Every week, stay ahead of the game with a look at what to watch for in NFL Week 15 games. We will also provide you with an updated list of every team’s playoff picture and their respective odds. Stay on top of your fantasy football teams by following our tips and matchups throughout the day, as well as updates on injury news from around the league
The “nfl picks week 15” is a blog post that includes game picks, schedule guide, playoff picture, fantasy football tips, odds, injuries and more.
17 December 2021
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ESPN personnel
The NFL schedule for Week 15 of the 2021 season is jam-packed with exciting matches, and we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know coming into the weekend. Our NFL Nation reporters provide us with the most important aspects of each game, as well as a bold prediction for each matchup and, of course, final score predictions.
In addition, for each game, ESPN Stats & Information provides a key statistic to know, implications for the playoff picture and/or draft position, and a betting nugget, while our Football Power Index (FPI) delves deeper into the numbers with a matchup rating (on a scale of 1 to 100) and a game projection. Kyle Soppe, an ESPN researcher, also provides useful fantasy football information. Everything you need to know to prepare for a jam-packed weekend of NFL football is right here in one place.
Let’s take a look at the entire Week 15 schedule, which includes a huge AFC matchup between the Patriots and Colts on Saturday night, a new chapter in the Cowboys-Giants rivalry on Sunday night, a battle for an NFC wild-card spot between Washington and Philadelphia on Sunday night, and Tom Brady attempting to help the Bucs clinch the NFC South on Sunday night. On Monday Night Football, ESPN will broadcast a game between the Vikings and the Bears. (Unless otherwise specified, all games are on Sunday; postponed games have new timings; we now have Tuesday football.)
Three games have been rescheduled: Raiders-Browns on Monday, Seahawks-Rams on Tuesday, and Washington-Eagles on Wednesday.
LV-CLE | NE-IND | CAR-BUF DAL-NYG | TEN-PIT | ARI-DET WSH-PHI | NYJ-MIA | HOU-JAX CIN-DEN | ATL-SF | GB-BAL SEA-LAR | NO-TB | MIN-CHI SEA-LAR | NO-TB | MIN-CHI SEA-LAR | NO-TB | MIN-CHI
KC 34, LAC 28 on Thursday
| NFL Network Matchup rating: 81.2 | Spread: IND -2 | Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET (45.5)
What to look out for: The defense of Patriots coach Bill Belichick against. the offense of Colts coach Frank Reich. The Patriots are first in the NFL in terms of points allowed per game (15.4) and third in terms of yards allowed per game (15.4). (310.0). Over their last five games, they haven’t let up more than 13 points (7.2 per game). The Colts, on the other hand, are third in the league in scoring (28.5 points per game), and they’ve been very good recently, scoring at least 30 points in seven of their last eight games. Mike Wells’ remark
If the Patriots win, I believe they will use apparently innocuous comments made by Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke and quarterback Carson Wentz as motivating fuel. Wentz stated, “We’re going to try to run the ball, and I’m optimistic that we’ll be able to,” while Okereke added, “We’re really going to attempt to make the game one-dimensional and see what [Mac Jones] can do.” Over the course of the week, the Colts heaped accolades on the Patriots, with Reich calling Belichick the “greatest ever,” but the Patriots have long been masters of creating bulletin-board fodder. The key will be turnovers: The Colts have the best turnover differential in the NFL (plus-13), while the Patriots are in third place (plus-10). — Reiss, Mike
2 Related
Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts had a 10-game rushing touchdown streak, the longest by a player since LaDanian Tomlinson had 18 consecutive in 2004-05.
Playoff implications: The Patriots need to win this game to secure the top seed in the AFC. According to ESPN’s FPI, they have a 66 percent probability of winning if they win, but just a 26% chance if they lose. They may also secure a postseason spot by participating in a variety of multi-team situations. It’s more about getting into the playoffs for the Colts. A victory increases their chances to 79 percent, while a defeat reduces them to 39 percent. Take a look at the current playoff picture.
Patriots against. Colts: Injuries
What to know for fantasy: Since 2000, the Patriots have played the NFL’s leading rusher six times in December or later (including playoffs), according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Four of the six had at least 100 running yards and a touchdown. Check out the Week 15 rankings.
New England has a 5-1 ATS record on the road this season. Continue reading to learn more.
Patriots 20, Colts 17 is Reiss’ prediction. Colts 27, Patriots 17 is Wells’ prediction. 53.6 percent, according to the FPI (by an average of 1.3 points)
Must-reads for this matchup: The Patriots’ stout defense prepares for NFL rushing leader Taylor… With their first victory since 2009, the Colts want to reignite the rivalry with the Patriots.
1 p.m. ET | FOX Matchup rating: 58.9 | BUF -10.5 | Spread: (44.5)
What to look out for: The Bills will face a Panthers defense that leads the league in passing yards allowed per game (177.7) and has sacked opponents on 7.5 percent of dropbacks (fourth). Josh Allen, the quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, is battling with a foot issue, and although he seems to be on the mend, it will be worth watching to see if he is hindered in any way. The Bills’ offensive line has been inconsistent this season, allowing sacks on 13.9 percent of dropbacks (30th), and the Panthers’ greatest chance of pulling off an upset may come from putting Allen on edge and forcing turnovers. Alaina Getzenberg is a writer who lives in New York City.
Here’s how the playoff bracket currently stands, as well as the possible outcomes. • Playoff picture and potential clinchers « • ESPN’s NFL Playoff Machine is interactive » • Football Power Index » | Standings
The Bills will force five turnovers from Carolina quarterbacks Cam Newton and P.J. Walker, one of which will be recovered for a score. Of all, given Newton’s four fumbles in the last two games and Walker’s three interceptions, this doesn’t seem to be such a brave move. Even for a defense that ranks third in the NFL in takeaways with 26, five is a tough assignment. David Newton is an author.
In their last six games, the Bills have a minus-five turnover margin, which is the lowest in the NFL (2-4). They lead the NFL with a plus-13 margin in their first seven games (5-2).
With a victory on Sunday, the Bills’ 77 percent likelihood of making the playoffs rises to 85 percent, while a loss drops to 51 percent, according to ESPN’s FPI. They have a 24% probability of winning the AFC East this season. The Panthers’ playoff chances are fewer than 1%, therefore draft position is more important right now. Carolina is presently expected to be the sixth overall choice, with a 23% probability of making the top five. Take a look at the current playoff picture.
Panthers | Bills Injuries
What to know in fantasy football: Buffalo receiver Gabriel Davis is coming off a season-high eight targets and has now scored at least ten fantasy points in three straight games for the first time this season. Check out the Week 15 rankings.
Carolina has an 8-2 ATS record as a road underdog under coach Matt Rhule. Continue reading to learn more.
Bills 35, Panthers 17 is Newton’s choice. Bills 31, Panthers 17 is Getzenberg’s prediction. BUF, 78.4 percent, according to the FPI (by an average of 10.5 points)
Must-read matchups: Panthers’ rebuilding process slowed by turnovers and QB performance… The Bills are up against history as they try to make the playoffs with a winless record in one-score games… Allen claims that his injured left foot is doing ‘quite a bit better.’
1 p.m. ET | FOX Matchup rating: 45.8 | DAL -11 | FOX Matchup rating: 45.8 (44.5)
What to look out for: Cowboys linebacker/edge rusher Micah Parsons has nine sacks in his last six games, and he’ll be battling the Giants’ offensive line this week. Choose your poison. The Cowboys can shift Parsons about — he’ll be a mismatch against this O-line almost anyplace, especially against right tackle Nate Solder. Mike Glennon, the Giants’ starting quarterback, might be in jeopardy as a result. Jordan Raanan is a writer.
Speculative prediction: Dak Prescott, the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, will pass for 300 yards or more. He had 302 yards versus the Giants in the season’s first meeting, but that Cowboys offense is not the same as this Cowboys offense. Prescott will be able to break out of his funk with this game. Prescott is 8-0 versus the NFC East opponent since dropping both games to New York as a rookie, with five 300-yard passing outings in that period. He’s thrown three or more touchdown passes five times against the Giants and has 20 touchdown touchdowns to only five interceptions. Todd Archer is a writer.
The Cowboys have rushed for at least 100 yards in each of their last two games, averaging 134.0 yards per game. However, they had failed to achieve 90 points in four of their previous five games (83.2 rushing yards per game over that span).
1 p.m. ET | CBS Matchup rating: 47.0 | TEN -1 Spread (43)
What to look out for: Even though the Titans are without running back Derrick Henry, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin insists that the Titans’ run game is still the Titans’ run game. The committee of D’Onta Foreman, Dontrell Hilliard, and Jeremy McNichols is unique, but given the Steelers’ run defense’s performance (allowing a league-high 5.0 yards per carry), any running back has the potential to have a huge day. “If I were looking at us,” defensive coordinator Keith Butler said this week, “I’d run the ball, too.” However, the return of inside linebacker Robert Spillane this week could help the Steelers’ run defense. — Brooke Pryor is an actress who plays Brooke Pryor.
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Titans will have a 100-yard rusher and a 100-yard receiver, according to a bold prediction. That’s a big statement given the Titans haven’t had that happen in the same game since Week 2 against the Seahawks, when Julio Jones and Derrick Henry both surpassed the 100-yard mark. Pittsburgh surrenders a healthy 139.5 running yards and 231.8 passing yards per game. Turron Davenport (Turron Davenport)
T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers has a career-high — and NFL-high — 16.0 sacks this season. Since sacks were first documented in 1982, he and Reggie White (1985-88 and 1990-93) are the only players to have 13 sacks in four consecutive seasons.
Playoff implications: The Titans have a 25.2 percent chance of winning the AFC’s top seed, according to ESPN’s FPI, although that percentage may range from 10% to 39% depending on the result. With a victory and a Colts defeat this week, they can clinch the AFC South. The Steelers are now last in the AFC North, and they haven’t been last in their division since 1988, the longest such stretch in the league. With a victory, their 10.5 percent probability of making the playoffs rises to 19 percent, while a defeat drops to 3 percent. Take a look at the current playoff picture.
Titans against. Steelers: Injuries
What you should know about fantasy: Since the team’s bye, Pittsburgh tight end Pat Freiermuth has six touchdown receptions but has yet to reach 50 receiving yards in any of those games. Check out the Week 15 rankings.
Pittsburgh is 17-6-1 ATS as an underdog since 2018, including 5-0-1 ATS as a home underdog. It has won four consecutive games as an underdog at home, including two this season. Continue reading to learn more.
Titans 27, Steelers 24 is Davenport’s prediction. Steelers 24, Titans 20 is Pryor’s prediction. TEN, 51.6 percent, according to the FPI (by an average of 0.6 points)
Must-read matchups: Jones alters how opponents must defend the Titans… Big Ben was focused on the ‘now and now,’ not the conclusion of his career… After a shutout and four interceptions against the Jaguars, the Titans are pumped up.
1 p.m. ET | 44.9 FOX Matchup Rating | ARI -13 Spread (47)
What to look for: Arizona is one of just two teams in the league that has yet to lose on the road this season (Patriots). Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who is projected to miss the remainder of the regular season due to a damaged knee, will be absent. The Lions are huge underdogs against a Cardinals squad that has a chance to secure a postseason place this Sunday. Jared Goff, the quarterback for the Lions, says the squad is playing for “pride.” “Being a spoiler sometimes is enjoyable,” Goff said. Eric Woodyard’s remark
Arizona will rush for 225 yards, with quarterback Kyler Murray accounting for 100 of them, according to a bold prediction. With Saturday being the first game since Hopkins’ injury, the Cardinals should begin to resemble a different offensive unit. They’ll be stealthy, but the chase will begin. Josh Weinfuss (@JoshWeinfuss)
The Cardinals’ James Conner has seven consecutive touchdown games, which is tied for the best stretch in team history.
With A) a victory, B) losses from Minnesota and New Orleans, C) losses from Minnesota and San Francisco, or D) a Packers win and losses from Atlanta and New Orleans, the Cardinals can secure a postseason spot. They have an 89.4 percent probability of winning the NFC West, according to ESPN’s FPI. Meanwhile, with a 57 percent chance of landing the No. 1 overall choice, Detroit is the clear favorite. Take a look at the current playoff picture.
1 p.m. ET | 33.7 CBS Matchup Rating | MIA -9.5 Spread (41)
What to look out for: The Dolphins have won their last five games without relying heavily on the run game. Their 2.8 yards per rush since Week 9 is dead last in the NFL, and they might be forced to start none of their top three running backs on Sunday. The Jets, on the other hand, have allowed 166.3 running yards per game in that time, which is the second-worst in the league. — Louis-Jacques Marcel
Zach Wilson, the Jets’ struggling quarterback, will have his first multi-interception game since Week 3 despite a recent drop in interceptions. Wilson will be confused by the Dolphins’ post-snap disguises, which have allowed just 11 points per game since Week 9. The youngster is in a difficult situation since he lacks the services of starting wide outs Corey Davis and Elijah Moore. Cimini, Rich
Only three NFL teams have ever climbed back to.500 after falling six games or more below.500 at any time in their history (1974 Jets, 1984 Packers and 2009 Titans).
Playoff implications: According to ESPN’s FPI, the Dolphins have a 5% chance of making the playoffs. With a victory, the percentage rises to 6%. Is it a setback? They’d be all but eliminated, and they’d be looking forward to the offseason with the Jets. The Jets are expected to choose at Nos. 4 and 9, respectively, while the Dolphins, who were given their own draft pick in exchange for the 49ers’ pick, are expected to pick at No. 21. Take a look at the current playoff picture.
Jets vs. Dolphins: Injuries
What to know in fantasy football: Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has completed at least 70% of his passes in three consecutive games. In Dolphins history, only Ryan Tannehill (five consecutive in 2014) had a longer streak (min. 30 attempts). Check out the Week 15 rankings.
1 p.m. ET | 3.6 CBS Matchup Rating | JAX -5 Spread (39.5)
What to look out for: It’s a unique quarterback battle, but not in the manner you may expect. One has an 81.1 quarterback rating after completing 65.8% of his throws with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions. The other has a 68.9 rating, 58.2 percent completion rate, nine touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. Davis Mills of Houston and Trevor Lawrence of Jacksonville are the first and second, respectively, which would have been impossible before the season started. However, the Jaguars’ offense has been so awful that Lawrence has only thrown one touchdown pass since the month of November started. Meanwhile, Mills passed for over 300 yards against the Rams and Seahawks, two teams Lawrence struggled against. Mike DiRocco’s remark
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The under (39.5) hits in this game, which is a bold prediction. With the Jaguars averaging 13.9 points per game and the Texans averaging 13.6 points per game, Sunday’s game will feature two of the NFL’s lowest-scoring teams. This season, these are the only teams who have averaged less than 16 points per game. According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Jaguars have gone under the total in 11 of their 13 games, the greatest percentage in the league. Week 1 against the Texans was one of those two games to go over, but these two offenses have been on a downhill trend since then. Sarah Barshop is a writer.
Lawrence has been kept to one touchdown in 12 consecutive games, the second-longest drought by a starting quarterback in the last four seasons (Cam Newton, 18 straight).
Both clubs have been eliminated from the playoffs, hence there are no postseason implications. Rather, it’s a fight for a better draft selection. According to ESPN’s FPI, the Texans have a 28 percent probability of landing it (second highest), while the Jaguars have a 13 percent chance (third highest). If Jacksonville wins, it will have a 2.5 percent probability of winning, while Houston would have a 42 percent chance. If Houston wins, it has a 3% chance of winning, while the Jaguars have a 30% chance. Take a look at the current playoff picture.
Jaguars | Texans Injuries
What to know for fantasy: In three consecutive games, Jaguars receiver Laquon Treadwell has increased his yards and has seen 19 targets. Check out the Week 15 rankings.
Houston is 0-7 straight up and 2-5 against the spread when Mills starts as quarterback. Continue reading to learn more.
Texans 14, Jaguars 13 (Barshop’s pick) Texans 13, Jaguars 8 is DiRocco’s prediction. JAX, 62.4 percent, according to the FPI (by an average of 4.2 points)
Must-read matchups: Is the league’s weakest rushing offense out of options? … Jaguars owner Khan corrects his worst blunder by firing Meyer; he can’t afford to make the same error again… Are the Jaguars and Texans any worse than they were during their first expansion seasons?
DEN -2.5 | 4:05 p.m. ET | CBS Matchup rating: 52.8 (44)
What to look out for: Quarterback Joe Burrow and an eye-catching cast of targets, including rookie Ja’Marr Chase (10 touchdowns) and Tee Higgins (100-yard games in each of the past three weeks), take up a lot of space on the Broncos’ concerns list, but how the Broncos’ No. 2 scoring defense handles Cincinnati running back Joe Mixon could be the difference in this game. Mixon has run for at least 90 yards in five of the Bengals’ seven victories this season, and all three of his 100-yard performances have come in Bengals victories. Over the last seven games, the teams who have dedicated to hammering the Broncos’ nickel defense, especially Cleveland and Philadelphia, have regularly put the Denver defense on its heels. — Legwold, Jeff
Bengals will have less than 250 passing yards, according to a bold prediction. One of the reasons the Broncos have one of the greatest defenses in the league is because of their secondary. Cincinnati’s greatest chance of winning is to select its places via the air and depend on Mixon to lead the attack. – Ben Little
Teddy Bridgewater, the quarterback for the Denver Broncos, needs 46 passing yards to reach 3,000 yards for the season, which would be the first time in his career that he has passed for 3,000 yards in consecutive seasons.
The Bengals have a 30% probability of making the playoffs entering Week 15, according to ESPN’s FPI. A victory would increase their chances to 49 percent, while a defeat would reduce them to 17 percent. With a victory, the Broncos (27 percent) would jump to 39 percent, while a defeat would drop them to 9 percent. Take a look at the current playoff picture.
SF -9.5 | 4:05 p.m. ET | CBS Matchup rating: 46.5 (46.5)
What to look out for: In a game that features two of the most explosive multipurpose offensive threats in the league in San Francisco’s Deebo Samuel and Atlanta’s Cordarrelle Patterson, the result of this key NFC clash might come down to whether quarterback receives better protection. Pass block win rate ranks Atlanta 26th in the league, while pass rush win rate ranks the Niners sixth. That means it may be another huge day for 49ers pass-rusher Nick Bosa, who enters with 14 sacks, including at least one in each of his previous five games. Nick Wagoner is a writer.
Patterson will lead the Falcons to their fourth consecutive 100-yard running day in a low-possession, ground-control game, according to a bold prediction. He had the most running yards (547), scrimmage yards (1,066), and touches (1,066) in Atlanta (168). Michael Rothstein is a writer and producer.
Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan has a lifetime passing yardage average of 306.4 yards per game versus the 49ers. San Francisco is one of three teams against whom he has averaged 300 passing yards per game (321.3 vs. Titans, 316.3 vs. Bengals).
Playoff implications: According to ESPN’s FPI, a victory would boost the 49ers’ chances of making the playoffs to 88 percent, while a defeat would drop them to 43 percent, the highest possible swing of any club this week. With a victory, the Falcons’ chances increase to 25%, while a defeat reduces their chances to 1.5 percent. Atlanta is also expected to choose at No. 8 in the April draft. Take a look at the current playoff picture.
4:25 p.m. ET | FOX Matchup rating: 71.8 | GB -6 | FOX Matchup rating: 71.8 (44)
What to look out for: Will the Ravens be able to stop Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers from creating history? If Rodgers maintains his current hot run, he has a chance to make history (10 touchdowns and no interceptions over past three games). To overtake Brett Favre (442) for first place on the Packers’ all-time touchdown throw record, he needs four more touchdown passes. The Ravens have given up seven touchdown passes in their last four games while missing three starters in the secondary. Over that time, only three clubs have allowed more. Jamison Hensley (Jamison Hensley)
In the most recent NFL Football Power Index, who is ranked first? Go to the Ratings page.
I’m going to make a bold prediction: the Packers won’t have any bad special teams plays. That’s saying a lot, given they had nine — nine! — special teams miscues against the Bears last Sunday, including a 97-yard punt return that led to a score. Now they must contend with the Ravens’ special teams, who are ranked second in ESPN’s FPI. Demovsky, Rob
Davante Adams of the Packers had 100 receiving yards and two touchdowns in two of his last three games, giving him a total of six games with 100 receiving yards and two touchdowns over the last two seasons, three more than any other player.
Playoff implications: With a win, a tie, or a loss/tie against the Vikings, the Packers can clinch the NFC North. With defeats to the Saints and 49ers, they can potentially clinch a postseason berth. Green Bay is likewise pursuing the No. 1 seed, with 54 percent of the time winning and 15 percent of the time losing, according to ESPN’s FPI. Baltimore can’t clinch anything this week, but a victory might boost its chances of winning the AFC North from 51 percent to 68 percent (38 percent in a loss). Take a look at the current playoff picture.
Packers against. Ravens: Injuries
What to know for fantasy football: Aaron Jones hasn’t had more than 12 touches in a game since Week 8, but AJ Dillon has had at least 15 in each of his previous four games. Check out the Week 15 rankings.
Baltimore has a 3-0 ATS record as an underdog this season. Continue reading to learn more.
Packers 31, Ravens 23 is Demovsky’s prediction. Packers 28, Ravens 21 is Hensley’s prediction. The FPI predicts that the United Kingdom will win 58.1 percent of the vote (by an average of 2.8 points)
Matchup must-reads: Douglas and other veterans may be the Packers’ last option for improving their special teams… Lamar is on a day-to-day basis, and the Ravens have added a quarterback as insurance… Despite Jackson’s injury, the Ravens are optimistic in their ability to reach the playoffs.
NBC Matchup rating: 70.5 | Spread: TB -11 | 8:20 p.m. ET (46.5)
What to look out for: Since joining the Buccaneers, the Saints have been Tom Brady’s toughest stumbling block. With the Bucs, Brady has only won once in four meetings with them. With the NFC South championship on the line, the Buccaneers must summon the same juju that propelled them to the NFC divisional playoffs last season and has made them untouchable at home this season. Jenna Laine is a writer who lives in New York City.
Brady and Saints quarterback Taysom Hill will each turn the ball over twice, according to my bold prediction. Hill was already having trouble controlling the ball before sustaining a mallet finger injury two weeks ago. Brady, on the other hand, seems to have Kryptonite difficulties with the Saints’ defense, having thrown eight interceptions in four encounters since joining the Buccaneers last year. Triplett, Mike
Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints is 10 rushing yards short of joining Roger Craig as the only players in NFL history to carry for 4,000 yards and catch 3,000 passes in their first five seasons.
With a victory, the Buccaneers can capture the NFC South and go to the playoffs. With defeats to Minnesota and San Francisco, they can also clinch a postseason spot. If they win, their 41.8 percent likelihood of earning the NFC’s top seed rises to 51.2 percent, according to ESPN’s FPI. New Orleans has a 26.6 percent chance of making the playoffs, but with a victory, it jumps to 52.6 percent, and with a loss, it decreases to 18.4 percent. Take a look at the current playoff picture.
Monday, 5 p.m. ET | Matchup rating: 39.2 on NFL Network | Spread: LV -1 (38.5)
What to look out for: The game has been rescheduled from Saturday to Monday. What type of squad will the Browns be able to field on Monday, after COVID-19 decimated the roster? Will a Browns offense that was already struggling be able to move the ball with so many important players out — including maybe both Baker Mayfield and Case Keenum, putting Nick Mullens in line to start at quarterback? Will a rising defense be able to maintain its momentum despite the expected loss of numerous starters? Jake Trotter’s remark
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Browns defensive end Myles Garrett will have at least two sacks against the Raiders, according to a bold prediction. Garrett is attempting to break Michael Strahan’s 20-year-old single-season sack record of 22.5, and Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has been sacked nine times in his previous three games. Garrett will eat this dish. Gutierrez, Paul
The Raiders are 6-0 this season when Carr passes for 300 yards and 0-7 when he doesn’t. This season, he has responsible for 79 percent of the team’s yards, which is the most in the NFL.
With a victory, the Browns have a 48 percent chance of making the playoffs, but that lowers to 17 percent with a loss, according to ESPN’s FPI. The Raiders, on the other hand, have a 12 percent chance of making it with a victory, but just a 2% chance if they lose on Saturday. Take a look at the current playoff picture.
Raiders | Browns Injuries
What to know for fantasy: In back-to-back games, Browns receiver Jarvis Landry has surpassed 14 fantasy points. He’d only had one other performance like that this season. Check out the Week 15 rankings.
Cleveland is 0-4 against the spread (ATS) in its last four games, but Las Vegas isn’t much better, going 1-5 in its last six. Continue reading to learn more.
Raiders 13, Browns 12 is Gutierrez’s prediction. Browns 17, Raiders 14 is Trotter’s prediction. CLE has a 63.9 percent chance of winning, according to the FPI (by an average of 4.8 points)
Must-reads for the matchup: Is Mayock’s career in jeopardy? Taking a look at the Raiders’ general manager… Mayfield and Stefanski are the latest Browns to test positive for marijuana… ’24 Super Bowl’ given to Vegas: ‘No better venue’… QB Case Keenum of the Browns has tested positive for COVID-19.
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET | 33.2 ESPN/ABC Matchup rating MIN -4.5 spread (44)
What to look for: According to ESPN’s FPI, the Bears are on the verge of being eliminated from postseason contention, while the Vikings’ playoff prospects will swing by 29 percentage points depending on whether they win (40 percent) or lose (11 percent). In 2018 and 2020, the Bears snuffed out Minnesota’s playoff chances, and they’ve served as the background for the Vikings’ very own house of horrors inside Soldier Field, where the purple and gold have won just five of 21 games since 2000. Kirk Cousins, the quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, is 0-9 in his first ten Monday Night Football games. Courtney Cronin (Courtney Cronin)
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Minnesota running back Dalvin Cook will build on his dominant performance against Pittsburgh by rushing for 165 yards (his second-highest total this season) and two touchdowns against the Bears’ mediocre run defense, which is ranked just above Minnesota’s at No. 24. The interior of Chicago’s defensive line isn’t what it used to be, and if defensive lineman Akiem Hicks can’t play, Bilal Nichols and Eddie Goldman will have their work cut out for them to stop Cook, who showed no signs of slowing down despite playing with a shoulder injury. Cronin’s
Justin Jefferson of the Vikings is the second-leading receiver in the NFL in receiving yards (1,288). With 12 receiving yards against the Bears, he can become the first Vikings player since Randy Moss in 2002-03 to have 1,300 receiving yards in consecutive seasons.
Playoff implications: The Vikings have a 29 percent chance of making the playoffs, according to ESPN’s FPI. With a victory, the percentage rises to 40%, and with a loss, it reduces to 11%. Meanwhile, the Bears have a 0.1 percent chance of making the playoffs. Take a look at the current playoff picture.
Vikings | Bears Injuries
What to know in fantasy: Cousins’ next 20-point fantasy game will be his first since joining the Vikings, and it will be against the Bears. In those five games, he’s averaging only 14.2 fantasy points, with two outings in the single digits. Check out the Week 15 rankings.
Chicago is 0-4 ATS as a home underdog this season, and 2-8 ATS as an underdog overall. Continue reading to learn more.
Vikings 28, Bears 24 (Cronin’s choice) FPI prediction: MIN, 63.4 percent (by an average of 4.6 points)
Must-reads from the matchup: Vikings halt Steelers’ last drive to escape another painful defeat… All three coordinators are seen entering procedures by the Bears.
7 p.m. Tuesday Matchup rating: 71.3 on FOX | Spread: LAR -4.5 (45.5)
What to look out for: This game has been rescheduled for Tuesday. Following a thrilling victory over the division-leading Cardinals on Monday Night Football, the Rams are dealing with a significant COVID-19 situation that has forced them to close their practice facility earlier this week and has sent more than a dozen players to the reserve/COVID-19 list, including starters Odell Beckham Jr. and Jalen Ramsey. The uncertainty and change in routine may provide an opportunity for the Seahawks to capitalize on the circumstance and extend their current two-game winning run to three. Lindsey Thiry (Lindsey Thiry)
Speculative prediction: DK Metcalf of the Seattle Seahawks will score two touchdowns. Ramsey, who is still on the reserve/COVID-19 list as of Thursday morning, will either not be cleared in time to play or will have little to no time to shake off the rust in practice. Tyler Lockett was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Seahawks on Thursday, putting his availability for Sunday in danger — which may mean more targets for Metcalf. Brady Henderson’s quote
Matthew Stafford of the Rams had 33 touchdown passes this season, tying him with Vinny Testaverde of the 1996 Ravens and Brett Favre of the 2009 Vikings for the third most by a player in his first season with a new club.
Tuesday, 7 p.m. ET on FOX | FOX Matchup rating: 42.2 | PHI -9.5 spread (44)
What to look out for: This is a crucial game in the race for the last NFC playoff place, and it has been rescheduled for Tuesday. With more than a dozen players put on the reserve/COVID-19 list this week and important contributors like quarterback Taylor Heinicke (elbow) and receiver Terry McLaurin (concussion) returning from injuries, Washington is in bad danger going into this one. Meanwhile, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni divided repetitions at quarterback this week between Jalen Hurts and Gardner Minshew, wondering whether Hurts is ready to return from a left ankle strain. On both sides, there remains uncertainty, but Philadelphia is plainly in a better position. Tim McManus, Ph.D.
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A bold prediction for Washington this week would be that the team will field a team. Given the large number of COVID-19 cases, this will be a significant problem. We don’t know who the Eagles’ starting quarterback will be, but given Washington’s defensive injuries, we’ll predict this: If Hurts starts, he’ll rush for 80 yards and a score. If it’s Minshew, expect him to pass for 250 yards and two touchdowns. ‘John Keim’
The Eagles lead the NFL with 160 run yards per game and are one of just two teams to average more than 5 yards per carry this season (Colts). Washington is tied for seventh in the NFL in run defense, allowing 93.6 running yards per game, and has kept opponents under 100 rushing yards eight times this season, tied for third with the Bills and Ravens.
Washington has a 24 percent probability of making the playoffs entering Week 15, according to ESPN’s FPI. With a victory, your chances increase to 45 percent, while a defeat reduces your chances to 12 percent. Though the Eagles now have superior odds (33 percent), their range of probabilities dependent on the result is almost identical. Philly has a 46 percent probability of winning if they win. It’s also 12 percent if you lose. Take a look at the current playoff picture.
Washington | Eagles Injuries
What you should know about fantasy: Last season, Washington running back Antonio Gibson averaged less than 4.0 yards per rush against the Eagles, amassing only 125 yards and zero touchdowns in two games. Check out the Week 15 rankings.
Philadelphia has a 5-12 ATS record as a home favorite since 2018. (1-0 this season). Continue reading to learn more.
Eagles 28, Washington 10 (Keim’s pick); Eagles 31, Washington 10 (McManus’ choice). 10 PHI, 62.7 percent, according to FPI (by an average of 4.3 points)
Injuries aren’t an excuse during the postseason drive, according to Rivera… For the Eagles, Hurts (ankle) and Minshew are sharing reps… With the inclusion of eight more players, Washington’s COVID-19 roster now stands at 18 players. Today is Wednesday… Why the Eagles are the front-runners for the last NFC playoff berth
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The “nfl week 15 schedule” is a tool that provides the NFL Week 15 game picks, playoff picture, fantasy football tips, odds, injuries and more.
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