Starting on Saturday in Kansas City, where the AFC West leading Chiefs will host the surging Los Angeles Chargers, who have won their last four games. Meanwhile, the Chiefs (7-6) snapped a four-game losing streak last week by beating Oakland, 26-15. The Chargers (also 7-6) beat the Washington Redskins, 30-13 to set up the big showdown this weekend.
Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and company have been on a big time roll after starting the season 0-4 and looking totally incompetent on the football field, finding new ways to lose games late in the fourth quarter. However, the defense has stepped it up big time since early October and the offense has been protecting the football, committing just one turnover during the winning streak.
The Chiefs looked to be running away with the AFC West after a 5-0 start, only to lose six of the next seven games, including the four-game losing streak, before the defense got it turned around last weekend. They will need more of the same this week against the Chargers if they want to remain in first place.
The Seattle Seahawks (8-5) will be hosting the Los Angeles Rams (9-4) on Sunday in the great Northwest in the game that could very well decide the NFC West champion for this season.
Seattle QB Russell Wilson has been nothing short of brilliant this season, compiling eye popping numbers that account for a big chunk of the team's offensive output. The defense is banged up, especially in the secondary, but they are always tough when they face the Rams.
The Rams, led by running back Todd Gurley and QB Jared Goff, can score on any team at any time, evidenced by their being second in the NFL in scoring this season. Gurley also leads the NFL with 13 touchdowns this season.
The BIG GAME by far this Sunday will feature the top two teams in the AFC when the Pittsburgh Steelers (11-2) host the New England Patriots (10-3) in the game that will likely determine home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.
Tom Brady and the Patriots have long been the nemesis of the Steelers, beating them three different times in the AFC Championship Game since the 2001 season, when the Brady-Belichick era began.
The Patriots were surprised by the Miami Dolphins last Monday night, 27-20 to put them one game behind the Steelers heading into this epic game. Pittsburgh pulled out a squeaker at home against their arch rival, the Baltimore Ravens, 39-38 as kicker Chris Boswell nailed a 46-yard field goal in the final minute to help seal the win.
Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger carved up the Ravens defense to the tune of 506 passing yards with two TD strikes, including one to running back Le'Veon Bell, who scored three times in the win. The Patriots defense will have their hands full with Big Ben, Bell and wide receiver Antonio Brown leading the Steelers offensive attack.
This game could very well come down to whichever team has the ball for the final possession.
The rest of the NFL action this weekend is featured in the capsule style format, followed up by the Heftyinfo predictions for all the games.
Denver (4-9) at Indianapolis (3-10) - Hard to believe these two teams battled in the playoffs just three years ago. Where have you gone Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck?
Chicago (4-9) at Detroit (7-6) - The Lions are in another must win situation as they chase the playoffs. Bears are coming off their best overall effort this season.
Miami (6-7) at Buffalo (7-6) - The Dolphins would love to spoil the Bills playoff hopes with an upset win.
Green Bay (7-6) at Carolina (9-4) - This is a BIG game as far as NFC playoff possibilities are concerned. Oh yeah, the Packers also have Aaron Rodgers back at quarterback for this one . . . Cam Newton and the Panthers will be ready.
Baltimore (7-6) at Cleveland (0-13) - The Ravens are still smarting after blowing a big lead against Pittsburgh last Sunday night. They had better be ready for the Browns, who also let one slip away late at home to remain winless.
Houston (4-9) at Jacksonville (9-4) - Can the Jaguars keep the magic carpet ride going? Yes!!
Cincinnati (5-8) at Minnesota (10-3) - The Vikings had their eight-game winning streak snapped last week. They will take it out against the hapless Bengals this week.
NY Jets (5-8) at New Orleans (9-4) - The Saints need to keep winning as they have the Panthers and Falcons right on their heels in the NFC South race.
Philadelphia (11-2) at NY Giants (2-11) - Life without QB Carson Wentz begins this week for the Eagles . . . they should be fine against the Giants.
Arizona (6-7) at Washington (5-8) - Two also rans playing out the schedule in this one.
Tennessee (8-5) at San Francisco (3-10) - Titans better beware as the 49ers have won two in a row with Jimmy Garoppolo starting at quarterback.
Dallas (7-6) at Oakland (6-7) - The Sunday night "prime time" game with the loser of this one most likely being eliminated from playoff contention.
Atlanta (8-5) at Tampa Bay (4-9) - Must win game for the Falcons on Monday Night Football. The Buccaneers will not just roll over in this game.
The Heftyinfo predictions for Week Fifteen . . . . . (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)
Denver over Indianapolis
Detroit over Chicago
LA Chargers over Kansas City
Buffalo over Miami
Carolina over Green Bay
Baltimore over Cleveland
JACKSONVILLE over Houston
Minnesota over Cincinnati
New Orleans over NY Jets
Philadelphia over NY Giants
Washington over Arizona
Seattle over LA Rams
Pittsburgh over New England
Tennessee over San Francisco
Oakland over Dallas
Atlanta over Tampa Bay
Last Week's Record - 12-4
SEASON RECORD - 143-65
Lock of the Week Record - 12-2
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