Bay (9-4) at Pittsburgh (6-7), Pittsburgh favored by 1

The Steelers are completely pathetic. Losing to the Raiders, Chiefs, and Browns is downright embarrassing, especially for a defending Super Bowl champion. That being said, I still think the Steelers have a little bit of fight left in them. I think the defense can make life for Aaron Rodgers hell, creating some turnovers, and ending the Steelers five game losing streak.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 14, Green Bay 10

Minnesota (11-2) at Carolina (5-8), Minnesota favored by 9

Pretty lousy Sunday night game, not really sure why the NFL didn't flex this one out. The Panthers will still be without QB Jake Delhomme, which might actually be a good thing. The Vikings got back on track against the Bengals last weekend, but QB Brett Favre still didn't look very sharp, and with his age, the concern of wear and tear is there. The formula for the Vikings needs to be to pound the ball with RB Adrian Peterson. The Panthers only shot at winning is running the ball well behind DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. However, seeing that the Vikings run defense is their biggest strength, the Vikes should win.

Prediction: Minnesota 23, Carolina 16

New York Giants (7-6) at Washington (4-9), New York Giants favored by 3

The Giants defense was eviscerated by the Eagles on Sunday night. The Redskins offense continues to look improved since Sherm Lewis started helping with the play calling. Redskins fans are getting a little too optimistic, remember this team is still just 4-9. Despite my pessimism I do like the Redskins in this game. The Giants haven't played good football for months, while the Skins seem to be hitting their stride. That, combined with what should be a good crowd for a Monday night game, will propel the Skins to the upset.

Prediction: Washington 27, New York Giants 23

Rest of Week 15

New England (8-5) at Buffalo (5-8), New England favored by 7

Vegas is hoping people jump on the Bills, especially because the Patriots haven't won a true road game all season. I think the Patriots win, and maybe I am a sucker, but the Bills will cover.

Prediction: New England 21, Buffalo 17

Arizona (8-5) at Detroit (2-11), Arizona favored by 12

Bad Arizona showed up against the 49ers on Monday night, but I have a feeling against the sorry Lions, we will see good Arizona.

Prediction: Arizona 35, Detroit 13

Miami (7-6) at Tennessee (6-7), No Line

Huge game with major playoff implications. The Dolphins jumped on the Jaguars early and were able to hang on in Jacksonville. If Titans QB Vince Young plays, that will increase the Titans chances considerably. Even if he doesn't, I think Tennessee squeaks by. But I hope I am wrong.

Prediction: Tennessee 19, Miami 16

Cleveland (2-11) at Kansas City (3-10), Kansas City favored by 2

The Browns might win two in a row!

Prediction: Cleveland 4, Kansas City 3

Houston (6-7) at St. Louis (1-12), No Line

To steal a line from Peter King, now that the games don't matter, the Texans will win.

Prediction: Houston 34, St. Louis 17

Atlanta (6-7) at New York Jets (7-6), No Line

Matt Ryan and Michael Turner are once again questionable for the Falcons. What isn't questionable is that the Falcons will once again be unable to string together back to back winning seasons.

Prediction: New York Jets 21, Atlanta 20

San Francisco (6-7) at Philadelphia (9-4), Philadelphia favored by 9

The Niners kept alive their slim playoff hopes by sweeping the season series with the Cardinals. The odds are stacked against them in this one. Having to play a 1:00 Eastern game, against an Eagles team that is clicking on offense, and has won four straight. However, the Eagles always seem to lose a game they shouldn't and I am a huge Niners homer.

Prediction: San Francisco 20, Philadelphia 16

Oakland (4-9) at Denver (8-5), Denver favored by 14

You know you suck when your team chooses to start Charlie Frye over you, even when you are healthy.

Prediction: Denver 28, Oakland 10

Tampa Bay (1-12) at Seattle (5-8), Seattle favored by 7

How did the Niners lose at Seattle? Why did they not use Frank Gore at all? These questions will haunt me all off-season.

Prediction: Seattle 27, Tampa Bay 6

Last Week Against the Spread: 10-6
Overall Against the Spread: 109-98-1

Last Week Straight Up: 13-3
Overall Straight Up: 136-71