Wooley's Weekly Winners 12-14-12
By: Ryan Wooley
After riding high the last few weeks I was due to have a down week and it sure hit me hard! I went 6 and 9 in my picks but still sit with an impressive mark of 90-61-1 overall.
As always, feel free to follow me on Twitter @WooleyMammoth85 and let me know if my picks have helped or hurt you and who you would have picked and why you disagree.
Week 15 picks (minus Thursday's game between the Eagles and Bengals)
Giants @ Falcons: After New York dominated the Saints and eliminated them from playoff contention and the Falcons struggled against the lowly Panthers on the road, I think New York takes this one and continues to lead the NFC East.
Bears vs. Packers: The Packers have been riding high since their slow start while the Bears go as Jay Cutler goes. Whether or not Jay Cutler plays in this game or not, I don't think it will matter. Green Bay wins and pushes closer to the NFC North crown.
Redskins @ Browns: The good news is that RG3 only has a sprained knee and could play in this game. The bad news is that it will certainly limit his effectiveness. Because of that, I'm giving the edge to Cleveland.
Rams vs. Vikings: St. Louis has been a streaky team this season and seem to have everything in place with Jeff Fisher in the years to come. The Vikings meanwhile have not been the same team without Percy Harvin, despite Adrian Peterson saying he can rush for 2,000 yards. I'm going with St. Louis.
Jags @ Dolphins: Chad Henne returns back to Miami to play his former team? I love those scenarios. Give me Jacksonville!
Saints vs. Buccaneers: After losing to the lowly Eagles last week you know Tampa Bay will be amped up to prove it was a fluke while the Saints would love to find out why their offense has magically stopped clicking. I think New Orleans takes it.
Broncos @ Ravens: This is a great matchup and could be a playoff preview! Baltimore has struggled to find consistency in the last few weeks and are still trying to lock up the division while Denver has already clinched theirs and playing their best football of the season. I think Baltimore is due for a win, but it doesn't happen here. Denver wins.
Texans vs. Colts: Many people saw it coming but not me. I thought for sure Houston would beat the Patriots. Guess they're not the juggernaut we all thought. The Colts meanwhile continue to find ways to win late when trailing. I see this one coming down to the wire and the Colts shocking Houston and the league to pull within a game of the division with two to play.
Seahawks @ Bills: The Bills have been floundering all season long while Seattle continues to prove that maybe they're for real in the NFC. I see the Seahawks winning this one.
Chargers vs. Panthers: Cam Newton put on a show last week against Atlanta while the Chargers shocked the Steelers. San Diego has also said Norv Turner's job will be terminated at years end so he is either coaching for a new job next season or trying to finish his coaching career on top. I think San Diego gets it together again and beats Carolina.
Steelers @ Cowboys: Many people still believe Dallas is the team to beat in the NFC and after their emotional come from behind victory over the Bengals they kept those hopes alive. I personally don't see it and see Pittsburgh getting back on track. Steelers win.
Raiders vs. Chiefs: Talk about the battle of irrelevant teams. Both franchises have struggled all season long with both combining just for just five wins. Oakland however is the better team and should win this game.
49ers @ Patriots: This along with the Broncos/Ravens game is a must-watch this weekend and thankfully the NFL flexed it to Sunday night. Are the 49ers for real? Can the Patriots keep winning? Those questions will be answered but I think I know the answer already. The 49ersare not for real and will end up being rolled by New England like Houston was on Monday night.
Titans vs. Jets: Give Rex Ryan credit. He said he would name his starter and showed faith in Mark Sanchez and he rewarded him with a victory. It wasn't a very impressive one, but it was a win none the less. This week, New York is not so lucky and Tennessee squashes the very slim hopes the Jets had of making the playoffs.
Lions @ Cardinals: If we were to name the Lions season it would definitely be the season of "what-ifs". Seven games they have lost by seven points or less and even if you gave them four of those wins, they would be right in the thick of the Wild Card hunt—and even the division title race! The Cardinals meanwhile can say the same thing. After starting 4-0, they have lost nine straight and were just blown out last week by Seattle 58-0! This game will not be pretty and in face, may be low scoring. But when it's all said and done, Detroit should end their five game skid and pick up their fifth victory of the season.
