NFL Week 15 Odds, Best Bets & Predictions for Key Games

Week 14 promised to be an exciting, tense week in the NFL, and boy did it deliver. There were controversial calls, anger and cursing directed at officials (ahem, Patrick Mahomes) huge divisional wins, overtime drama and even the Patriots scored some points (sorry, Pats fans). It all means that things are finely poised as we enter the final four weeks of the regular season.

There is still an opportunity for several teams to make the wild card spot of the playoffs in the AFC, while there are three teams tied for the top seed in the NFC. Each week is absolutely crucial now as every team has something on the line, whether it is playoff seeding or building for next year. Week 15 is next, let’s dive into it.

NFL Saturday, December 16

Cincinnati Bengals Minnesota Vikings

When Bengals starting QB Joe Burrow went down in week 11 with a torn ligament in his right wrist ruling him out for the season, most, including me, thought that also ended their playoff bid. However, we didn’t account for stand in Jake Browning picking up the mantle and keeping their hopes alive as he continued to excel in week 14 following an impressive display the week prior. In their 34-14 win over the Colts last week, Browning threw for 275 yards and 2 TDs. There was an INT in there as well, but the Bengals won’t mind the odd misstep if he continues putting up numbers like this. We all know about the Bengals’ three dangerous receivers, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd, but they now have an emerging ground game. Last week, Joe Mixon ran for 79 yards and a TD while Chase Brown ran for 80 yards and a TD. They are getting hot at just the right time. The Vikings have also experienced well documented QB problems ever since Kirk Cousins went down. After Josh Dobbs initially played well in his first game, his play has dropped dramatically leading to coach Kevin O’Connell taking him out in the 4th quarter of the ugly 3-0 win over the Raiders last week. There was nothing good on offense but at least praise the defense for shutting the Raiders out in Vegas. Minnesota must hope Nick Mullens can lift this team to make the postseason.

NFL Sunday, December 17

Detroit Lions Denver Broncos

Things are getting a little bit worrying in Detroit. They have been one of the stories of the season, no doubt, starting the season on fire and competing for the no1 seed in the NFC under the guidance of likeable head coach Dan Campbell. However, following the 28-13 defeat to the Bears last week, questions are now being asked. The Defense can’t stop anyone at the moment, giving up 29, 28 and 28 points in their last three contests. They have lost two of those, dropping their record to 9-4. Even Jared Goff, who has been so solid most of this season, is starting to throw too many interceptions, adding another two last week. They need to get back to the football they were playing earlier in the season and that must start this week as they welcome a Denver team hoping to continue their upward momentum. In the Broncos 24-7 win over the Chargers, Russell Wilson had another solid day and his linkup with Courtland Sutton was evident once again, as the receiver picked up 62 yards and a TD. Javonte Williams added another 66 yards and a TD on the ground. Add in a swarming defense and Denver will be a tough out down the stretch.

Buffalo Bills Dallas Cowboys

There was a huge sigh of relief in Buffalo on Sunday night that could be heard around the country. The Bills dramatically kept their playoff hopes alive with a 20-17 win over the Chiefs in Kansas. The Chiefs thought they had won it with a TD with seconds left on the clock but an offsides call on Kadarius Toney ruled it out and the Bills live to fight another day. James Cook was the star for Buffalo on the day, with 58 yards on the ground and 83 yards through the air on top of a TD. Credit the defense, too, for keeping the Chiefs down to 17 points to give Josh Allen and Co a chance. At 7-6, the Bills just need to keep stacking wins but they will face an extremely tough challenge this week against the Cowboys. Some argue too much attention is paid to Dallas when they don’t deserve it, but few could argue this team is electric right now. They welcomed arch rivals and division leaders the Eagles to Jerry World last Sunday night, and dismantled them 33-13. Dak Prescott continues to put himself in the MVP conversation and had another excellent night with 271 yards passing and 3 TDs. The defense did not allow Jalen Hurts and co to score an offensive touchdown and it was a super night for the whole organization. No doubt about it, Dallas are a major Super Bowl contender.

Jacksonville Jaguars Baltimore Ravens

Just a few weeks ago the Jaguars were in contention to be the no1 seed in the AFC. Following 2 straight defeats, the aim now is simply to win their division. After getting hurt in the week 13 loss to the Bengals, QB Trevor Lawrence suited up last week, but had an up an down day in a 31-27 defeat to the Browns. Lawrence threw for 257 yards, 3 TDs and 3 INTs. Tight End Evan Engram also had a great day with 95 yards and 2 TDs but it just wasn’t enough as the defense struggled all afternoon. It is not going to get any easier this week either as Lamar Jackson and the Ravens head to Jacksonville. In a tense, exciting game against the Rams in Baltimore last week, the Ravens won in overtime thanks to a walk off punt return by Tylan Wallace. They didn’t have things all their own way in the 37-31 win, but the offense was humming. Jackson threw for 316 yards and 3 TDs and Odell Beckham Jr. had 4 recs for 97 yards and a TD against his old team. This is a key game in the AFC playoff race, stand by.

NFL Monday, December 18

Seattle Seahawks Philadelphia Eagles

The Seahawks are in freefall. A 28-16 loss to the 49ers means they have now lost 4 straight games for the first time in the Pete Carroll era. Starting QB Geno Smith was inactive for this game meaning backup Drew Lock got the start. He did ok, throwing for 269 yards and 2TDs but there were also 2 costly interceptions in there. The Seahawks defense ranks near the bottom on nearly every list that matters and they haven’t been good enough all season. Add in inconsistent offensive play and it’s no wonder the playoffs now look out of reach. Plenty to ponder in the Pacific Northwest this offseason. It was also a humbling night for the Eagles. They were hoping to bounce back following a tough loss to the 49ers in week 13, but they were once again knocked out by an NFC rival. The offense didn’t score a touchdown and gave up three fumbles which proved hugely costly. The defense couldn’t stop Dak and co and has now given up 75 points in the last 2 weeks. Seattle isn’t the 49ers or the Cowboys so they will be hoping to end their losing skid in this Monday Night clash. They better, otherwise the concern in Philly will reach fever pitch.

Parlay Picks for Week 15