The 2009 NFL Week 15 schedule kicks off on Thursday, December 17th when undefeated Indianapolis travels to Jacksonville.
After last week’s three-point win over the Washington Redskins, people were beginning to call the New Orleans Saints lucky rather than good. I wonder what they’re going to call them this week, after yet another close contest with a team missing its best two players.
2009 NFL Week 15 will be instrumental in the playoff picture. Each loss can spell the end of a team's hopes. Each win can bring a squad that much closer to their post season desire. Look for every team to put out the ultimate effort.
Here is your 2009 NFL Week 15 picks and predictions:
Indianapolis vs Jacksonville
The Colts have home field advantage throughout the playoffs but it's too early to start resting players. The culture of Indi is to do what they need to in order to make the playoffs but not to go for any regular season glory. There's a real chance of a loss for them over the next three weeks. The Jaguars are in the playoff hunt but their defense will not hold up in Week 15.
Indianapolis 23, Jacksonville 17
Saturday, December 19th
Dallas vs New Orleans
Unlike the Colts, the Saints need to continue to win to secure home field advantage. There is really no reason to think they will lose this home game. Dallas on the other hand is completely unpredictable. They are in the playoff picture but have the December jitters. No amount of analysis will account for the Cowboys inability to win in this month.
New Orleans 33, Dallas 21
Sunday, December 20th
New England vs Buffalo, 1:00PM ET
The Patriots by no means have their division locked up. The Dolphins and Jets are breathing down their neck. They also have looked very vulnerable. The Bills have the tools to surprise the Patriots. The question is if Buffalo will reach into that tool box and pick the right utensil.
New England 21, Buffalo 13
Arizona vs Detroit, 1:00PM ET
The Cardinals should be scared, not about the Lions, but about ever reaching their ultimate goal. They showed how out of character they can get if things don't start right. Fortunately for them they are playing the Lions and should have no problem no matter how out of sorts they are.
Arizona 30, Detroit 12
Miami vs Tennessee, 1:00PM ET
A few weeks ago this wouldn't be a hard prediction to make. But here in Week 15 it's hard to say who has the better team. Both have glaring deficiencies but both have had nice bright spots to the 2009 season. If Vince Young is healthy the Titans have more fire power. But if Young is still nursing the strained hamstring then the Dolphins have the edge.
Miami 27, Tennessee 17
Cleveland vs Kansas City, 1:00PM ET
Who knows? Who cares? Let's just say that the emotional high that the Browns are feeling after beating the Steelers will carry over into Week 15. The Chiefs do have the offensive capability to put some points on the board against a horrible defense.
Cleveland 20, Kansas City 10
Houston vs St. Louis, 1:00PM ET
The Texans just destroyed the Seahawks in Week 14 and should have a similar display against the Rams. St. Louis is arguably the worst team in the NFL.
Houston 30, St. Louis 9
Atlanta vs NY Jets, 1:00PM ET
The Falcons rise and fall with the health of Matt Ryan. If they had been full strength against the Saints who knows what the outcome would have been. Atlanta's physical condition is too much of an unknown to predict their success. Meanwhile the Jets have been respectable, not outstanding, but respectable. This should be a tough contest with defense winning out.
NY Jets 17, Atlanta 14
San Francisco vs Philadelphia, 1:00PM ET
The 49ers show drops of skill but buckets of incompetence. The Eagles are starting to roll and have a division hanging on every victory. While San Francisco has a stellar defense, Philadelphia's offensive schemes will confuse them and dash their playoff hopes.
Philadelphia 24, San Francisco 16
Chicago vs Baltimore, 1:00PM ET
The Bears are just not right. They have the look of a team who has given up on the 2009 season. The Ravens showed off the offensive explosion they have in them. Baltimore has too much on the line to let this one get away.
Baltimore 21, Chicago 13
Cincinnati vs San Diego, 4:05PM ET
This can be pointed to as the Week 15 highlight. Both the Bengals and the Chargers are leading their divisions but aren't feeling too comfortable. The Bengals defense isn't quite as stellar as they hoped and the Chargers can't seem to be stopped. This one will have playoff intensity!
San Diego 27, Cincinnati 13
Oakland vs Denver, 4:05PM ET
The Raiders can't catch a break. Just when they think things are starting to click Gradkowski goes down and Russell comes in to ruin the day. Their offense will again be anemic. The Broncos were bullied by a better team but still have some potential. They'll need to play with heart to keep their playoff hopes intact.
Denver 24, Oakland 6
Green Bay vs Pittsburgh, 4:15PM ET
The Packers seem to be gelling at just the right time. They are in a good position in the wildcard race but need to keep their focus. The Steelers are reeling. They really don't seem to know what is wrong and therefore there is no reason to think this week will be any different than the last five.
Green Bay 28, Pittsburgh 17
Tampa Bay vs Seattle, 4:15PM ET
Could Week 15 bring the Buccaneers their second win of the 2009 NFL season? Maybe but don't count on it. If the Seahawks show up the way they can they should be able to handle this opponent much easier than they did their last.
Seattle 20, Tampa Bay 17
Minnesota vs Carolina, 8:20PM ET
The Vikings have clinched a playoff birth but there's still much work to be done to make their situation a little more comfortable. The positive thing for them is they have every reason to think they are dominant. Offense, defense, desire are all working together right now. The Panthers have wanted to play good football but just don't have the ability to.
Minnesota 35, Carolina 17
Monday, December 21st
NY Giants vs Washington, 8:30PM ET
The Giants need this! If New York wants to keep any aspiration of being in the playoffs they need to come to this contest ready to play. The Redskins can play the spoiler. Their season is over but they can rise to the occasion playing this divisional rival.
NY Giants 24, Washington 21
Football betting offers great many picks and odds for upcoming week in this NFL Regular season.