NFL 2017 Week 15 picks

Two division titles were crowned this week, and the Patriots failed to capture a third.  The state of Pennsylvania can be proud of both the Steelers and Eagles, the best teams in their respective conferences and the only division winners right now.  The Patriots and Vikings could both clinch their division titles this week, too.  They each need a win or a loss by their second-place team (Buffalo in New England's case, and Detroit in Minnesota's).  I'm predicting one of those titles to be awarded; the other might be more difficult.  Which one do I crown?  Keep reading.

Thurs Dec 14
Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts:  The Colts might actually be able to win this one, as the Broncos have been the masters of inconsistency.  However, benching Trevor Siemian earlier seems to have given him new life, and that drive should propel them past the hapless Colts.  BRONCOS

Sat Dec 16
Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions:  The Lions remain in the playoff hunt with a win over the Bears.  Despite a huge one-sided victory last week by Mitch Trubisky and crew, Detroit will get that win.  LIONS

Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs:  The Chiefs finally won a game, but I'm not sure they've really worked out their troubles.  Also, the Chargers are on a phenomenal winning streak, and they seem to just get better every week.  Given the struggles experienced by the other teams in this division, the Chargers just might be a dark horse pick to win the AFC West.  CHARGERS

Sunday early games
Arizona Cardinals at Washington Redskins:  Either team could win this game, but Kirk Cousins is battling for respect (again!).  That could motivate him to propel his team to victory.  REDSKINS

Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns:  Cleveland advances to 0-14.  RAVENS

Cincinnati Bengals at Minnesota Vikings:  The Vikings win the NFC North with a win.  That win should happen, and their staunch defense will guarantee it.  VIKINGS

Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers:  A loss likely knocks the Pack out of playoff contention, and puts the Panthers in good stead to clinch a playoff spot.  This is an important game for them, and I think Cam Newton will step up to cause this win.  PANTHERS

Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars:  In the strangest turn of events, last season's losers lead the AFC South.  Stranger still is the fact that Jacksonville looked so weak in the preseason.  Now, Blake Bortles looks brilliant and the Jags have the inside track to a division title.  A win here will put the Jags in good position.  JAGUARS

Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills:  The Bills are chasing a playoff spot with Baltimore.  Knowing the Ravens face the winless Browns, the Bills know they need a win.  Miami just upset New England, and they may be ripe for a letdown after that.  That's an opening the Bills can exploit.  BILLS

New York Jets at New Orleans Saints:  The Jets defense cannot stop the high-powered Saints offense, and the improved Saints defense will prevent the Jets offense from keeping pace.  SAINTS

Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants:  The Eagles have won the NFC East, but they won't slow down.  They are jockeying for home field advantage, so they need to keep racking up wins.  This one shouldn't be too difficult.  EAGLES

Sunday late games
Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks:  Here's an upset pick.  The Rams may be the favorite in the NFC West, and will likely win the division, but they'll encounter a hiccup this week in Seattle.  The Seahawks are extra strong at home, and they are unbeaten against divisional opponents this season.  The will, I believe, continue with this game.  SEAHAWKS

New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers:  The Patriots get a second chance to clinch the AFC East.  Amazingly, I think they'll miss it again.  The Steelers want home field advantage through the playoffs, and beating the Patriots this week will give them a two-game edge and the tiebreaker over them, thus clinching the desired home field advantage.  Don't expect the Patriots to make it easy for them, but I think the Pats will experience a rare two-game losing streak.  STEELERS

Tennessee Titans at San Francisco 49ers:  Jimmy Garrafalo has revitalized the 49ers, as they have won two games in a row.  Can he push them past the Titans?  Certainly the Jaguars hope they can, but I'm not so sure.  This might be close, though.  TITANS

Sunday night
Dallas Cowboys at Oakland Raiders:  The Cowboys are persevering without Zeke Elliot, and this game will be a great example of what they need during this period.  The Raiders fight hard, but peter out in the fourth quarter.  They aren't aren't aggressive enough on defense to slow receivers like Dez Bryant.  COWBOYS

Monday Night Football
Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Bucs:  The Falcons are also chasing a playoff berth, and Matt Ryan and company seem to have found their mojo again.  That makes them tough opponents.  FALCONS