NFL Week Fifteen predictions

Last week, we had the pleasure of picking alongside Mike Wilbon, and in the process we proved our mighty pick 'em smarts, as only Josh couldn't top the new guy. As usual, Pia continued to fry the rest of us, as Abe closed the gap with Phil and Josh. As for week fifteen, there's some good games, some ugly games and of course the Redskins game in New Orleans. Think Drew Brees is licking his chops?

Overall

Last Week

Thursday, December 14, 2006

San Francisco 49ers (5-8) at Seattle Seahawks (8-5)

Josh says: Can the 49ers decide whether or not they are good?

Abe says: Matt has been quite the "Hassel" since coming "beck" from his injury.

Pia says: I hope this wasn't the NFL's master plan to get people to watch the NFL Network…ho-hum.

Phil says: I'm still in shock that Arizona managed to drop the Seahawks last week. That can't happen two weeks in a row! Can it?

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Dallas Cowboys (8-5) at Atlanta Falcons (7-6)

Josh says: Wherefore art thou Romo?

Abe says: This just in: Michael Vick will play running back, quarterback and receiver Saturday night. Sunday's headline: "Big D wins big."

Pia says: Even superheroes have their bad days. QB Tony Romo looked like the backup for the first time since he took over against New Orleans last week. No fears, Dallas fans, he should be back on track for the less qualified Atlanta team.

Phil says: This is my pick for the game of the week because both teams need the victory to maintain their place in the playoff race. Parcells will have the Cowboys ready to contain Vick and secure their division title.

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Cleveland Browns (4-9) at Baltimore Ravens (10-3)

Josh says: Ray Lewis is an animal. He'll hunt you down, tackle you, take your money, then your dignity, and then tell it to the world. He may, if you piss him off enough, knock you unconscious.

Abe says: The Ravens will, ahem, defecate on the Browns. Luckily that won't stain their already poop-colored jerseys.

Pia says: Hopefully Baltimore won't manage to screw this one up and will finally clinch that playoff spot they've been after.

Phil says: B-more will Frye the Browns.

Detroit Lions (2-11) at Green Bay Packers (5-8)

Josh says: A battle of lowlifes. Whoever wins really loses because they get a lower draft pick. Interesting dynamic.

Abe says: The Lions will be sent Pack-ing ASAP.

Pia says: Green Bay QB Brett Favre has never lost to Detroit at home in his entire career with Green Bay. Why start now?

Phil says: In all honesty post a comment if u care about this game. If not I won't waste my time with analysis.

Houston Texans (4-9) at New England Patriots (9-4)

Josh says: The Texans are always contenders—for the number one overall pick!

Abe says: I think it's time for the Texans to trade in that used Carr in the driveway.

Pia says: Unless Houston also bought a videotape of Brady grunting, I think New England's got this one covered.

Phil says: Unless the Texans steal Brady's snap count this should be a blow out.

Jacksonville Jaguars (8-5) at Tennessee Titans (6-7)

Josh says: Abe convinced me to pick the Jags here. I wanted to go with Vince Young and the red-hot Titans, but he told me that Jacksonville has found their run game. OKKK, if I get this wrong, it's going down.

Abe says: Maurice Jones-Drew has officially been renamed MoJo, and he's got his mojo workin' this week.

Pia says: Both of these teams beat their division rival Indianapolis, but Tennessee is on a hot streak, with four straight wins, and Jacksonville is known for its unpredictability.

Phil says: Jags have hit their stride and no one will stall them in their wild card race.

Miami Dolphins (6-7) at Buffalo Bills (6-7)

Josh says: Culpepper is out and Joey "I know I can be a savior for this team if I just put my mind to it and stop throwing interceptions" Harrington is in.

Abe says: Ricky Williams… Ricky Williams… Ricky Williams… Ricky Williams…

Pia says: Knocking off the Jets and the Patriots, last week Buffalo and Miami are sitting pretty. They are still 6-7 however and both teams desperately need to win this game if they want to make the playoffs. And desperation means some videotapes for Miami, so I'll have to go with them.

Phil says: The Dolphins will buy a bootlegged video of Losman's snap count and destroy the Bills. Everyone knows if you're not cheating you're not trying your hardest to win.

New York Jets (7-6) at Minnesota Vikings (6-7)

Josh says: The Jet's coach is amazing and should be coach of the year. Man that Mangini is a man genie. And disregard anything Phil says—ever.

Abe says: Rumblings around the league say the Jets are ready to cut Patrick Ramsey. I like!

Pia says: Minnesota's quarterback controversy isn't going away and it isn't helping their case any.

Phil says: The Jets' success is like Josh getting a soccer scholarship: Fluke.

Pittsburgh Steelers (6-7) at Carolina Panthers (6-7)

Josh says: Pittsburgh is playing for dignity and pride while the Panthers are playing at home and for a playoff berth. Normally this would be an obvious pick, except then I remembered that the Steelers have a player by the name of "Silly" Willie Parker. Get that man the ball.

Abe says: Carolina can only hope to out-Fox the Steelers if they are forced to go with backup QB Chris "I'm way older than you think and I tried minor league baseball and then went on a Mormon mission or something but now I'm back to the NFL" Weinke.

Pia says: Last year's Super Bowl champs are looking to salvage the season with yet another 6th place playoff spot, but it might just be too little, too late.

Phil says: Carolina has proved to be the NFL most disappointing team and unless they win out will have no shot at the playoffs. Dellhome works well under pressure.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-10) at Chicago Bears (11-2)

Josh says: What happened to Cadillac this year? He has single handedly ruined many a fantasy squad. In other news, Rex was not Gross Man and survived a week at quarterback.

Abe says: Special Teams. A defense. Good Players. You guessed it: things the Bears have that the Bucs do not.

Pia says: It is one of the great injustices in the world that the Chicago Bears have an 11-2 record with Rex "even Josh can throw better" Grossman.

Phil says: Devin Hester for rookie of the year!

Washington Redskins (4-9) at New Orleans Saints (9-4)

Josh says: I mean please. Please lose. I'm only rooting for draft picks now. Lets get Gaines Adams. That's what the season is geared towards now. Get a sweet draft pick.

Abe says: I know this year's been tough, but I'm here to help Redskins fans look on the bright side. No, not Jason Campbell. No, not the draft. I'm talkin' about the offseason spending spree and overhaul that will inevitably begin just weeks after the 'Skins are officially done in 2006. Here we go again…

Pia says: And things get even worse for the down-and-out Redskins…

Phil says: Easy Brees-y.

Denver Broncos (7-6) at Arizona Cardinals (4-9)

Josh says: Leinart vs. Cutler in what could turn into a developing rivalry. First one goes to the former Heisman trophy winner.

Abe says: Ross Williams could definitely run for 100 yards and a TD behind Denver's O-line. And that's real.

Pia says: Denver will finally be able to recover from its downward spiral and four-game losing streak when it faces Arizona, who has only won four games.

Phil says: Rookie grabs his first W.

Philadelphia Eagles (7-6) at New York Giants (7-6)

Josh says: Both teams have a lot to play for. With a Cowboys loss (which I've predicted), one of these teams will join them at the top of the NFC East. Jeff Garcia dates playmates, 'nuff said.

Abe says: I'm a little scared of this pick after seeing Tiki Barber on the cover of Sports Illustrated cover this week. Luckily, he wasn't the cover boy. (Look out, Vince Young.)

Pia says: Against the more experienced Giants team, backup Philly quarterback Jeff Garcia might falter.

Phil says: Man Law: I will no longer after this the lord's day of December the 14th in the year of 2006, pick against a team that beat the 'Skins the previous week. Good call.

St. Louis Rams (5-8) at Oakland Raiders (2-11)

Josh says: I'll take anyone over Oakland.

Abe says: I second Josh's sentiments.

Pia says: These two teams have been looking towards next season for so long they might not be able to see straight anymore.

Phil says: The Rams displayed glimpses of the "Greatest Show on Turf" last week and at least enough to leave Oakland dazed and confused.

Kansas City Chiefs (7-6) at San Diego Chargers (11-2)

Josh says: Pia = never wrong. Listen to the girl.

Abe says: I called a Charge.

Pia says: I would like to take this opportunity to say: San Diego is going to win the Super Bowl!

Phil says: "The Chargers won't lose another game on the way to the Super Bowl," says Josh. He's a smart kid, I guess I'll just go with that.

Monday, December 11, 2006

Cincinnati Bengals (8-5) at Indianapolis Colts (10-3)

Josh says: At home, Indy gets back to winning ways and the Colts just outscore the Bengals in what could be a thriller.

Abe says: When discussing this game, Phil happened to mention that Indy's defense was terrible against the run. I agreed, but pointed out to him that Indy's Cato June is a beast linebacker and solid tackler. Then, Phil went wild. "I could break tackles in the NFL," he said. I promptly began to laugh, and thus my pick.

Pia says: Jacksonville and Tennessee uncovered a tiny little-known fact about Indianapolis. They actually kinda suck.

Phil says: Rudi Johnson= player of the week.