Mike T's Week 15 Picks

by Mike T.

I'm going to have to bounce back after a disappointing 1-2 week. The Houston blowout was easy. The Bengals and Vikes scored 8 times but 4 of the scores were FGs and that just barely kept the game under. The Jags couldn't get more than 14 at home during a playoff run. I'm now 28-14 on the year. I'm going with 2 favs and a total this week.

Cowboys at Saints under 54
It's hard to find a spot to take an under in a Saints game at home but this could be it. For the Cowboys to stay in this one they need to establish the run early. The Saints are a team that has been riddled with injuries for a while and like the Colts they just find ways to win. The Saints give up 140 yds per game on the ground and have D Line and LB issues. This is a great opportunity to keep it on the ground and the ball out of Brees' hands. The Saints OL is also hurting and we may see some pressure up the middle from Dallas stud DT Jay Ratliff as Brees likes to step up in the pocket. This could force a few punts or hold the Saints to a FG or two. Just enough to keep it under.
Saints 27 Cowboys 23

Jets -6.5 vs Falcons
The Jets are still in the hunt for the playoffs and one game out of first place. The Falcons come into the Meadowlands and its freezing temperatures. They(Atl) are also 1-5 on the road this year and are on a two game skid. Those last two losses virtually wiped out any hopes they may have had for making the playoffs. I expect the Jets to bring a lot of pressure on Matt Ryan (if he starts) and force them into 3rd and long all day. Some defensive turnovers and a solid ground game by Thomas Jones should put this one out of reach.
Jets 24 Falcons 13

Seahawks vs Buccaneers
This is a tale of two teams. The Hawks at home are a respectable 4-2, on the road an awful 1-6. The Bucs are also a terrible road team (0-6). Last week I loved the Texans over Seattle in blowout fashion and it got there. This week I like Seattle to do the same to Tampa. That's just how this league works. This is about the longest road trip a team can make. Tampa will be playing a cold, wet and loud road game. Not a good sign for a team who hasn't won a road game this year. Tampa has quite a few injuries while Seattle is pretty healthy for this time of year. The Seahawks should have no problem handling this team from start to finish.
Seahawks 28 Buccaneers 6