Three weeks to go in the regular season and there are a number of pivotal games on the NFL Week 15 slate.  Patriots-Steelers, Cowboys-Colts and Saints-Panthers are the three that come to mind.  Well, other than the wild one that was Chargers-Chiefs on Thursday night.

With some really tricky lines and interesting weather conditions throughout the country, it was a bit difficult analyzing the best options to select against the spread.

“Never tell me the odds”.

Well, so… that’s kind of the deal here.  We have no choice.

May the force be with meand you – and us. 

That’s right, it’s Star Wars week, meaning it’s time to make some “out of this world” picks against the spread.

Yeah, the jokes don’t get much better from here on out.

Regarding the slate, there are a number of games with temperatures in the 30’s, some with rainy conditions and a few with some winds coming into play.  No snow.  No bitter cold.

Remember, this is a season-long contest against friend of TWHS, the SportsChump.  To see that “stuck up… half-witted… scruffy-looking… Nerf-herder” and his picks, head on over to his site to see who he likes for the NFL Week 15 slate of games.

Here are MY FIVE LOCKS , with my NFL Week 15 WINNERS against the spread in RED.

KP’s NFL Week 15 Picks (From a Galaxy Not So Far Away)

FIVE Houston Texans at New York Jets (+6)

The pressure of a nine-game win streak is over for Houston.  Now, the focus can be on playoff positioning and a division title.  The best way to get to Houston is with pressure, as the Texans have allowed 46 sacks.  Shutting down DeAndre Hopkins helps, too – albeit nearly impossible. 

The Jets are 25th in sacks, so getting pressure might be tough, despite Houston’s struggles there.  New York is down running back depth (Isaiah Crowell is on IR).  J.J. Watt and the Houston defense is sure to wreak havoc in the trenches.

Luke Skywalker: Come on. Why don’t you take a look around? You know what’s about to happen, what they’re up against. They could use a good pilot like you. You’re turning your back on them

Give me the Texans to cover big on the road.

FOUR Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers (+5)

The Seahawks are really picking up steam in the playoff race.  Remember last year when we said Seattle had no offensive line and couldn’t run the ball?  Well, the combination of Russell Wilson and its pack of backs are making noise this year.  Seattle has the number one rushing offense in the NFL (153.8 ypg), 16+ yards per game more than any other team.

Han Solo: Well, you can forget your troubles with those Imperial slugs. I told you I’d outrun ’em.  [nobody is listening]

Han Solo: Don’t everyone thank me at once.

Last week, the Niners played well against a depleted Denver offense, but this is a different story.  Outrun them, Seattle will (said in Yoda voice).  Seahawks cover on the road.

THREE Tennessee Titans at New York Giants (-2.5)

The Titans defense has just seven INT’s, yet sit sixth in yards allowed through the air (219.2 ypg).  That could be a challenge for Eli and a pass game that will again be without Odell Beckham.  Expect New York to rely on Saquon Barkley and the ground game.

Yes, the Giants are playing better, but let’s not get too excited.  Last week’s blowout win over the Redskins was just that – against the Redskins, a team short on depth and heavy on drama.  This is a Tennessee team that has seen renewed life from Derrick Henry and the ground game.  It’s a Titans team that is trying to stay in the division race and sneak into the playoffs. 

Commander #1: We’ve analyzed their attack, sir, and there is a danger. Should I have your ship standing by?

Governor Tarkin: Evacuate? In our moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances.

Attack analyzed – give me the Titans on the road.

TWO New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers (+1)

This is always a fun rivalry and this particular game is all about leadership availability. 

Han Solo: Come on you want me to stay because of the way you feel about me.

Princess Leia: Yes, you’re great help to us you’re a natural leader.

Han Solo: No! That’s not it. Come on.

James Conner is still very much up in the air and his absence would hurt Pittsburgh’s balance.  Ben Roethlisberger is likely playing, but he was banged up and missed time in a loss to the Raiders last week.  Meanwhile, New England’s injury report is minimal, which is rare.  Typically, Belichick teams list a ton of guys that eventually play.  Then, there’s Tom Brady, who is healthy and lives for games like this.  New England doesn’t typically lose back-to-back games, especially following a performance like the “Miami Miracle” last week.  Plain and simple, I expect the Pats to be ready (and angry).

Give me the Patriots on the road against a banged up Steelers team.

ONE New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers (+6)

Why pick this game?  Seriously, why?  I’ve asked myself this a hundred times or more.

Luke Skywalker: I have a very bad feeling about this.

The Panthers are a mess, losers of five straight.  Yet, Carolina is still in the playoff chase and this game is a must have.  The Saints, however, aren’t exactly clicking on all cylinders, either.  The Dallas game was a mess and Tampa Bay had New Orleans on the ropes for a while, too. 

Cam Newton has been very open about the “disrespectful” gift (a broom and wine via Cameron Jordan) from the Saints following a three-game sweep last season.    Carolina is 5-1 at home and motivated.  Five of the last seven match ups in this rivalry have been by a touchdown or less.  If a questionable Cam plays and plays well, my gut says the Panthers keep this one close.

Give me the Panthers and the points at home on Monday night.

Who do you have for your NFL Week 15 Picks?

2018 NFL Season to Date (ATS)

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Movie Credits: Star Wars: A New Hope | Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back