Welcome to the AFC North weekly predictions!
Each week, our AFC North featured writers will list their picks for that week and be forced to explain why they voted as they did. Keep in mind that these picks are for entertainment purposes only, and in no way should be used to influence gambling or illegal activity, unless you’re smart enough to recognize that we know more than you because we publish things.
In week 14, The AFC North writers would have had a perfect week if the Ravens homers hadn’t gambled on a Bills win to gain a game on Mr. Thompson (at least I did with a last minute swtich from Steelers to Bills, praying that the snow would disrupt the Steelers offense…). Instead, the writers collectively went 7-2.
Week 15 Games:
Sunday:
Cleveland Browns (0-13) @ Buffalo Bills (6-7), 1:00 pm, CBS
Sunday:
Philadelphia Eagles (5-8) @ Baltimore Ravens (7-6), 1:00 pm, FOX
Sunday:
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5) @ Cincinnati Bengals (5-7-1), 1:00 pm, CBS
On to the predictions!
Michael Thompson’s picks (32-11-1, 1-2 last week)
Browns @ Bills
For alternative viewing pleasure, watch the first season American Idol spin-off ‘From Justin to Kelly.’ For those who feel the must endure the footballing action, expect the Browns to take their usual beating.
Browns 4, Bills 26
Eagles @ Ravens
The Ravens, desperate to stay in the hunt for the AFCN after controlling it for most of the season, handle the Eagles, who flirted with playoff relevance early in the season, then fall back to Earth in a big way, at home. Expect the Ravens to provide mega-homer JH with grist for the blogging mill.
Eagles 16, Ravens 27
Steelers @ Bengals
Amoeba-like, Ben Roethlisberger absorbs an entire Dunkin’ Donuts prior to the game and comes out and throws several touchdown passes while on his sugar rush. The Bengals mostly mope over the ruins of a season where much more was expected of them. Bell loads a bowl and scores, while Brown cha-chas into the end zone a couple times.
Steelers 28, Bengals 17
Paul Johansson’s picks (29-14-1, 3-0 last week):
Browns @ Bills
The Browns have actually regressed under RGIII after fielding a competitive team at times prior to his return. The Bills might not have much to play for after being eliminated from the playoffs, but the humiliation of giving the RGIII led 0-13 Browns their first win is certainly motivating enough.
Browns 10, Bills 27
Eagles @ Ravens
This game is likely a blowout unless Joe Flacco plays like… Joe Flacco. He has been known to keep struggling teams in games, especially if not motivated by the playoffs or the Steelers. Perhaps someone can give him bumblebee colored contacts. The last time a few hundred Eagles fans came to town (8 years ago), beer sales ended at halftime. If Ravens fans are again denied alcohol AND the Ravens lose, expect fans to call for Flacco’s or Harbaugh’s head after post game fights with fans dressed in puke green (I don’t hold an 8-year grudge).
Eagles 16, Ravens 31
Steelers @ Bengals
I have to make up two games on the leader somehow and this contest is the only realistic (but still unlikely) upset. 2013 was the Steelers last loss in Cincinnati and the Steelers are at the top of their game. The Bengals have won 2 in a row and still have an outside shot at the playoffs if they win out (and if the Steelers lose to the Browns… and Ravens, AND the Ravens lose to the Eagles).
Steelers 17, Bengals 20
Jack Crawford’s picks (27-16-1, 2-1 last week):
Browns @ Bills
Just because the Browns could win this game doesn’t necessarily mean they will. Expect a close, punchy, snoozer with little offense.
Browns 13, Bills 17
Eagles @ Ravens
Eagles rookie QB Carson Wentz has revealed himself to indeed be a rookie, who will most likely stumble in the face of the Ravens’ pass rush.
Eagles 23, Ravens 30
Steelers @ Bengals
The Bengals have no reason to play this game. The Steelers do.
Steelers 31, Bengals 16
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