Broncos-Patriots Preview and Week 15 Picks!

I thought early in the year the Broncos had to be at least 9-4 heading into their final three games in order to have a very good shot at making the playoffs. At 8-5, the Broncos are in a battle for that last spot, and they are in basically must-win territory. This week in come the Patriots. Forget about last year's AFC Championship Game. This Denver defense is not the same as the one from last year, and their offense is not the same either. Here is why the Broncos are in trouble this week: First, they can't stop the run and the Pats can run the ball well. Secondly, they have trouble covering backs out of the backfield and the Pats will exploit that-especially with Brandon Marshall out of the game with a hamstring injury. Next, the Broncos will have trouble generating a pass rush because the Pats offensive line is playing very well. On offense, the Broncos can't run the ball on anyone, so I have a hard time thinking that they will be able to do it this week. The Pats defense is playing better each week, and they will get after Trevor Siemian. The Pats also smell blood in the water because a win will give them the AFC East once again, and they want to stick it to the Broncos after losing to them twice in Denver last year. Do you really think Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are going to lose to Denver three straight times?

New England (-3) over DENVER
Final Score: Patriots-30 Broncos-17

Last Week's Record: 9-6-1
Overall Record: 115-79-12
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

NY GIANTS (-3) over Detroit: The injury to Matt Stafford's hand could really hamper him in this huge game on Sunday. The 9-4 Lions and 9-4 Giants are in the thick of the NFC playoff picture, and this game will go along way in determining each team's fate come January. I like the Giants at home because I like how their defense is playing and with Stafford's injury in play, this could be a very tough game for the Lions.

BALTIMORE (-6) over Philly: Even at 7-6, the Ravens have a path to make the playoffs as a wild card. I think they will roll the Eagles at home on Sunday in rout.

CHICAGO (+7) over Green Bay: I fully expect the Packers to win the game, but this game seems like it might be close. The weather is going to be really cold in Chicago for this one, and for some reason I think the Bears keep it tight till the end.

MINNESOTA (-4) over Indy: Andrew Luck is banged up and the 6-7 Colts are almost out of it in the AFC South. I look for the Vikings to get to 8-6 with a pretty convincing win at home.

BUFFALO (-9) over Cleveland: The Bills are 6-7 but you can make a case that they can run the table the last three weeks. I think they will take their frustration out on the lowly Browns this week.

Tennessee (+6) over KANSAS CITY: Make no mistake: The Chiefs will win this game, but I could see this game being close. If the Titans can run the ball, then they can keep this game a lot closer than people think. The Chiefs will pull it out in the 4th quarter, but this game will go back and forth.

HOUSTON (-6) over Jacksonville: Houston can clinch the AFC South with wins in their next weeks and Tennessee losing once. I can't see the Jaguars going into Houston and winning this game. The Texans should win easily and be one step closer to the playoffs.

New Orleans (+3) over ARIZONA: The Cardinals are all but out of the NFC playoff race, and I think they will let down at home this week to the visiting Saints. I think the Saints will finish the season strong and look for them to pull the upset in Arizona on Sunday.

ATLANTA (-13) over San Francisco: Too easy for Atlanta here as the Falcons roll and get to 9-5.

Oakland (-3) over SAN DIEGO: The Chargers are basically done at 5-8 and it looks like they could be headed to LA after the season is over. I wouldn't expect much of a turnout on Sunday in San Diego as the Raiders will get back on track with a crucial win on the road.

Pittsburgh (-3) over CINCY: I think this game will be close, but I can't see the Steelers losing this game-even in Cincinnati. I wonder if the Bengals will be feisty the rest of the year, and I have a feeling that they will put all their chips on the table and play hard against their hated rivals.

Tampa Bay (+7) over DALLAS: I think the Cowboys will win the game, but you have to like the way the Bucs are playing during their five-game winning streak. I think that this game will be close throughout, but the Cowboys will pull the game out late in a thriller.

WASHINGTON (-6) over Carolina: The Redskins are 7-5-1 and right on the cusp of a wild card berth in the NFC. The Panthers are 5-8 and playing out the string on a very disappointing season. The Skins have more to play for and are at home, so I look for a very easy win in DC on Monday Night Football.