
3News’ Ben Axelrod makes his picks against the spread for every game in Week 15 of the 2020 NFL season.
CLEVELAND — No catchy quote from me this week. Ties don’t deserve quotes.
After posting an 8-8 record in Week 14, my tally for the season now stands at 93-94-2. Let’s get back to winning with my Week 15 picks.
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Las Vegas Raiders (-3.5) vs. Los Angeles Chargers
The Raiders were already reeling before firing their defensive coordinator on a short week. Even without Mike Williams and potentially Keenan Allen, the Chargers possess enough talent to not only cover, but win outright, so long as Anthony Lynn can stay out of the way.
Green Bay Packers (-8.5) vs. Carolina Panthers
Seven of Green Bay’s 10 wins this season have come by double-digits. After only beating the Lions by seven last week, I expect that trend to pick back up against a Panthers team with little left to play for this season.
Denver Broncos (+6) vs. Buffalo Bills
Buffalo has won four of its last five games, with all four victories coming by double-digits. Denver might be 5-8, but its track record against winning teams is more than lacking.
Indianapolis Colts (-7.5) vs. Houston Texans
There’s not much to like about this Texans team at this point in the season. But 7.5 points are too many to bet against any offense with Deshaun Watson at quarterback.
Tennessee Titans (-11) vs. Detroit Lions
There’s been a lot of value this season in just taking the points in games with double-digit lines. And while I’ll likely go against that logic later, Detroit has enough talent to make good on it here.
Los Angeles Rams (-17.5) vs. New York Jets
As much of a mismatch as this game is, the Rams aren’t the type of high-powered offense I’d want to back to cover such a large line. Even if the Jets go scoreless, a 17-0 Los Angeles victory is still a New York cover.
Atlanta Falcons (+6) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This is a classic case of two teams heading in different directions in the final stretch of the season. Even as rusty as Tampa Bay looked at times last week, it still beat a decent Vikings team by double-digits.
Miami Dolphins (-1.5) vs. New England Patriots
Miami ranks as Football Outsiders’ No. 11 team in DVOA, while New England comes in at No. 20. Factor in the uncertainty at quarterback for the Patriots and this seems like a decent spot for the Dolphins.
Washington Football Team (+5.5) vs. Seattle Seahawks
Regardless of who’s playing quarterback for Washington, its defensive line is legit. This seems like too many points for a Seattle team that’s largely been inconsistent when it’s not playing the Jets.
Minnesota Vikings (-3) vs. Chicago Bears
It’s one thing for Mitchell Trubisky to beat up on the Texans, but the Vikings present a much tougher test. I expect Minnesota to bounce back in a big way after last week’s loss to Tampa Bay.
Baltimore Ravens (-13) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Remember what I said about just taking the points? It doesn’t apply when it means having to back the Jaguars — especially against a Ravens squad fighting for its playoff life.
New York Giants (+6) vs. Cleveland Browns
Under Kevin Stefanski, the Browns have done a good job of bouncing back after losses. I expect Sunday to be more of the same, especially with New York missing its top defensive player in cornerback James Bradberry.
Arizona Cardinals (-6.5) vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Even in Week 15, it’s tough to know what to make of the Eagles considering how horrible Carson Wentz was. Jalen Hurts might not have MVP upside, but so long as he takes care of the ball, Philadelphia possesses enough overall talent to at least cover.
New Orleans Saints (+3) vs. Kansas City Chiefs
With Taysom Hill at quarterback, it’s hard to imagine New Orleans keeping pace with Patrick Mahomes.
Dallas Cowboys (+3) vs. San Francisco 49ers
If nothing else, Dallas has finally found some stability with Andy Dalton at quarterback. Plus, the Cowboys are somehow still alive in the NFC East, despite their 4-9 record.
Cincinnati Bengals (+13) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
It’s tough to lay 13 points to any team this season. But it’d be even tougher to think of a better spot for Pittsburgh to bounce back in a big way after two consecutive losses.