Picking upsets for Week 15 of the NFL season
The Week 14 NFL slate offered up what may eventually go into the books as the game of the year, as the Los Angeles Rams held off the Buffalo Bills by a final score of 44-42.
The Week 15 slate? Well, that offers not one, but two potential Super Bowl previews. Both come in the late-afternoon slate, the first a game between the Detroit Lions and the Bills, the second an inter-state showdown between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
But are there any upsets to be found this week, potentially even in those two games?
Let’s find out.
Jacksonville Jaguars (+3.5) over New York Jets — Mark Schofield
The last time I put my faith in Mac Jones?
Well, I was not an F1 writer yet, that’s for sure.
But in a battle of two teams that are thinking more about the offseason, and two organizations that are thinking more about who their next head coach might be and about getting down to Mobile for the Senior Bowl, give me the team playing at home.
Miami Dolphins (+3) over Houston Texans — James Dator
Before the season began you’d probably give the edge to Miami here, and they’re essentially the same team that started the season with Tua Tagovailoa back under center. The problem here for Houston is that they’re just not performing right now.
The Texans have taken a significant step back from their stunning 2023 season and C.J. Stroud is struggling a lot more than anyone expected. Couple this with the fact the Texans currently have the 31st ranked pass defense in touchdowns allowed and there’s a real chance that Mike McDaniel’s offense can eat.
I’d be tempted to take the Dolphins outright, but +3 against the spread makes this an easier call.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+3) over Los Angeles Chargers — JP Acosta
The Bucs now have new life after the Falcons latest slide, finding themselves in first place of the NFC South. I think they’ve found a lot of sustainability on the ground despite QB Baker Mayfield, who has thrown four interceptions in three games. The group of RBs Rachaad White, Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker have played really well this season, and coordinator Liam Coen has done a fantastic job diversifying themselves on the ground. I like the Bucs here because of their offense, as well as Justin Herbert’s lingering ankle injury from the Chiefs’ game. As great as the Chargers’ defense is, they’re merely fine as a run stopping unit. That battle on the ground will be fun to watch, but if Herbert can’t get going, I think the Bucs can pull one out.
