Week 15 Picks!

I'll get to the picks for Week 15 in a few, but I wanted to get to some housecleaning items with the Broncos.
-First, on Friday night Denver reached an extension with CB Chris Harris on a new five-year deal. This was a huge signing because Harris was set to hit the free agent market this spring. The Broncos had to get Harris under contract because if he hit the open market, he would cost a fortune. Good job by the Broncos and good job by John Elway for locking up Harris, who has been nothing short of spectacular this season.
-If I was prioritizing the Broncos upcoming free agents, I would consider the list to look like this:
1) Demaryius Thomas
2) Julius Thomas
3) Terrence Knighton
I think you could replace Knighton with a group of cheaper guys, and I don't think you can replace players like the Thomas'.

-I like the move to re-sign Brandon McManus to the active roster after dumping him for Connor Barth. Barth will handle the field goal duties, while McManus will handle the kickoff duties. You can't underestimate how important field position is and McManus gives the Broncos that luxury.

-I'm glad they were able to re-sign Isaiah Burse to the practice squad after waiving him for McManus before last week's game against Buffalo.

-The Broncos put Montee Ball on IR because they had to make room for LB Danny Trevathan. I am really looking forward to seeing the combo of Trevathan and Brandon Marshall on the field together at the same time. Ball's second season ends with a huge disappointment though.

-Finally, can we stop with the Peyton Manning is struggling talk? I hope that fuels Manning this week in San Diego against the Chargers with the AFC West on the line.

Now, onto the picks for Week 15....

Last Week's Record: 11-5
Overall Record: 108-94-6
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

KANSAS CITY (-8) over Oakland: The Chiefs will rebound and stop their three-game losing streak with a big win at home over the Raiders. I still have a feeling that Chiefs-Chargers Week 17 game will be a win and in type of game.

Jacksonville (+14) over BALTIMORE: Hoping for a backdoor cover here. The Ravens will win this game, but maybe they get a little sloppy after last week's huge road win at Miami.

ATLANTA (+3) over Pittsburgh: I can't trust the Steelers. Last week, they blow out the Bengals in Cincy, and now this week they head to Atlanta. SOMEONE has to win the NFC South, and maybe the Falcons find a way here at home.

INDY (-6) over Houston: If only the Texans had an improved QB situation, then they could have legitimately won the AFC South this year. Instead, the Colts look to wrap it up with a win this Sunday at home. I still don't know what to make of the Colts. Their only impressive win this year was a home win over the Bengals. I don't know how good they are, but I do know that anyone who has to face Andrew Luck in the playoffs will be very nervous.

Cincy (+1) over CLEVELAND: Johnny Football!!!! Finally, we get to see Johnny Manziel start a game for the Browns. I love how like 15% of the country was getting this game, and then as soon as Manziel was named the starter, something like 48% is getting the game. Huge game, but I think the Bengals squeeze out another ugly win.

NEW ENGLAND (-6) over Miami: The Dolphins are really hard to understand. At 7-6, this is basically a playoff game for them. By the way, if they decide to make a change with their head coach next year-could you blame them with Joe Philbin-I think they would be the #1 job available for any candidate. The Pats never lose at home to an AFC team, and I don't think they will slip up here.

Tampa Bay (+3) over CAROLINA: Who cares about this game? I have to pick it, so I'll take the Bucs on the road. By the way #2: I see the Bucs drafting Jameis Winston next year with the thought that Lovie Smith will keep him in line and keep Winston in the state of Florida. That's my prediction.

NY GIANTS (-5) over Washington: At least the Giants and their fans get to watch Odell Beckham for the next three weeks! At least the Redskins and their fans only have to sit through the Jay Gruden era for the next three weeks!

BUFFALO (+5) over Green Bay: The shocker of the day! Bills-24 Packers-23! On second thought, the Packers will win this game, but the Bills will give them a fight. I see a close game with Aaron Rodgers leading the Pack down for a late score followed by Kyle Orton throwing one of his patented game-clinching interceptions to seal the deal for Green Bay.

Minnesota (+8) over DETROIT: I think the Vikings keep it close, but the Lions find a way to win. Are the Lions ready to implode just yet? Could this be the week the Lions finally show their true colors?

TENNESSEE (+3) over New York Jets: Another awful contest. Jets fans are rooting against their team, so they can get the #1 pick in the 2015 Draft. The Titans are rooting against their team, so they can get the #1 pick in the 2015 Draft. Jets-Titans in a somehow meaningless yet meaningful December game!

San Francisco (+10) over SEATTLE: Just when you think the Niners are done, they find a way to cover at Seattle. Make no mistake the Seahawks are winning this game, but look for this game to be closer than the line.

Dallas (+4) over PHILLY: The NFC East Divisional Championship Game on SNF! Awesome matchup between two 9-4 teams. I have a sneaking suspicion that the Cowboys will win this game. I don't really know why, but I just have a feeling.

New Orleans (-3) over CHICAGO: A battle between two of the most disappointing teams in the NFC this year. The Saints are 5-8 and look like a shit-show basically every week, and the Bears are so dysfunctional that their offensive coordinator cried during a team meeting because he revealed that he called out QB Jay Cutler to a NFL Network reporter two weeks ago.

SAN DIEGO (+4) over Denver: This is a tough spot for the Broncos. The Chargers NEED to win this game to stay in the playoff hunt and in the AFC West race. Denver could lose this game, fall to 10-4, and still win the division. I just think that the Chargers at home might be a little too much for the Broncos in this game.

Final Score: Chargers-30 Broncos-24