SVP's 'Winners' for NFL Week 15, Independence Bowl

Scott Van Pelt, Host, SportsCenter with SVPDec 14, 2023, 09:15 AM ET

Scott Van Pelt joined ESPN in Spring 2001 as the network’s lead professional golf reporter. He has since become a SportsCenter anchor, primarily hosting the 11 p.m. ET edition while remaining the lead reporter and host of the network’s coverage of golf’s grand slam events. In April 2008 he was named co-host of ESPN Radio’s Tirico & Van Pelt weekday show (2-4 p.m. ET on weekdays). A native of Brookville, Md., Van Pelt graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in radio/television and film.

I got five words for you… you ready? Don’t let me get hot. DON”T LET ME GET HOT! 3-2 last week, baby. Hotter than a pistol. We got bowl games, we got Saturday NFL — let’s dive in the deep end.

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Saturday’s bowl pick

California Golden Bears vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders (-3, 57.5)
Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl: 9:15 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+, Independence Stadium, Shreveport, La.

Van Pelt’s pick: California +3

We have a running list of places where things get weird, and the honorary capital of Weirdsville, USA this weekend is Shreveport — wasn’t the Independence Bowl played in a blizzard once? What’s any of this have to do with taking Cal plus the points over Texas Tech? Not one thing. Which is what I know about this game — other than the side we are backing — that’s Cal.

SVP: 10-6 all-time when picking California

Saturday’s NFL pick

Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts (-1.5, 42.5)
4:30 p.m. ET, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

Van Pelt’s pick: Steelers +1.5

OK, NFL sides… Saturday tripleheader where it’s backup-palooza in the first two games. I’m backing Pittsburgh in Indianapolis… that’s [Mittch] Trubisky and [Gardner] Minshew. Somebody will move to 8-6. I’m not sure if they’re good or not, but the winner might have a good enough record to make the playoffs.

SVP: 3-2 all-time when picking the Steelers

Sunday’s NFL picks

Washington Commanders at Los Angeles Rams (-6.5, 50.5)
4:05 p.m. ET, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif.

Van Pelt’s pick: Commanders +6.5

Not sure where Washington is on the “want-to” scale after a bye, and a coaching change seems imminent. Rams, on the other hand, have been fighting like mad men. But coming off an OT loss, I think this is a close-ish game, and we are taking the Commanders plus the points in LA.

SVP: 1-3 all-time when picking the Commanders

Baltimore Ravens (-3, 42.5) at Jacksonville Jaguars
8:20 p.m. ET, EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, Fla.

Van Pelt’s pick: Jaguars +3

Speaking of the Rams-Ravens OT game last week, the Ravens eeked it out and are the 1-seed for the moment in the AFC. Jacksonville has dropped a couple in a row. I’m taking the home team here plus the points in what seems likely to be a back-and-forth and competitive game.

SVP: 7-3 all-time when picking the Jaguars

Dallas Cowboys at Buffalo Bills (-2.5, 50.5)
4:25 p.m. ET, Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY

Van Pelt’s pick: Bills -2.5

Finally, in what is sure to be the biggest game of Sunday in terms of audience — gimme Buffalo at home against Dallas. There’s a lot going on here. Mostly, I can’t quit the Bills. But also, the Cowboys have been a very different team away from home. Weather is not supposed to be a factor — Bills Mafia might be though. Let’s go Buffalo to pick up a win.

SVP: 3-7 all-time when picking the Bills

Five. 5-er. Old school. Tight, lean and focused effort.

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