The Cleveland Browns could very well not have quarterback Baker Mayfield when they host the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday afternoon in a huge showdown between two teams battling to make the AFC playoffs. (Note- game moved to Monday, Dec. 20)
The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers face off tonight in L.A. to get the action started in what amounts to a game to determine first place in the rugged AFC West division.
The Chargers were missing some key players on both sides of the ball last Sunday due to COVID protocols and the injury list as well. If they want to beat Kansas City for a second time this season, they will likely need to have everybody on board because the Chiefs (9-4) have been on fire with six consecutive wins while playing stellar defense. The Chargers (8-5) have won two in a row and with a win tonight would take over first place in the division based on a sweep of the Kansas City Chiefs. This one will go down to the wire, but the road team will steal it late and have a two-game cushion with three games to go in the regular season.
Getting back to the Cleveland-Las Vegas game, the Browns (7-6) need this one to stay on course for a playoff spot and are battling for the AFC North division lead as well, trailing first place Baltimore by just one game. With Mayfield likely out, the Browns could be forced to go with journeyman QB Nick Mullens, who was signed when backup Case Keenum also tested positive for COVID. As for the Raiders (6-7), they are in a must win situation because a loss in this one would put them two full games behind no less than four teams with just three AFC playoff spots remaining.
The other Saturday game takes place in the evening with the New England Patriots (9-4) traveling to face the Indianapolis Colts. The Patriots have won seven in a row and lead the AFC East by two full games while the Colts (7-6) are in a battle with eight other teams for the remaining three wild card playoff spots. The Patriots are doing this season what they did 20 years ago (their first Super Bowl winning season) with the same formula of strong defense and a solid running game on offense. The Colts must avoid turnovers if they are to win this game and also control the football with their stellar running game. That will not be easy because during the win streak, the Pats run defense has been among the best in the NFL.
On Sunday, the Tennessee Titans (9-4) travel to face the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6-1) in yet another game between one team that is in first place while the other team is fighting for its playoff life, meaning they have to pretty much win out to make the playoffs. The Steelers lost a tough one in Minnesota last week and will have to win out if they want to get back to the post-season. The Titans are looking to maintain or even expand their two-game lead in the AFC South over the Indianapolis Colts.
Another huge game in the AFC this Sunday will take place in Denver between the host Broncos (7-6) and the Cincinnati Bengals (7-6), who have dropped two straight games. The Broncos have been a bit of a surprise recently, going 4-2 after a porous four-game losing streak in October. This one will most likely come down to a late field goal with the home team coming out on top.
Back in the NFC, two teams face off in San Francisco where the 49ers (7-6) will host the Atlanta Falcons (6-7) in yet another match to help determine the standings for the wild card chase. The 'Niners have won four of their last five games and are right there in the playoff picture. Meanwhile, Atlanta refuses to go away and they need to win this one to stay "in the hunt."
An inter-conference game between the Green Bay Packers (10-3) and the Baltimore Ravens (8-5) in Charm City should be a great game, provided Ravens starting QB Lamar Jackson (ankle sprain) can play in this one. The Packers and QB Aaron Rodgers are rolling once again and will likely win this one, especially if Jackson is out. Baltimore must limit the mistakes they have been making in recent games (both close losses) and get after Rodgers with the pass rush.
The Sunday night game features the New Orleans Saints (6-7) at the NFC South leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-3) in a divisional battle. The Bucs have all but clinched the division already, so they are looking to remain at the top of the conference race (and the only BYE week in the playoffs) along with the Arizona Cardinals and Green Bay Packers, who also sport 10-3 records. The Saints need to win out should they lose this one and then also get some help if they want to get a wild card playoff spot. Take the Buccaneers to get the win and wrap up their first NFC South title since the 2007 season.
The rest of the action is listed below in the capsule style format with the Heftyinfo predictions for Week Fifteen following.
Carolina (5-8) at Buffalo (7-6) - If the Bills cannot win this one, they might as well pack it in regarding the playoffs.
Arizona (10-3) at Detroit (1-11-1) - The Cardinals lost their top wide receiver for the remainder of the season, but they should be able to rebound and win this game after a tough loss.
New York Jets (3-10) at Miami (6-7) - Can the Dolphins make it six straight wins?
Dallas (9-4) at New York Giants (4-9) - Cowboys need to keep winning and should get their third straight W in this one.
Washington (6-7) at Philadelphia (6-7) - Two teams that have both been hot of late, but the loser in this game will likely be out of the NFC playoff picture. (Note - game moved to Tuesday, Dec. 21)
Houston (2-11) at Jacksonville (2-11) - The Jaguars just fired their head coach Urban Meyer, so will they be motivated to win this game? Texans won the first one back in September.
Seattle (5-8) at Los Angeles Rams (9-4) - The Rams are looking to sweep the Seahawks and also stay in contention for the NFC West division title. (Note - game moved to Tuesday, Dec. 21)
Minnesota (6-7) at Chicago (4-9) - The Monday night game and the Bears could surprise their divisional foes. Vikings have been very up and down this entire season.
The Heftyinfo picks for Week Fifteen . . . . . . . . . . . (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)
Kansas City over L.A. Chargers
Las Vegas over Cleveland
New England over Indianapolis
Buffalo over Carolina
Arizona over Detroit
Miami over N.Y. Jets
Dallas over N.Y. Giants
Philadelphia over Washington
Pittsburgh over Tennessee
Jacksonville over Houston
Denver over Cincinnati
San Francisco over Atlanta
L.A. Rams over Seattle
Green Bay over Baltimore
TAMPA BAY over New Orleans
Chicago over Minnesota
Last Week's Record - 11-3
SEASON RECORD - 128-79-1
Lock of the Week Record - 11-3
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