Popular Bob's Week 15 NFL Forecast: How will road teams fare in freezing conditions?

Frigid temperatures are forecast for seven of the 16 games on the Week 15 NFL schedule, which makes for some must-see TV.

It will be especially chilly in Chicago, where the temperature is expected to be 12 degrees at kickoff with a 2-below wind chill. Other sites with freezing forecasts are Cincinnati (18 at kickoff), Kansas City (20), Pittsburgh (21), Philadelphia (29), New England (30) and the Meadowlands (32).

Since 2021 visitors are 21-30-1 against the spread in such conditions and 19-32-1 straight up.

Here's a look the schedule:

THURSDAY

---> Atlanta Falcons (4-9) at Tampa Bay Bucs (7-6), 6:15 p.m.

Bucs -4.5 (44 O/U)

Forecast: Bucs 27, Falcons 13

Both quarterbacks are coming off crummy performances, but former MVP candidate Baker Mayfield of Tampa Bay ranks well ahead of Atlanta' Kirk Cousins, who has been a great disappointment.

SUNDAY

---> Cleveland Browns (3-10) at Chicago Bears (9-4), 11 a.m.

Bears -7.5 (39 O/U)

Forecast: Bears 24, Browns 13

The Bears are desperate. They dropped from the top overall seed in the NFC to seventh with their loss last week. With upcoming games against Green Bay, San Francisco and Detroit, beating Cleveland is a must.

---> Las Vegas Raiders (2-11) at Philadelphia Eagles (8-5), 11 a.m.

Eagles -11.5 (38 O/U)

Forecast: Eagles 23, Raiders 14

If Vegas QB Geno Smith (shoulder) can't go, Kenny Pickett is in line to start. He was a backup on the Eagles' Super team last year and has inside knowledge of Philly's defense.

---> Baltimore Ravens (6-7) at Cincinnati Bengals (4-9), 11 a.m.

Ravens -2.5 (51.5 O/U)

Forecast: Ravens 30, Bengals 20

Despite the Ravens' loss to Pittsburgh last week they still control their destiny in the NFC North. They'll be looking to avenge a 32-14 home loss to Cincinnati. But the Bengals' defeat in Buffalo last week surely drained their adrenaline reservoir.

---> LA Chargers (9-4) Kansas City Chiefs (6-7), 11 a.m.

Chiefs -4.5 (41.5 O/U)

Forecast: Chiefs 26, Chargers 16

In LA's victory over Philadelphia on Monday not only did the Chargers yield seven sacks, their top runner was their quarterback, Justin Herbert, and he completed fewer than half his passes. What kind of offense is that?!

---> Buffalo Bills (9-4) at New England Patriots (11-2), 11 a.m.

Pick-em (49.5 O/U)

Forecast: Patriots 27, Bills 20

In Week 5 the Patriots gave Buffalo its only home defeat the past two seasons, 23-20, as a 7.5-point dog. The Patriots and their third-ranked rush defense should be able to deliver another strong performance.

---> Arizona Cardinals (3-10) at Houston Texans (8-5), 11 a.m.

Texans -10 (42 O/U)

Forecast: Texans 21 Cardinals 14

---> Washington Commanders (3-10) at NY Giants (2-11), 11 a.m.

Giants -2.5 (44.5 O/U)

Forecast: Commanders 23, Giants 17

---> NY Jets (3-10) at Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4), 11 a.m.

Jaguars -13 (41.5 (O/U)

Forecast: Jaguars 31, Jets 9

NYJ's Brady Cook, a undrafted rookie QB, is to make his first start.

---> Green Bay Packer (9-3-1) at Denver Broncos (11-2), 2:25 p.m.

Packers -2 (42.5 O/U)

Forecast: Broncos 28, Packers 17

The Broncos are on a 10-game winning streak and fighting for the top seed in the AFC, yet will be a home underdog for the second straight time. Denver's defense should put Broncos over the top.

---> Detroit Lions (8-5) at LA Rams (10-3), 2:25 p.m.

Rams -6 (55 O/U)

Forecast: Rams 31, Lions 30

With a pseudo bye, the Lions and their stout running game should stay close.

---> Carolina Panthers (7-6) at New Orleans Saints (3-10), 2:25 p.m.

Panthers -2.5 (40.5 O/U)

Forecast: Panthers 26, Saints 17

Five weeks ago New Orleans beat the host Panthers 17-7. Carolina, which was fresh off the biggest upset of the past two seasons when it beat Green Bay 16-13 as a 13-point underdog, will be more awake for the rematch.

---> Tennessee Titans (2-11) at San Francisco 49ers (9-4), 2:25 p.m.

49ers -13 (44.5 O/U)

Forecast: 49ers 31, Titans 13

---> Indianapolis Colts (8-5) at Seattle Seahawks (10-3), 2:25 p.m.

Seahawks -14 (42. 5)

Forecast: Seahawks 35, Colts 13

Indy might opt to start 44-year-old Philip Rivers at QB. He hasn't played in five years.

---> Minnesota Vikings (5-8) at Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1), 6:20 p.m.

Cowboys -5.5 (47.5 O/U)

Forecast: Cowboys 31, Vikings 20

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy won't be able to keep pace with the league's No. 1-ranked offense.

MONDAY

---> Miami Dolphins (6-7) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6), 6:15 p.m.

Steelers -3.5 (41 O/U)

Forecast: Steelers 21, Dolphins 20

Can't get too excited about Pittsburgh's win at Baltimore last week considering it yielded 217 ground yards and rushed for only 34, the fewest for a winning team this year. BTW, Miami is 2-1 ATS in freezing weather when QB Tua Tagovailoa starts.

RECORDS

Last week's forecast: 4-10 ATS/7-7 straight up

Season total: 95-105-6 ATS; 127-74-1 SU