We’re only three weeks away from the 2020 NFL playoffs, and the Week 15 slate will go a long way towards determining who is in them.
As always, all lines are courtesy of OddsShark.
Matchup
Los Angeles Chargers
4-9
Las Vegas Raiders
7-6
Thursday, Dec. 17
8:20 p.m. ET
FOX
LV -3.5
The Raiders are in must-win territory. Get to 10-6 and suddenly there’s belief one more in the Silver and Black. Lose to the four-win Chargers after what we’ve seen from them the past month, and firing defensive coordinator Paul Guenther won’t quell the masses.
Pick: Las Vegas 29, Los Angeles 27
Matchup
Buffalo Bills
10-3
Denver Broncos
5-8
Saturday, Dec. 19
4:30 p.m. ET
NFLN
BUF -6.5
This is a classic let-down game for the Bills. Huge primetime wins over the 49ers and Steelers. Now, a sleepy Saturday afternoon against a subpar Broncos team. Still, Buffalo can win its division for the first time in 25 years, and the Bills don’t miss the opportunity.
Pick: Buffalo 24, Denver 20
Matchup
Carolina Panthers
4-9
Green Bay Packers
10-3
Saturday, Dec. 19
8:15 p.m. ET
NFLN
GB -8.5
This lines up to be a thrashing. Green Bay knows it has destiny in its control. The Packers are the No. 1 seed and are lined up for home-field advantage if they can beat the Panthers, Titans and Bears. This figures to be the easiest of the trio, and will be played as such.
Pick: Green Bay 33, Carolina 23
Matchup
Chicago Bears
6-7
Minnesota Vikings
6-7
Sunday, Dec. 20
1 p.m. ET
FOX
MIN -3
Either team could win this game, that we know. We also know it’s going to be hideous, probably involve multiple turnovers and some missed kicks. The difference? Quarterback, even if Mitchell Trubisky has been better the past two weeks.
Pick: Minnesota 20, Chicago 17
Matchup
Detroit Lions
5-8
Tennessee Titans
9-4
Sunday, Dec. 20
1 p.m. ET
FOX
TEN -10.5
Tennessee needs to keep winning if it wants to win the AFC South. Indianapolis is tied with the Titans, but Mike Vrabel’s group has the tiebreaker. Detroit has played tough much of the year, but it’s overmatched and outclassed here.
Pick: Tennessee 31, Detroit 24