The NFL’s rollercoaster season continues into Week 15, with unexpected twists and turns leaving fans and bettors alike on the edge of their seats. From the Browns defying odds to the Chiefs facing unexpected challenges, predicting the outcomes becomes more intriguing. In this week’s guide, we’ll provide expert picks, gambling insights, and feature content to ensure you make informed choices in this unpredictable NFL season.
Recap of Weeks 1-14
A quick recap sets the stage, highlighting surprises like the Browns’ resilience, unexpected wild-card contenders, and the reigning champion Chiefs grappling for a top AFC seed. Understanding the season’s narrative is crucial for placing well-informed bets.
Week 15: Key Players and Teams
Week 15 promises more excitement, and we guide you through the key players and teams to watch. Get ready for thrilling matchups and strategic analysis to enhance your betting decisions.
Expert Picks
Explore expert picks against the spread from Sports analysts and additional insights from the SportsLine Projection Model. This section provides a comprehensive overview of the upcoming games, helping you make confident choices.
Saturday Showdowns: Vikings at Bengals Preview
Saturday’s triple-header kicks off with the Vikings facing the Bengals. Dive into the matchup details, including odds, expert predictions, and a streaming guide for an immersive viewing experience.
Saturday Games Overview:
– Vikings at Bengals
- Time: Saturday, 1 p.m. ET (NFL Network), stream on fubo (try for free)
- Opening Odds: Bengals -1.5, O/U 40.5
SportsLine’s Winning Formula: Simulations and Predictions
Discover SportsLine’s incredible model, simulating every NFL game 10,000 times. Gain insights that go beyond conventional analysis, with a track record of success, up almost $7,000 for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks.
Best Bets and Survivor Picks: Strategizing for Success
Our staff curates the best bets for the week, ensuring you have a strategic edge. Additionally, get survivor picks to navigate the challenging decisions that come with eliminator pools.
Jake Browning has demonstrated a commendable 2-1 record against the spread, prompting a reconsideration of fading him, particularly on his home turf against an opponent undergoing a quarterback transition. While one may ponder if Nick Mullens surpasses the recent performance of Joshua Dobbs over the past few weeks, the lingering question remains: will that prove sufficient? My favor leans towards the Bengals, appreciating their recent stellar performance. Browning’s extraordinary 79.3% completion rate in his inaugural three NFL starts establishes an unparalleled milestone. The emergence of Chase Brown as a potential game-changer adds a new dimension to Cincinnati’s arsenal, complemented by a noteworthy defensive showcase. Despite Brian Flores potentially unveiling surprises for Browning, my allegiance sways towards him over Mullens.
Sports NFL writer Jordan Dajani is betting on the Bengals to take care of business at home. Here are all his Week 15 picks.
 Pete Prisco |  Will Brinson |  Jared Dubin |  Ryan Wilson |  John Breech |  Tyler Sullivan |  Dave Richard |  Jamey Eisenberg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VIKINGS AT BENGALS (-3) |  Bengals | Bengals | Bengals |  Vikings | Bengals | Vikings | Bengals | Vikings |
Steelers at Colts
Time: Saturday, 1 p.m. ET (NFL Network), stream on fubo (try for free)
Open: Colts -3, O/U 39.5
In a harrowing predicament, the Steelers find themselves ensnared in a perplexing web. A conundrum where victories against both formidable and feeble adversaries elude them, compounded by the unwelcome reality of Mitchell Trubisky steering their course, a situation set to persist for yet another week. The offensive struggles that plagued the Steelers with Kenny Pickett at the helm have only exacerbated in Trubisky’s hands. His resilience wanes under the duress of opposing defenses, and the imminent clash on Saturday against a Colts defense boasting the third-highest sack count in the NFL promises to amplify this ordeal.
Sports’ John Breech likes Indy to put a big dent in Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes in a tight contest. Here are all his Week 15 picks.
| Pete Prisco | Will Brinson | Jared Dubin | Ryan Wilson | John Breech | Tyler Sullivan | Dave Richard | Jamey Eisenberg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEELERS AT COLTS (-1.5) |  Colts | Colts | Colts |  Steelers | Colts | Colts | Colts | Colts |
Broncos at Lions
Time: Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET (NFL Network), stream on fubo (try for free)
Open: Lions -4.5, O/U 47.5
Featured Game|Detroit Lions vs. Denver Broncos
“Although the Lions have a much better record than Denver, I’m a ‘what have you done for me, lately’ guy and the Broncos have done way more for me, lately. Since the start of Week 7, the Broncos have gone 6-1 and their defense has been one of the best in the NFL over that span. They have a +11 turnover margin over the past eight weeks and they’re only surrendering 15.6 points per game. … On the other hand, the Lions have been the exact opposite: Since Week 7, they have a -8 turnover margin and they’re surrendering 28.3 points per game. … So what we have on Sunday is one of the most turnover-prone quarterbacks in the NFL going up against a defense that’s been forcing turnovers at a wildly impressive rate.”
CBS Sports’ John Breech likes Denver as road underdogs in this prime-time affair on Saturday. Check out his full breakdown right here.
| Pete Prisco | Will Brinson | Jared Dubin | Ryan Wilson | John Breech | Tyler Sullivan | Dave Richard | Jamey Eisenberg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BRONCOS AT LIONS (-4) |  Lions | Lions |  Broncos | Broncos | Broncos | Lions | Broncos | Broncos |
Sunday
Bears at Browns
Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox), stream on fubo (try for free)
Open: Browns -3, O/U 37
The Browns’ offensive struggles persist as they grapple with the season-long loss of key players, placing the burden on Joe Flacco and Jerome Ford to navigate them through the playoffs. However, a makeshift offensive line, now without its top three tackles, coupled with Ethan Pocic’s absence at center and Joel Bitonio managing a persistent knee issue, paints a challenging picture. While Flacco and company may exploit weak defenses, as seen in last week’s encounter with the Jaguars, the Bears’ formidable defense presents a formidable obstacle. Over the last eight games, it has held opposing offenses to a mere 271-yard average. To put this in perspective, the renowned Browns defense tops the league, allowing 263 yards per game, making the Bears’ performance a close second over a full season.
These insights come from R.J. White, CBS Sports Fantasy, and gambling editor, a two-time winner in the prestigious Westgate Las Vegas SuperContest. With an impressive 56.5% success rate in his Vegas contest picks over the past eight seasons, R.J. leans towards favoring the Bears. For an in-depth analysis of his Week 15 contest picks, it’s recommended to visit SportsLine.
| Pete Prisco | Will Brinson | Jared Dubin | Ryan Wilson | John Breech | Tyler Sullivan | Dave Richard | Jamey Eisenberg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEARS AT BROWNS (-3) |  Browns | Browns |  Bears | Bears | Browns | Bears | Browns | Browns |
Buccaneers at Packers
Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS), stream on Paramount+ (click here)
Open: Packers -3.5, O/U 42.5
“Green Bay had its three-game winning streak snapped by Tommy DeVito and the Giants on Monday, but the Packers are set up to bounce back this week at home against the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay’s secondary is giving up 7.2 yards per pass attempt this season, which is tied for the third most in the league. They’ve also struggled to get off the field, ranking in the bottom third of the league on third down. At Lambeau Field, Jordan Love has a high completion percentage, passer rating, and averages roughly 40 more passing yards per game this season than he does on the road. Green Bay is also 25-14 ATS at home under Matt LaFleur.”
CBS Sports NFL writer Tyler Sullivan foresees a rebound from Green Bay. Here’s his full breakdown of the Week 15 slate.
| Pete Prisco | Will Brinson | Jared Dubin | Ryan Wilson | John Breech | Tyler Sullivan | Dave Richard | Jamey Eisenberg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUCCANEERS AT PACKERS (-3) |  Packers |  Buccaneers | Buccaneers | Packers | Buccaneers | Packers | Packers | Packers |
Texans at Titans
Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS), stream on Paramount+ (click here)
Open: Texans -3.5, O/U 43
“The Texans looked terrible last week against the Jets with no Tank Dell and a Nico Collins, putting up season-lows in points scored, total yards and third-down conversions in their largest loss of the season. Now, we don’t even know if C.J. Stroud will suit up due to a concussion, while Collins, Will Anderson Jr., Blake Cashman, George Fant and Laremy Tunsil missed practice on Wednesday due to injuries. Meanwhile Tennessee is 4-1 at home this year, and wearing Oilers throwbacks!”
Resident Titans expert Jordan Dajani likes Tennessee to win its third game in four weeks. Find his full Week 15 analysis right here.
| Pete Prisco | Will Brinson | Jared Dubin | Ryan Wilson | John Breech | Tyler Sullivan | Dave Richard | Jamey Eisenberg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEXANS AT TITANS (-3) |  Titans | Titans | Titans | Titans | Titans | Titans | Titans | Titans |
Jets at Dolphins
Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS), stream on Paramount+ (click here)
Open: Dolphins -13.5, O/U 40.5
SportsLine’s simulation model predicts every NFL game 10,000 times, and it’s up well over $7,000 for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks since its inception. The model enters Week 15 on a 176-129 run on top-rated NFL picks that dates back to the 2017 season. It is also on a 30-21 roll on top-rated NFL picks since Week 7 of last season. Does the model like the Dolphins to cover after falling to the Titans in Week 14? Check out the model’s bets for every Week 15 matchup here at SportsLine.
| Pete Prisco | Will Brinson | Jared Dubin | Ryan Wilson | John Breech | Tyler Sullivan | Dave Richard | Jamey Eisenberg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JETS AT DOLPHINS (-8.5) |  Jets | Jets |  Dolphins | Jets | Jets | Dolphins | Jets | Dolphins |
Chiefs at Patriots
Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox), stream on fubo (try for free)
Open: Chiefs -10.5, O/U 37.5
“Yes, the Patriots were able to gut out a solid win in Pittsburgh last week and do have a rest advantage this week, but let’s not mistake that win as some sort of corner being turned in Foxborough. New England is still a bad football team and the offense still has plenty of warts (the Patriots were sneakily shut out in the second half last week). Meanwhile, the Chiefs are at a crossroads after dropping two straight and have lost a grip on the No. 1 seed in the AFC. They’ll be heading up to Foxborough with plenty of motivation to get back on track (and possibly let out a little frustration). While New England’s defense has been a bright spot this season, it can be thrown on. The Patriots are also 0-5 ATS in their last five games following a win.”
Resident Patriots expert Tyler Sullivan expects K.C. to win big on the road. Check out all his Week 15 picks right here.
| Pete Prisco | Will Brinson | Jared Dubin | Ryan Wilson | John Breech | Tyler Sullivan | Dave Richard | Jamey Eisenberg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHIEFS (-8.5) AT PATRIOTS |  Chiefs |  Patriots | Patriots | Chiefs | Patriots | Chiefs | Patriots | Patriots |
Giants at Saints
Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox), stream on fubo (try for free)
Open: Saints -5.5, O/U 37
“The Giants have won three straight with Tommy DeVito at quarterback, but this will be a big challenge for him and the offense on the road in a tough environment. The Saints showed better on defense last week, which will play out here.” That’s CBS Sports senior columnist Pete Prisco, who doesn’t buy New York continuing its streak on the road. Find all his Week 15 analysis here.
| Pete Prisco | Will Brinson | Jared Dubin | Ryan Wilson | John Breech | Tyler Sullivan | Dave Richard | Jamey Eisenberg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIANTS AT SAINTS (-6) |  Saints |  Giants | Giants | Giants | Saints | Giants | Giants | Giants |
Falcons at Panthers
Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox), stream on fubo (try for free)
Open: Falcons -3, O/U 35.5
“The total for Falcons-Panthers is 35, and the Under has a realistic shot of hitting. But the Panthers offense has been so bad that opposing offenses can run up the score even if they’re not playing well. Take the Saints last week, who averaged just four yards per play against Carolina but won 28-6 because they got a blocked punt TD and started two of their three offensive TD drives on the Panthers’ side of the field. Even with the Panthers defense playing well over the last few weeks, the offense has been so bad that it wouldn’t be shocking to see Carolina lose any game 13-3 or 10-0.”
SportsLine expert and CBS gambling editor R.J. White has other options for his teaser strategy in Week 15. Check out his full breakdown of good ATS bets right here.
