Peter Childs Week 15 NFL Picks
Chargers -10
The
Detroit Lions started off the season 6-2 and were looking to
qualify for the playoffs. But after their
terrific start, this team has lost 5 straight games and find themselves on the outside looking in for the playoffs. So what started off as a
promising season, has turned into a big time
nightmare. Not only is this team coming off 5 straight losses, but this Lions team is coming off it's most
disappointing loss to date.
They were leading the Cowboys virtually the entire game, only to give up the lead with just 18 seconds left. The Lions gave that game away, they were up 13 points going into the 4the Quarter, they had
no business losing that game. They played flawless on offense, rushing and passing the ball equally efficiently; it was the 2nd game of the season in which they didn't turnover the ball. They out rushed the Cowboys 152 to 87 yards, again this team had
no business losing this game. If the Lions would have held on, they would have
improved their record to 7-6 and tied with the Vikings for the 6th and final spot in the playoffs. Instead, they are 6-7 and after suffering their 5th loss in a row, this team is all but
eliminated from playoff contention. With that realization combined with the manner in which they lost to the Cowboys, how can this Lions team rebound and get up for this game against the Chargers. I just can't see them getting up for this game at all.
As for the Chargers, they're coming off
a monster, come from behind overtime win over the Titans. This team has to be beyond
excited to play this game. The Chargers have won 3 in a row and are building some
serious momentum for a run in the playoffs. This team wants to build off their current win streak. The Chargers have been
dominant at home this year, they've won 4 of their 6 homes games by double digits and have covered 5 of their 6 home games. As for the Lions, they only have 2 victories on the road, against the
lowly Raiders in week 1 of the season and the Bears, who've been a major disappointment after last years Super Bowl run.
In the Lions 4 road losses, they've been thoroughly
blown out. They lost at Philly by 35, lost at Washington by 31, lost at Arizona by 10 and lost at Minnesota by 32. Quite simply, this team doesn't compete on the road against
superior teams, and that's exactly what they have this week against the Chargers. Factor in the fact that the Lions are coming off their most disappointing loss of the year, a loss that pretty much
eliminates them from the playoffs. Lastly, travel all the way to San Diego, the farthest commute this season for the Lions. I'm not at all concerned about QB Phillip Rivers injury, he's been awful this year so I'd almost consider Billy Volek an upgrade. Look for the Chargers to absolutely roll, I take the
Chargers at -10.
Rams +9
Marc Bulger is expected to play this week and with a healthy Stephen Jackson, this Rams offense finally will be at
full strength. As bad as the Rams are record wise, 3-10, they've been competitive this year and especially their past 5 games. They are 3-2 in their last 5, with wins over the 49ers,Saints, and Falcons. They were competitive in their 2 losses, losing to the Seahawks in a game they were leading throughout and basically
gave away at the end. Last week against the Bengals, in some very brutal weather, they held their own for most of the game but eventually gave way to a better team. And remember, that loss last week was with Bulger on the bench, he's healthy now and I expect a
monster effort out of this team this week.
As for the Packers, they are pretty much
locked in at #2 in the NFC behind the Cowboys and in front of the Seahawks. They're going up against a 3-10 team that they know they can beat. How up for this game will they be? Again, its not like they can improve their #2 standing and they have a solid 2 game lead over the Seahawks. The Packers could easily come into this game flat and I wouldn't be
surprised at all by a Rams victory here. Take
the points in what should be a very
competitive game.
Steelers -3.5
This is a
monster game for the Steelers. They are coming off a very
disappointing game in New England. This is the Steelers last game at home and they have an opportunity to go 8-0 for the year at Heinz Stadium. I think that means something to this
proud organization and for new head coach Mike Tomlin. But more importantly than going 8-0 at home, their
dominance at home this year is the key reason for this bet. They have pounded opponents at home, winning by an average of over 16 points a game. They take on a Jags team that is playing
excellent football, but this is by far their toughest road test to say the least.
The Jaguars are a warm weather team and traveling to Pittsburgh to play in cold and what
weather experts expect to be rainy and windy conditions is too much for this team to handle. Last year, this team had 2 ‘cold weather' games, against the Bills and Chiefs, and they lost and failed to cover both games. I see the same thing happening here. This team isn't use to the cold and being from the Florida area, they have yet to see the cold. The Steelers love playing in these types of conditions. The Jags will be playing without DT Marcus Stroud, who was placed on injury reserved after going down last week, a
devastating blow to this teams defense. Stroud is the anchor of the Jaguars defensive line and without him, they'll find it
difficult going up against the Steelers physical offensive line. In a big time rebound game, I'll
lay the short price on the Steelers.
