Week 15 brings massive playoff implications across the NFL. The Broncos are riding an 11-game winning streak. The Chiefs are fighting for their postseason lives at 6-7. The Colts must adjust to life without Daniel Jones after his season-ending Achilles injury.
Every game matters now. Division titles are on the line. Wild card spots are up for grabs. Here are my picks for all 16 Week 15 matchups.
NFL Week 15 Quick Picks Table
| Game | Prediction | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Falcons @ Buccaneers | Buccaneers | 24-17 |
| Browns @ Bears | Bears | 20-10 |
| Ravens @ Bengals | Bengals | 27-24 |
| Chargers @ Chiefs | Chiefs | 23-20 |
| Bills @ Patriots | Patriots | 24-21 |
| Commanders @ Giants | Commanders | 21-17 |
| Raiders @ Eagles | Eagles | 34-10 |
| Jets @ Jaguars | Jaguars | 27-17 |
| Cardinals @ Texans | Texans | 28-17 |
| Packers @ Broncos | Broncos | 24-20 |
| Lions @ Rams | Lions | 31-28 |
| Panthers @ Saints | Panthers | 23-20 |
| Titans @ 49ers | 49ers | 31-13 |
| Colts @ Seahawks | Seahawks | 27-14 |
| Vikings @ Cowboys | Cowboys | 27-24 |
| Dolphins @ Steelers | Steelers | 20-17 |
We also made a Free Printable NFL Week 15 Pick’em Sheet for you. Hope you enjoy it.
Record Prediction: 11-5
Why 11-5?
Predicting NFL games is never easy. Week 15 features several close matchups that could go either way. I’m confident in 11 of these picks. The other 5 games are toss-ups.
The Patriots-Bills game will be tight. The Chiefs-Chargers matchup is a coin flip. The Lions-Rams showdown could swing either direction. These close games make a perfect record nearly impossible.
An 11-5 record represents 69% accuracy. That’s above the typical expert picker average. Some weeks you hit 13-3. Other weeks you struggle to 9-7. This slate feels like a solid 11-5 week.
Thursday Night Football
Atlanta Falcons (4-9) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6)
Kickoff: Thursday, December 11, 8:15 PM ET
TV: Prime Video
Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
The Buccaneers got embarrassed by the Saints in Week 14. Now they face a short week against a Falcons team that got blown out 37-9 by the Seahawks.
Tampa Bay still leads the NFC South at 7-6. The Panthers are right behind them at 7-6. The Buccaneers need this win to keep control of their division.
Kirk Cousins threw two interceptions against Seattle. The Falcons managed just nine points. Their offense has been struggling for weeks.
Baker Mayfield will bounce back at home. The Bucs swept Atlanta earlier this season with a 23-20 win in Week 1. They’ll do it again on Thursday night.
Tampa’s defense should shut down Atlanta’s struggling offense. Mayfield and the home crowd will be fired up after that Saints loss.
Pick: Buccaneers 24, Falcons 17
Sunday 1 PM ET Games
Cleveland Browns (3-10) @ Chicago Bears (9-4)
Kickoff: Sunday, December 14, 1:00 PM ET
TV: FOX
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
The Bears dropped to 9-4 after losing to Green Bay in Week 14. Caleb Williams threw a crushing interception on the final drive. Chicago fell to second place in the NFC North.
The Browns are 3-10 and going nowhere. Shedeur Sanders is developing but this team has no talent around him.
Chicago will be angry after that Packers loss. Williams will bounce back at home. The Bears defense will dominate Cleveland’s offense.
This is a get-right game for the Bears. They’ll beat up on a bad Browns team. Chicago will cover the spread easily.
Williams throws two touchdowns. The Bears defense gets multiple sacks. Chicago wins comfortably at home.
Pick: Bears 20, Browns 10
Baltimore Ravens (6-7) @ Cincinnati Bengals (4-9)
Kickoff: Sunday, December 14, 1:00 PM ET
TV: CBS
Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
This is a rematch from Thanksgiving. The Bengals crushed the Ravens 32-14 on Turkey Day. Baltimore’s playoff hopes took a massive hit.
The Ravens are now 6-7 after losing to Pittsburgh in Week 14. They’re on the wrong side of the playoff picture. Baltimore needs this game desperately.
Joe Burrow torched the Ravens on Thanksgiving. He threw for over 400 yards and four touchdowns. Cincinnati is playing with nothing to lose at 4-9.
Lamar Jackson has been in a slump. He hasn’t thrown a touchdown in three straight games. The Ravens offense is struggling to find any rhythm.
Burrow will have another big game at home. The Bengals swept Baltimore last year. They’ll do it again in 2025.
Cincinnati’s offense is too potent when Ja’Marr Chase gets going. The Ravens defense can’t stop this passing attack.
Pick: Bengals 27, Ravens 24
Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) @ Kansas City Chiefs (6-7)
Kickoff: Sunday, December 14, 1:00 PM ET
TV: CBS
Location: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
The Chiefs season is on life support. They’re 6-7 after losing to Houston on Sunday Night Football. Kansas City is officially eliminated from winning the AFC West.
Patrick Mahomes needs to deliver. The Chiefs must win out and get help to make the playoffs. Their dynasty could end without a postseason appearance.
The Chargers are 8-4 and in good playoff position. Justin Herbert had hand surgery but he’s expected to play. He’ll be limited but available.
Kansas City is desperate. They’re at home. Mahomes has never missed the playoffs in his career. He won’t start now.
The Chiefs defense will step up. Mahomes will make just enough plays. Arrowhead Stadium will be rocking.
This is a classic Chiefs grind-it-out win. They’ll keep their playoff hopes alive with a field goal victory.
Pick: Chiefs 23, Chargers 20
Buffalo Bills (9-4) @ New England Patriots (11-2)
Kickoff: Sunday, December 14, 1:00 PM ET
TV: CBS
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
The Patriots are 11-2 and sitting atop the AFC at the number one seed. They’re on a 10-game winning streak. Drake Maye has been spectacular.
Buffalo is 9-4 after beating the Bengals 39-34 in Week 14. Josh Allen is playing MVP-level football. The Bills are locked into a wild card spot.
New England already beat Buffalo 23-20 back in Week 5. The Patriots defense has been elite all season. They lead the NFL in multiple categories.
This is a massive AFC East showdown. Buffalo can’t catch the Patriots for the division title. But they want revenge for that Week 5 loss.
The Patriots are unbeatable at home right now. They’re 6-1 at Gillette Stadium this season. Drake Maye makes plays when it matters most.
Buffalo will keep it close. Allen will throw for over 300 yards. But New England’s defense will make the key stops late.
The Patriots extend their winning streak to 11 games. They’ll lock up the AFC’s top seed with this victory.
Pick: Patriots 24, Bills 21
Washington Commanders (4-9) @ New York Giants (2-11)
Kickoff: Sunday, December 14, 1:00 PM ET
TV: FOX
Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Jayden Daniels returned in Week 14 after Marcus Mariota filled in. The Commanders beat the Vikings 27-24. Daniels looked healthier than he has in weeks.
The Giants are 2-11 and completely out of it. They’ve lost nine straight games. Their offense can barely function.
Washington isn’t making the playoffs but they want to finish strong. Daniels needs these reps to develop. The Commanders have more talent than New York.
This won’t be pretty. Both teams are bad. But Washington is less bad. They’ll win the turnover battle and grind out a road win.
Pick: Commanders 21, Giants 17
Las Vegas Raiders (2-11) @ Philadelphia Eagles (8-4)
Kickoff: Sunday, December 14, 1:00 PM ET
TV: FOX
Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
The Eagles are 12.5-point favorites for good reason. They’re fighting for the NFC East title. The Raiders are tanking for draft picks.
Las Vegas scores fewer than 15 points per game. Their offense ranks dead last. Geno Smith throws the most interceptions in the league with 14.
Philadelphia’s defense will feast on this Raiders offense. Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley will run all over Vegas.
The Eagles need to win out to catch the Rams for the top seed. They’ll treat this like a playoff game. The Raiders will treat this like a preseason game.
This could get really ugly. Philadelphia will cover the spread easily at home.
Pick: Eagles 34, Raiders 10
New York Jets (3-10) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4)
Kickoff: Sunday, December 14, 1:00 PM ET
TV: CBS
Location: EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, FL
The Jaguars crushed the Colts 36-19 in Week 14. They took sole possession of first place in the AFC South at 9-4. Trevor Lawrence is playing his best football.
The Jets are a mess at 3-10. They’ve lost eight of their last ten games. Aaron Rodgers and this offense can’t find any rhythm.
Jacksonville’s defense is elite. They allow the fewest rushing yards per game in the NFL at 82.4. Josh Hines-Allen has been dominant with 5.5 sacks in his last five games.
The Jets can’t run the ball against this defense. Rodgers will be under pressure all day. Jacksonville will control this game from start to finish.
The Jaguars are 96% likely to make the playoffs according to projections. They’ll keep rolling at home against a lifeless Jets team.
Pick: Jaguars 27, Jets 17
Arizona Cardinals (3-10) @ Houston Texans (8-5)
Kickoff: Sunday, December 14, 1:00 PM ET
TV: FOX
Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
The Texans beat Kansas City 24-17 on Sunday Night Football. They’re 8-5 and holding the seventh seed in the AFC. Houston’s defense is dominant.
Arizona got crushed 45-17 by the Rams in Week 14. The Cardinals are 3-10 and playing for draft position. Kyler Murray is done for the season.
Houston’s defense leads the NFL in points allowed and yards allowed. They’re elite in every category. Will Anderson Jr. is wreaking havoc.
Arizona’s backup quarterbacks can’t move the ball against this defense. The Texans will control this game from start to finish.
Houston will win easily at home. They’ll build on that huge Chiefs victory. The Texans defense will pitch a near-shutout.
Pick: Texans 28, Cardinals 17
Sunday 4 PM ET Games
Green Bay Packers (9-3-1) @ Denver Broncos (11-2)
Kickoff: Sunday, December 14, 4:25 PM ET
TV: CBS
Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
The Broncos have won 11 straight games. They’re 11-2 and sitting as the AFC’s number one seed. Bo Nix is playing great football.
Green Bay beat Chicago 28-21 in Week 14. They took over first place in the NFC North at 9-3-1. Jordan Love threw three touchdowns.
This is a massive game. Two conference leaders battling. Both teams are legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
Denver’s defense is elite. They lead the league in points and yards allowed. Patrick Surtain II is back healthy.
The altitude will be a factor. The crowd will be deafening. The Broncos are unbeatable at home right now.
Green Bay will keep it close. Love will make some big throws. But Denver’s defense will make the key stops late.
The Broncos extend their winning streak to 12 games. They’ll hold serve as the AFC’s top seed.
Pick: Broncos 24, Packers 20
Detroit Lions (8-5) @ Los Angeles Rams (10-3)
Kickoff: Sunday, December 14, 4:25 PM ET
TV: FOX
Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
This is the game of the week. The Lions lost 44-30 to the Cowboys on Thursday Night Football. They dropped to 8-5 with that crushing defeat.
The Rams bounced back strong from their Carolina upset. They destroyed Arizona 45-17. Matthew Stafford threw four touchdowns. Los Angeles is 10-3 and holding the NFC’s top seed.
Both teams have injury concerns. Amon-Ra St. Brown’s status for Detroit is uncertain. The Rams have dealt with injuries all year but keep winning.
This total opened at 51.5 points. Both offenses can score in bunches. Jared Goff against his former team always brings extra motivation.
The Lions need this win to stay in the playoff race. Detroit has the talent to win this game. Goff will outduel Stafford in Los Angeles.
This will be a shootout. Both teams will score over 28 points. Detroit pulls the upset on the road.
Pick: Lions 31, Rams 28
Carolina Panthers (7-6) @ New Orleans Saints (2-11)
Kickoff: Sunday, December 14, 4:25 PM ET
TV: FOX
Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
The Panthers are 7-6 and very much alive in the NFC South race. They’re tied with Tampa Bay for the division lead. Carolina needs to keep winning.
The Saints shocked everyone by beating Tampa Bay 24-13 in Week 14. They snapped a brutal losing streak with that upset.
Bryce Young has played better lately. The Panthers defense has been solid during their surge. They’ve won four of their last six games.
New Orleans might have used all their energy in that Tampa upset. They’re still a 2-11 team playing out the season.
Carolina will take care of business on the road. The Panthers defense will make life hard for the Saints.
Pick: Panthers 23, Saints 20
Tennessee Titans (2-11) @ San Francisco 49ers (9-4)
Kickoff: Sunday, December 14, 4:25 PM ET
TV: FOX
Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
The 49ers are 9-4 and fighting for a wild card spot. They beat the Cardinals 26-8 in Week 14. San Francisco is playing their best football.
The Titans are 2-11 and have the worst record in the AFC. Cam Ward is the number one overall pick but Tennessee has no talent around him.
San Francisco is 12.5-point favorites for good reason. The 49ers have Christian McCaffrey healthy. Their defense is playing lights out.
Tennessee can’t score against good defenses. Ward will struggle against this pass rush. The 49ers will dominate from start to finish.
San Francisco needs this win to stay ahead in the wild card race. They’ll blow out the Titans at home.
Pick: 49ers 31, Titans 13
Indianapolis Colts (8-5) @ Seattle Seahawks (10-3)
Kickoff: Sunday, December 14, 4:25 PM ET
TV: CBS
Location: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
The Colts season changed in one play. Daniel Jones tore his Achilles in the first quarter against Jacksonville. He’s done for the year.
Riley Leonard takes over at quarterback. He’s a rookie who’s never started an NFL game. The Colts went from 8-2 to 8-5 with three straight losses.
Seattle destroyed Atlanta 37-9 in Week 14. Sam Darnold threw three touchdowns. The Seahawks are 10-3 and fighting for the NFC’s top seed.
Leonard will struggle in his first road start. Seattle’s defense will confuse him with exotic looks. The crowd will be deafening.
Jonathan Taylor can’t carry this offense alone. The Seahawks will stack the box and force Leonard to beat them. He won’t be able to do it.
Pick: Seahawks 27, Colts 14
Sunday Night Football
Minnesota Vikings (4-9) @ Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1)
Kickoff: Sunday, December 14, 8:20 PM ET
TV: NBC
Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
The Cowboys crushed the Lions 44-30 on Thursday Night Football. Dak Prescott threw for 376 yards. Dallas has won three straight games.
The Vikings lost 27-24 to Washington in Week 14. J.J. McCarthy is still struggling in his second season. Minnesota is 4-9 and out of playoff contention.
Dallas is suddenly hot. They beat the Eagles and Chiefs in back-to-back weeks. Now they destroyed Detroit. The Cowboys are 6-6-1 and very much alive.
Minnesota’s secondary is terrible. Prescott and CeeDee Lamb will torch them all night. The Cowboys defense will confuse McCarthy with pressure.
Dallas needs to keep winning to have any playoff shot. They’ll keep their momentum rolling on Sunday Night Football.
The Cowboys cover the spread at home. They’re playing inspired football right now.
Pick: Cowboys 27, Vikings 24
Monday Night Football
Miami Dolphins (6-7) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6)
Kickoff: Monday, December 15, 8:15 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
The Dolphins have won four straight games. They’re 6-7 and somehow still alive in the playoff race. Tua Tagovailoa is playing better lately.
The Steelers are 7-6 after beating Baltimore in Week 14. Pittsburgh took sole possession of first place in the AFC North. They control their playoff destiny.
Miami struggles in cold weather. December games in Pittsburgh are brutal for warm-weather teams. The Steelers defense will make Tua uncomfortable.
Aaron Rodgers will have extra time to prepare. The Steelers will be fired up after that huge Ravens win. They’ll keep their momentum going.
Pittsburgh wins a defensive battle on Monday night. The Dolphins cold-weather struggles continue.
Pick: Steelers 20, Dolphins 17
Key Storylines to Watch
NFC South Chaos The Buccaneers and Panthers are tied at 7-6. The Falcons are 4-9 but could play spoiler. Every game matters down the stretch.
Chiefs Desperation Kansas City is 6-7 and in danger of missing the playoffs. Mahomes has never missed the postseason. The Chiefs must beat the Chargers.
Broncos Rolling Denver has won 11 straight games. They’re the AFC’s top seed at 11-2. Bo Nix has been spectacular. Can Green Bay slow them down?
Colts Crisis Daniel Jones is done for the year with a torn Achilles. Riley Leonard takes over for an 8-5 team in playoff position. Indianapolis faces a brutal test at Seattle.
Lions-Rams Showdown The NFC’s top seed could be decided Sunday afternoon. Both teams can score. Both defenses have questions. This should be an instant classic.
Cowboys Surge Dallas has won three straight after beating the Eagles, Chiefs, and Lions. They’re 6-6-1 but playing their best football. Can they keep it going against Minnesota?
Ravens-Bengals Rematch Cincinnati destroyed Baltimore 32-14 on Thanksgiving. The Ravens need revenge to stay alive in the playoff race. Can Lamar Jackson snap his slump?
Patriots Dominance New England is 11-2 with a 10-game winning streak. They face Buffalo in a huge AFC East battle. The Patriots can lock up the top seed with a win.
Playoff Picture Impact
AFC Wild Card Race The Bills, Chargers, and Texans hold the current wild card spots. The Colts, Ravens, and Chiefs are fighting for their playoff lives. Week 15’s 16 games will shake up the entire AFC bracket.
NFC Top Seed Battle The Rams hold the number one seed at 10-3. The Seahawks are also 10-3. The Packers are 9-3-1. The Lions-Rams game will have huge playoff implications.
Division Title Races The AFC North, AFC South, and NFC South are all up for grabs. The Patriots have locked up the AFC East. The Steelers and Ravens will battle for the AFC North.
Final Thoughts
Week 15 brings us closer to the finish line. Playoff spots are being locked up. Division titles are being decided. The Chiefs might miss the postseason entirely.
The Broncos look unstoppable with 11 straight wins. The Cowboys are suddenly dangerous again. The Colts must figure out life without Daniel Jones.
The Patriots are the class of the AFC at 11-2. The Rams lead the NFC at 10-3. Both conferences are wide open behind the top seeds.
Every game has massive implications. The margin for error is gone. Teams either step up or go home.
These picks are for entertainment purposes. Game outcomes can be influenced by injuries, weather, and other unpredictable factors. Always gamble responsibly.
