Fly, Eagles, fly ... away with all of your survivor hopes and dreams. The 7-point dogs benched their quarterback, then defeated the conference-leading Saints, propelling the Packers into the top spot in the NFC. Besides that upset, it was a fairly mundane and uneventful Sunday in the NFL. Chalk ruled the day once again and sent most survivor players safely on to Week 15. After a nail-biting Week 13, it was refreshing for most to have a relaxing Sunday. But that also means the field was not trimmed much in most contests, considering the lack of upsets. With only three weeks left, let’s find a winner and get you closer to the grand prize.
Here are my Week 15 NFL survivor pool picks:
Games to consider
Packers (-9) over Panthers
The holiday season is about giving gifts, spending time with family and, most importantly, Saturday football! A Saturday NFL game is always a treat, and one at Lambeau Field is especially enjoyable (maybe it’ll even snow!). If you haven’t used the Packers, it’s hard to persuade you not to do so here. The Panthers started the season impressively and have played hard but have ultimately proven they lack talent. Perhaps the wind and weather will even the playing field here? One would think the Packers will win and maintain their status as the coveted No. 1 seeds, although the Panthers usually have been competitive this season. Either way, I’ve already used the Pack, so let’s keep shopping.
Steelers (-11) over Bengals
Is this the part where I’m supposed to make a case not to take the Steelers? Be careful picking against Cinc … nope, never mind. I can’t do it. I’m guessing most of you don’t have the Steelers left to choose from, considering they’re not only good but have played some cream puffs. But if you do have Pittsburgh remaining, have at it. With outstanding young quarterback Joe Burrow, the Bengals were a fun -- but bad -- team. Without Burrow, they are no longer fun. The Steelers have shown some cracks in recent weeks and played three games in 11 days, but losing to the hapless Bengals would be the biggest upset of the year.
Ravens (-13) over Jaguars
Wow, there are some really bad teams this year, huh? The Jaguars have been plucky at times, but last week was not one of those times. The Titans led the Jaguars 31-3 at one point, sparking the return of Gardner Minshew, who finished the game at quarterback. The Ravens need this game to get into the postseason. This is a safe pick, but I actually think there’s an even safer one.
The Pick
Rams (-17) over Jets
For all the Sam Darnold truthers out there, the line in this game is exactly the same as the Broncos-Saints game when Denver did not have an active quarterback. Yikes. The Jets didn’t have a last-second Hail Mary to defend this weekend, as Pete Carroll put a 40-3 beating on his former squad. Up next for the Jets is a Rams team competing with the Seahawks for the NFC West, and one that will have extra rest and time to prepare. Sean McVay with 10 days to prepare for a winless, Adam Gase-coached Jets squad? Sign me up. The Rams will win Sunday, not that you needed me to tell you that.