On Friday afternoon, the NFL announced that three games would be moved due to COVID-19 outbreaks.
Before the NFL made the changes, here’s what Colin Cowherd said on The Herd on Friday:
“The whole thing with omicron, it’s new information. It’s a new variant that’s really mild. Let’s have new protocols. The NFL might say, ‘most of you might catch it but you’ll be asymptomatic or mild.’ Everybody is like, ‘well, you said this earlier.’ Different variant and different medical information. This is a much milder variant. We probably shouldn’t be as stringent.”
Entering Week 15, Cowherd gave his updated Super Bowl bubble and a not-so-hot take on where Aaron Rodgers would end up next year.
Every week, we track Colin Cowherd’s Blazin’ 5 picks so you can decide whether to follow or fade when making your wagers at PA sports betting apps.
Colin Cowherd Blazin’ 5 Week 15 NFL picks
The Herd with Colin Cowherd is a sports talk radio show on Fox Sports Radio and Fox Sports 1. Cowherd’s Blazin’ 5 airs Fridays on The Herd at 1 p.m. EST.
New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts (-2.5)
Cowherd pick: Colts
Final score prediction: Colts 28, Patriots 24
Cowherd said:
“Both teams are off a bye so they are well-rested. The Colts have scored 30+ points in 7 of 8 games. From Week 6 on, they are No. 1 in the NFL in points, total touchdowns and second in rushing. The defense is good too, forcing turnovers. The Colts are 7-0 when Jonathan Taylor has over 100 yards rushing and the Patriots rush defense is their weakness. The Colts are at home and more desperate.”
Final score: Colts 27, Patriots 17
Did Cowherd win? Yes
Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (-5)
Cowherd pick: Jaguars
Final score prediction: Jaguars 27, Texans 20
Cowherd said:
“Haven’t taken the Jags all year. Interim coaches always get a great effort the first few weeks. Jacksonville’s defense, they got a pass rush and can get after you. They’ve allowed less than 200 yards passing in 5 of their last 7 games and Davis Mills has never won a start in the NFL. Jacksonville has the better defensive front, they are at home, and they have the better quarterback. The Texans have scored 14 or fewer points in 8 games this year. They rank last in points per game (13.6), yards-per-game (264.3) and total touchdowns (19). I got an inspired team who wants to prove it was the ex-coach who was the problem.”
Final score: Texans 30, Jaguars 16
Did Cowherd win? No
Tennessee Titans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (+.5)
Cowherd pick: Steelers
Final score prediction: Steelers 26, Titans 20
Cowherd said:
“I might bag on Big Ben, but he’s had his moments this year. In the last 8 games, he’s had 15 TDs and 3 INTs…only Aaron Rodgers has. better TD/INT ratio. A lot of that is because Najee Harris is becoming a forceful running back. They are 5-1 when Najee gets 25+ touches. Since losing Derek Henry the Titans defense is a wreck. They rank 22nd in points-per-game (19.4), and 15th in ypg (299.2) and are forcing Tannehill to take more of a burden of the offense and they become a turnover machine – 9 giveaways in the last 3 games. They really miss Derek Henry.”
Final score: Steelers 19, Titans 13
Did Cowherd win? Yes
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Denver Broncos (-3)
Cowherd pick: Broncos
Final score prediction: Broncos 28, Bengals 23
Cowherd said:
“I liked this line much better at 1.5 and 2. It’s my least favorite bet. The Broncos defense forces a lot of turnovers. They’ve had multiple takeaways in 4 of their last 6 games. The Broncos ranked 2nd in ppg allowed (17.5) and 4th on opponents passer rating (80.3). I love Joe Burrow but he has 14 INTs, tied for most in the league. He’s a young quarterback with an okay offensive line. Denver, at home, cold weather, late in the year, good disruptive defense…”
Final score: Bengals 15, Broncos 10
Did Cowherd win? No
Seattle Seahawks (+4) vs. Los Angeles Rams
Cowherd pick: Seahawks
Final score prediction: Rams 27, Seahawks 26
Cowherd said:
“This is a strange game. I like the Seahawks a lot here. Massive COVID outbreak on the Rams. It’s one thing to miss starters last week and be galvanized. Now you’re asking it for the second week in a row. In this division, taking points is almost always the way to go. Seahawks have 10 giveaways this year, tied for fewest in the league. They don’t beat themselves. Russel is playing better. I think it’s a go-either way game. But it’s way too many points to give a desperate Seattle team.”
Final score: Rams 20, Seahawks 10
Did Cowherd win? No
Cowherd’s Week 15 Blazin’ 5 record: 2-3
Colin Cowherd 2021 Blazin’ 5 overall record: 32-39-1
NFL Week 16 betting lines
Lead image Tyler Kaufman/AP