Week 15 means the last of the Thursday games and the beginning of the Saturday games. Don’t forget to get your Week 15 picks in early as there are two games on Saturday. The Jets welcome the Texans and the Browns visit the Broncos. Last week was another brutal 9-7 showing which has me at 133-75 straight up. If I don’t get to 165, I’ll be pretty bummed, because as you’ll see below the over/under picks have not been great. You tend to see more line movement this time of the year with all the injuries, so make sure you check back as I’ll be making updates. For example, the Seattle Seahawks opened up as -6.5 favorites and it’s changed to -3.5. The Rams’ line is moving by the minute. Good luck to all making Week 15 NFL picks.
We’ll keep track of all my picks throughout the season, including my losses! Over time, we’ll find out if you should back me or straight up fade me. Send your complaints to @chrismeaney.
Last week:
SU: 9-7
AS: 8-8
O/U: 5-11
Season total:
SU: 133-75
AS: 113-95
O/U: 110-97
Week 15 NFL Picks
Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs -3.5 (54)
SU: Chiefs
AS: Chargers
O/U: Over
It’s really hard to pick against the Chiefs, especially at Arrowhead where Philip Rivers has struggled. Both star running backs in Kareem Hunt and Melvin Gordon are sidelined, but both offenses should still be able to put up points. The Chargers may be the best all around team in the AFC and it’s that defense and lack thereof in KC that will keep this game close.
Houston Texans -7 @ New York Jets (41.5)
SU: Texans
AS: Texans
O/U: Under
The Texans had their nine game winning streak snapped last week, but they should have no problem getting back into the win column with a matchup against Sam Darnold and the Jets.
Cleveland Browns @ Denver Broncos -2.5 (45.5)
SU: Browns
AS: Browns
O/U: Under
Denver opened up as 3.5 favorites and I was quick to jump on Cleveland because I felt like this was not only a game they could win, but one they could keep within a field goal. The line has moved slightly, which I’m sure makes many feel better about Denver on the spread, but I’m taking the road dogs. Denver’s lacklustre offense is my reasoning. Both Nick Chubb and Philip Lindsay should continue to be workhorses. Baker Mayfield may struggle, but he’ll do enough. Grind out the under fellas!
Arizona Cardinals @ Atlanta Falcons – 10 (44)
SU: Falcons
AS: Falcons
O/U: Under
I want to give the Cardinals’ defense enough respect to the fact where they could potential cover this game, but it’s hard to imagine them putting up many points. Even against Atlanta’s defense. They could only manage three points at home against Detroit last week. I like David Johnson, but that’s about it. 24-10 final.
Dallas Cowboys @ Indianpolis Colts -3 (47)
SU: Cowboys
AS: Colts
O/U: Over
This is the second-highest total on the main slate, so attack it in DFS as I think there will be some points scored. Many want to see one more road win from Dallas before they buy in. They are 5-1 with Amari Cooper and they have won five straight games, including matchups in Philly and Atlanta. I’ve already bought in. I think they have the better all around football team, and I don’t know how healthy T.Y. Hilton is. Both teams are hard to run on, but Marlon Mack has been invisible of late. Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas’ defense will do enough. Thinking last team to have the ball wins. Stronger run game in Dallas.
Detroit Lions @ Buffalo Bills -2 (40)
SU: Bills
AS: Bills
O/U: Under
Josh Allen leads all QB’s in rushing yards and has 335 in his last three games. Buffalo’s defense is strong and Tre’Davious White will take care of Kenny Golladay. Bills at home by field goal. Also, Allen and Robert Foster is a thing.
Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears -6 (45)
SU: Bears
AS: Packers
O/U: Under
It’s possible Chicago’s defense has a bit of a let down here after last week’s strong showing against the Rams. With that said, Aaron Rodgers hasn’t thrown more than two touchdowns since Week 5 and he’s been held to under 200 yards passing in three of his past five games. Divisional matchup, though, with small playoff hopes for GB. They’ll keep things close in what will be a low scoring game.
Miami Dolphins @ Minnesota Vikings -7.5 (44.5)
SU: Vikings
AS: Dolphins
O/U: Under
I expect a bounce back performance here for the Vikings after the firing of OC John DeFilippo. The defense remains strong, especially at home which should be enough to win. As much as I like Kirk Cousins and Dalvin Cook this week there’s no reason they should be favored by more than a touchdown.
Oakland Raiders @ Cincinnati Benglas -3 (46)
SU: Bengals
AS: Bengals
O/U: Over
Both of these teams are absolute trash and neither can play any defense. Joe Mixon is my favorite player in this matchup and I’ll just side with him and the home team here. Honestly, they rank first or second in yards, points and fantasy points against. Underrated game to attack from a DFS standpoint. Jordy Nelson, Jared Cook, Doug Martin and Tyler Boyd are all in play.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Baltimore Ravens -7 (46.5)
SU: Ravens
AS: Ravens
O/U: Under
Lamar Jackson did enough last week to hang around in KC so he’ll get another start, but how long will his leash be now that Joe Flacco will be active? The defense is strong and they’ll have success running the football with Gus Edwards and Kenneth Dixon.
Tennessee Titans @ New York Giants -2 (43.5)
SU: Titans
AS: Titans
O/U: Under
It doesn’t look like the Giants will get back OBJ, so Tennessee’s strong run defense will just focus in on Saquon Barkley. It’s a tough task, but they did OK against Leonard Fournette last week. Derrick Henry won’t have 200 plus yards, but this is a great matchup for him. TEN is 3-0 when he gets at least 17 carries and they’ve won three straight games when he has at least 10 carries.
Washington Redskins @ Jacksonville Jaguars -7.5 (36)
SU: Jaguars
AS: Jaguars
O/U: Under
Bounce back spot for Leonard Fournette and a tough spot for Josh Johnson. This Jacksonville defense is still a strong unit, especially at home. There are just too many injuries in Washington to feel good about them covering, let alone moving the ball. You’ll sweat out the -7.5, but I think it gets there. 17-7 final.
Seattle Seahawks -3.5 @ San Francisco 49ers (44)
SU: Seahawks
AS: Seahawks
O/U: Over
Seattle opened up as 6.5 favorites, but this line has moved big time in favor of SF. I’m not sure if it has anything to do with SF’s win against Denver or Russel Willson’s poor showing last week, but the 49ers can’t play defense like the Vikings. They shouldn’t have an issue covering here, despite the road game.
New England Patriots -2.5 @ Pittsburgh Steelers (52)
SU: Patriots
AS: Patriots
O/U: Over
I always seem to pick the Steelers when these two meet up in Pittsburgh, but I’m usually on the wrong side of it. It’s hard to have any faith in the Steelers with their play lately, and New England is coming off a heartbreaking loss, which usually means trouble for the opposing team. This should be a close game, but the feeling for me is that PIT will find another way to lose. This may be the start of the end for Mike Tomlin.
Philadelphia Eagles @ Los Angeles Rams -11.5 (52)
SU: Rams
AS: Rams
O/U: Over
Carson Wentz is all but ruled out of this game due to a fracture in his back. It was Week 14 in Los Angeles last season, where Nick Foles took over for the injured Wentz. He’s been in this spot before, but this has a different feel to it. Philly is banged up all over the place. The Rams should win pretty easily.
New Orleans Saints -6.5 @ Carolina Panthers (51.5)
SU: Saints
AS: Saints
O/U: Over
Carolina has lost five straight games and will be hard pressed to keep this Saints offense under 30 points, despite playing at home. Cam Newton is clearly feeling his shoulder injury more than he’s letting on as he’s thrown five picks in the last two games and eight in his past five games.
Like these Week 15 NFL Picks? Get more Chris Meaney on his new podcast, By Any Means. Each week he’ll bring in guests from around the industry to break down all the fantasy news you need to know for your march to the championship.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Fantrax is one of the fastest growing fantasy sites of 2018. With multi-team trades, designated commissioner/league managers, and drag/drop easy click methods, Fantrax is sure to excite the serious fantasy sports fan – sign up now for a free year at Fantrax.com.