The 15th week of the NFL season arrives with many teams scrambling to try and find their way into the postseason. Then, there are those who are fairly sure they will be playing after Week 17 but want to set themselves up with a sweet seed.
The Rams will rule the Cowboys
There is absolutely no reason to believe Jerry Jones, Jason Garrett and Dallas are going to fix all the parts that have gone wrong. Meanwhile, Sean McVay is wisely putting his faith in Todd Gurley and being rewarded with a rush of victories.
The Chargers will help out the Rams
Both Los Angeles teams will have success in Week 15. And the Rams will certainly want to send a holiday basket to the Chargers after they drop the Vikings and help their LA brethren’s chances in the playoff scramble.
Drew Brees will, um, pass Peyton Manning
There is always something to the Saints and their QB when they have dates on MNF. This time, Drew Brees needs two to tie Peyton Manning with 539 career TD passes and three to become the NFL’s all-time leader. Expect Brees to move into the No. 1 spot against the Colts.
Baker Mayfield will outplay Kyler Murray
The Browns somehow find controversy and headlines every week despite not quite living up to 2019 expectations. Now, they go to the desert where Baker Mayfield meets fellow Heisman winner Kyler Murray and his former coach Kliff Kingsbury. Expect Murray to come up short in stats and on the scoreboard against Cleveland.
Winston will continue to be predictable
There is hardly a quarterback who one can depend on for more good and bad than Jameis Winston. Week after week he loads up his arm and throws for more than 300 yards and multiple interceptions. The Lions away the Bucs this week and as bad as Detroit has been, nothing will change for Winston.
Mike Tomlin’s magic will continue
The Steelers are one of the best stories in the league in 2019. Mike Tomlin has turned an awful start into what looks like a Wild-Card run. The 9-4 Buffalo Bills come to the Steel City and when all is said and none, both teams will exit with the same 9-5 rccords.
Tannehill will tame the Texans
Speaking of great stories, Ryan Tannehill has been incredible in his second life in Tennessee. The Titans’ QB faces Deshaun Watson and Houston in an AFC South battle. Look for the good times to continue as the Titans move into sole possession of first place in the division.
The Patriots will crush the Bengals
Cincinnati has one win and the video controversy has dominated the discussion about New England before the teams meet. The Patriots need to get back on their best game and the Bengals are the perfect foe to fix their woes. Bill Belichick doesn’t need an edge to batter the Bengals. Seriously.
The Seahawks will rebound
Off an unusual off-game in the loss to the Rams, Seattle travels cross-country to face the crumbling Carolina Panthers. Talk about a perfect Rx for Russell Wilson and the Seahawks. Carolina wins better draft position by continuing to lose. Expect the Panthers to accomplish what they need to in the battle for a better pick.
The Jags and Raiders will be ugly
Teams both headed in the wrong direction meet in Oakland. Jacksonville is coming of a thrashing by Tampa Bay. Oakland is on a 3-game skid. They get together in what has to be one of the least appetizing games on the Week 15 schedule. Expect sloppy play, turnovers and not much news from this one.
Drew Lock will struggle
The Broncos have to like what they see in rookie Drew Lock. He has won his first two starts, including a startling victory at Houston. This week’s test is at Kansas City and it will not be easy for the rookie from Missouri.
