Forecaster Frank NFL Week 15: Season Beatings

Last week, I had my worst week of the season, going 4-7-2. I am now 113-89-6. 

Thursday Night

• SF-3 (o/u 48.5)
• 49ers 27 Rams 19

The Rams have been inconsistent all season. They have had incredible highs, such as their win over Buffalo last week, but they have also lost to the Bears. They also have not fared well in primetime. The 49ers, ravaged by injuries, can still claw their way to the playoffs but cannot afford a second loss to the Rams, as their division record is not good. 

Sunday at 1 

• Car -3 (o/u 43)
• Panthers 27 Cowboys 16

The Panthers have begun to show improvement, as they have had chances to beat the Eagles and the Chiefs in the past three weeks. The Cowboys, meanwhile, look like a team in disarray after their terrible Monday night loss to the Bengals. 

• Cle +4 (o/u 44)
• Browns 20 Chiefs 17

The Chiefs have had a string of near misses all season. Their 12-1 record does not reflect their struggle in games, as they have not been able to cover the spread for much of the season. The Browns and Jameis Winston have had a lost season, but Jameis' haphazard style seems ready-made to give the Chiefs a rare loss. 

• Hou -3 (o/u 47)
• Texans 30 Dolphins 17

The Dolphins have a faint chance to make the playoffs. However, its a longshot at best. The Texans have had their struggles, but coming off a bye week refreshed, they should be able to get on track as the division title is within their grasp. 

• NYJ -3 (o/u 40.5)
• Jets 24 Jaguars 13

The Jets playoff hopes officially ended as they let another game they should have won slip away in Miami. Now the focus is on draft position, which means they will win some games, as the Jets always go against the grain and ruin what could be a good draft pick against a team also competing for a top pick amid a disappointing season. 

• Was -7.5 (o/u 43.5)
• Commanders 34 Saints 10

Derek Carr is out again after fracturing his hand while attempting a leap against the Giants. The last time Carr was sidelined, the Saints were an abject disaster. Look for that to happen again, as Washington wins the game easily. 

• Bal -16 (o/u 42.5)
• Ravens 37 Giants 6

The Giants have not been a two-touchdown underdog at home in 60 years. The spread shows the hopeless state the Giants are in. I guess. There is a feeling that the team needs to be turned upside down as there must be a house cleaning after the season. 

• Cin -5 (o/u 46.5)
• Bengals 31 Titans 13

The Bengals' hopes remain alive as they benefited from the Cowboys screwing up a punt block. They now face a struggling Titans team that they should be able to dominate. 

Sunday Late Games

• NE +6 (o/u 46)
• Cardinals 20 Patriots 17

The Cardinals went from being in first place to having their season on the brink with three straight losses. The Patriots are eliminated but have played well in recent weeks. This looks like another close game, with the Patriots falling short as the Cardinals keep their hopes alive. 

• Den -4 (o/u 44)
• Broncos 27 Colts 17

The Broncos and Colts each have a shot at the last playoff spot in the AFC. This game will be a significant deciding factor. These teams are similar, but the Broncos' defense is slightly better than the Colts, while Bo Nix is making a case for Rookie of the Year. 

• Buf +2.5 (o/u 54.5)
• Bills 45 Lions 40

Last week, the Bills lost a shootout in Los Angeles. Expect another shootout this week, as the Lions' defense has been lethal all season. In addition, the Lions' defense is banged up and vulnerable. This time, the Bills will win. 

• TB +2.5 (o/u 45.5)
• Buccaneers 24 Chargers 20

The Buccaneers are starting to find a groove as they have risen to the top of the NFC South. The Chargers are still in position for the playoffs but have been sputtering over a tough stretch in their schedule. Expect the Bucs to win and continue their late-season surge. 

• Pit +5.5 (o/u 42.5)
• Eagles 23 Steelers 20

The battle of Pennsylvania sees two first-place teams coming in playing solid football. The Eagles are home but have not always had their best games at home. The Steelers are well coached and are in every game, don't be shocked if this one goes into overtime. 

Sunday Night

• GB -2.5 (o/u 45.5)
• Packers 27 Seahawks 23

It has been a strange year for the Seahawks, who have struggled at home, including a loss to the pathetic Giants. The Packers have had their ups and downs, but their losses have come from the top teams in the NFC. The Seahawks are not a top team.

Monday Night

• Min -6.5 (o/u 43.5)
• Vikings 31 Bears 16

As the season goes on, the Bears seem to be playing worse. A new coach did nothing to reverse that trend last week. The Vikings, meanwhile, are just one game behind the Lions for first place with a shot at getting home field in the playoffs in reach. 

• LV +4 (o/u 44)
• Falcons 20 Raiders 17

After playing well early in the season, Kirk Cousins has been struggling as the Falcons have dropped four straight. The Raiders, meanwhile, are among the worst teams in the NFL but manage to stay in the game most weeks. This one will be ugly.