Forecaster Frank NFL Picks Week 15: The Most Miserable Time of the Year

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I was terrible last week, posting a record of 5-9-1. For the season, I am 95-109-4.

Thursday Night

• LV -3 (o/u 34.5)
• Raiders 11 Chargers 3

We have got a quarterback matchup of Aiden O'Connell and Easton Stick. I rather watch some Christmas specials or movies. Just think about Al Michaels, 80 years old and calling unwatchable football games. The Raiders have the better defense and will win the game.

Saturday

• Cin -3.5 (o/u 39.5)
• Bengals 27 Vikings 10

Nick Mullens will get the start for the struggling Vikings, as Jake Browning, off two straight solid performances, has gotten the Bengals back in the Wild Card hunt.  It's hard to see Mullens getting the win here, especially given the Bengals' momentum. 

• Ind -2.5 (o/u 42.5)
• Colts 20 Steelers 13

It is a battle of 7-6 teams in what could be a final four-game stretch for the AFC's final playoff spots. Gardner Minshew has been strong for the Colts, while Mitch Trubisky and the Steelers' offense has looked feeble. Expect the Steelers to fall again as they fade out of the playoff race. 

• Det -4 (o/u 47.5)
• Lions 31 Broncos 20

The Lions have struggled lately, but the Packers and Vikings have failed to make a significant move. A win here will be ten for the Lions as they inch closer to their first division title in 29 years. 

Sunday at 1 

• Atl -3 (o/u 35.5)
• Falcons 34 Panthers 10

Somebody has to win the NFC South, with three teams tied atop with a 6-7 record. The winner is likely who can take advantage of playing the putrid Panthers. The Panthers are a disaster at one win, with no hope coming any time soon. 

• Cle -3 (o/u 37.5)
• Browns 23 Bears 13

Led by Myles Garrett, the Browns' defense has kept the team in the playoff chance despite cycling through four quarterbacks. Expect another big day as Garrett makes his case for Defensive Player of the Year, with the Bears winning again. 

• GB -3.5 (o/u 41.5)
• Packers 24 Buccaneers 20

The Packers suffered a letdown on Monday and need to bounce back quickly if they intend to stay in the playoff chase. Expect Jordan Love to play well as the Buccaneers struggle in cold weather conditions. 

• NYJ +8 (o/u 37.5)
• Jets 34 Dolphins 10

When the Christmas lights go up, the Dolphins go down. The Dolphins' annual December Dive has begun after they blew a 14-point lead in the final three minutes against the Titans. Expect more epic failure as December continues to be a nightmare and the Dolphins season crashes in flames, especially after someone celebrated ten wins, forever cursing the season.

• KC -9 (o/u 37.5)
• Chiefs 38 Patriots 10

The countdown has begun as it is reported that Bill Belichick will be dismissed following the season. Following two frustrating losses, the Chiefs will be at their best as the Patriots begin the march to one of the top draft picks. 

• NYG +6 (o/u 37.5)
• Saints 24 Giants 20

Tommy DeVito is quickly becoming a New York folk hero as the Giants have won their last three games. Imagine if they let him throw the ball against the Jets. The Saints are among the three 6-7 teams looking to win the NFC South. The Saints should win the game, but it will take 60 minutes. 

• Ten -2.5 (o/u 37.5)
• Titans 34 Texans 13

With CJ Stroud in concussion protocol and the Texans' best offensive weapons ailing, it is hard to see a win for Houston. The Titans rallied to win on Monday night and can try to make some noise as they close out the season. 

Sunday Late Games

• SF -13.5 (o/u 47.5)
• 49ers 39 Cardinals 13

The 49ers are finishing strong as they have the inside track to get home field in the playoffs. Expect another big day for Brock Purdy and the Niners' hungry defense. 

• LAR -6.5 (o/u 49.5)
• Rams 37 Commanders 17

The Commanders' secondary has been one of the worst in the NFL this season. With Copper Kupp and Puku Nucua leading the way, this could be a big offensive day for Matthew Stafford and the Rams. 

• Buf -2.5 (o/u 50.5)
• Bills 34 Cowboys 20

The Bills have new life thanks to Kadarius Toney not knowing where to lineup before a snap. The Cowboys are due for a letdown. Knowing this could help the Dolphins, it will be a Dallas disappointment as this one turns into a Buffalo stampede. 

Sunday Night

• Bal -3 (o/u 42.5)
• Ravens 27 Jaguars 16

This game would have been tough for the Jaguars with a healthy Trevor Lawrence. However, with Lawrence fighting an ankle sprain, it is hard to see him getting the Jaguars in position to win against a stout Ravens defense. 

Monday Night

• Phi -4 (o/u 47.5)
• Eagles 38 Seahawks 10

The Eagles are looking to get back on track after two straight losses. The Seahawks are banged up and struggling as Geno Smith is dealing with an elbow injury that sidelined him last week. It's hard to see the Seahawks being much of a problem here for the Eagles.