NFL Picks of the Week: Week 15, Cheerleading Sisters

Game of the Week

Jacksonville (+4½) over PITTSBURGH

Pittsburgh was looking really strong only just a month ago, but in that time a few too many weaknesses have been exposed. As often as they run, you'd think they would be better at it, but Willie Parker is just as likely to take a 2 yard loss as he is to gain a first down. Part of that is due to their deteriorating offensive line play. Willie Parker needs holes to work with, and most of the time there just aren't any.

Jacksonville on the other hand has been extremely consistent all season. David Garrard has been playing near-mistake free but he's also been able to make a play if needed. They poses as dangerous two headed rushing attack, though it isn't getting the media attention it was last year. Their defense is still solid all around, and they can stop the run with the best of them.

If this game was at Jacksonville, I'd guarantee this victory for the Jaguars considering how much worst the Steelers play on the road. But even at home their weaknesses are real, though slightly less obvious. Jacksonville should still be able to take this game.

Cheerleader of the Week

Washington (+4½) over NEW YORK GIANTS

This week there is not just one, but two cheerleaders of the week. Why? Because Kelley and Katie of the Washington Redskins Cheerleading Squad are sisters and have been on the squad together for the past seven years.

Kelley is the older sister at age 29 and has actually been on the squad for eight years, one year longer than Katie, who is 26. Both sisters have greatly enjoyed their experiences cheering the Washington Redskins, and both have toured oversees with the USO. It is because of this dynamic duo of cheerleading sisters that I am sure the Redskins will pull out the upset victory over the cheerleader-less Giants.

Upset of the Week

Atlanta (+10½) over TAMPA BAY

I know the Bobby Petrino just stepped down as the Falcons' head coach to take another college job. In doing so he pissed off quite a few players who will not be on completely ready to demolish someone. Look for a very emotional and intense game on their part, probably with quite a few penalties as well, but the Falcons have a chip on their shoulder and the Bucs will just have to take that punishment.

Lock of the Week (Non-New England Division)

Indianapolis (-10½) over OAKLAND

The Colts are going to go 14-2, get a first round playoff bye and no one is going to notice them. If they are even partially healthy when the rematch against the Patriots, they have a real chance of repeating as Champions.

The Rest

HOUSTON (-1½) over Denver

Got this one right already.

SAN FRANCISCO (+8½) over Cincinnati

It seems just about time that the 49ers somehow came away with another win, and the Bengals seems to be a perfect team to lose such a game.

Tennessee (-3½) over KANSAS CITY

If Vince Young continues to regress, or even just fails to improve, I wonder if it might not be in the Titans best interest to find a more experienced "game manager" type quarterback to oversee their offense while their defense dominates.

Seattle (-7½) over CAROLINA

Considering their quarterback woes, I'm really surprised the Panthers aren't a worst team. This isn't to say they aren't bad, just that they seem as if they should be even worst.

Green Bay (-10½) over ST. LOUIS

This game would be tad more interesting if Mark Bulger was completely healthy.

Baltimore (-4½) over MIAMI

This is about the last real shot that Miami has at avoiding infamy, but I don't expect them to take it.

NEW ENGLAND over New York Jets (+24½)

There is next to no chance the Jets will win, and I say this as a Jets fan, but thanks to the strong wintry weather, this game will be closer than you'd expect

NEW ORLEANS (-3½) over Arizona

This game might just be a little pass happy.

CLEVELAND (-5½) over Buffalo

I was almost tempted to choose this as the game of the weeks as these two recently mediocre franchises now meet in a late season game with playoff implications.

SAN DIEGO over Detroit (+11½)

Lots of yards and lots of mistakes will be the theme of this game. The Chargers have the defense to win, but it will be a crazy close game until the end.

DALLAS (-10½) over Philadelphia

This could be a dangerous game for the Cowboys as they host their division rival. They need to concentrate on the game at hand rather than look ahead to the playoffs.

MINNESOTA (-9½) over Chicago

It took them a little while, but the Vikings have finally learned how to leverage their power running game to minimize Tarvaris' responsibilities, and thus his mistakes.

• Straight Up: 11-5 Last Week, 122-86 for the season
• Vs. Spread: 9-7 last week, 100-108 for the season
• Game of the Week: 9-6
• Upset of the Week 4-11
• Lock of the Week: 14-1

The Ground Rules

Home team in CAPS, spread in ( paren ). If the spread is listed after the victor, then they will cover. If the spread is listed after the loser, then it will not be covered.

Spreads are taken from ESPN.com. I don't do lines.

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