San Francisco's defense could very well make life miserable for Seattle quarterback Geno Smith, who was harassed into throwing two interceptions in the loss against Carolina. Meanwhile, the versatile 49ers offense will be without wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who is out with an ankle sprain. But running back Christian McCaffrey does it all as well and rookie QB Brock Purdy has done well so far as the "emergency" fill in with Jimmy Garoppolo being out with a broken foot. This game should be closer than the first meeting back in September, but look for the 49ers to continue their winning ways.
The Saturday night game in Buffalo will be a good one as AFC East rivals go at it when the Bills (10-3) host the Miami Dolphins (8-5) in a key game. The Dolphins beat the Bills in a nail biter back in Week Three, but have cooled off big time with two consecutive losses while the Bills have won four straight, allowing just 70 points overall in the wins. Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa has struggled in the recent two losses and was just 10-for-28 passing last Sunday against the L.A. Chargers. The Bills offense begins with QB Josh Allen, who has been looking good recently both passing and running the ball. Take the Bills at home in cold (and possibly snowy) Buffalo on Saturday night.
Another game that could be very exciting features the Detroit Lions (6-7) and the host New York Jets (7-6) on Sunday. Both teams are in playoff contention but have been trending in completely opposite directions. The Lions have won five of their last six games, including a rather easy win (at home) against the first place Minnesota Vikings last week. Meanwhile, the Jets have been stumbling, losers of four of the last six games after a hot start to the season. This game could go either way and will likely be decided by which team controls the ball and avoids turnovers.
The Cincinnati Bengals (9-4) have won five consecutive games and will travel to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) on Sunday. The game features the star quarterback of the future in Joe Burrow (Bengals) and also the star QB from the last two decades with Tom Brady. The Bengals should win this one as Tampa Bay has been banged up all season on the offensive line while their defense has been erratic. Cincy's defense has been steadily improving this season and has allowed an average of just over 16 points per game the last three weeks. As long as Burrow and company can put up 21 points, it should be enough to get the victory against Brady and the Buccaneers.
Two other games of note this weekend include the Tennessee Titans (7-6) at the Los Angeles Chargers (7-6) and the Sunday night game between the New York Giants and Washington Commanders (both teams have 7-5-1 records) with big time playoff implications at stake.
The Chargers beat the Miami Dolphins last Sunday night and held the high powered Miami offense in check while their own offense did enough to get the win. Quarterback Justin Herbert had a big game as he finally had his top three targets in the passing game healthy and on the field. In addition, running back Austin Ekeler has been playing well and is a dual threat in the backfield. The Titans will look for All-Pro RB Derrick Henry to punish the Chargers vulnerable run defense. If he gets going, it will open things up for QB Ryan Tannehill and the passing game as the Titans look to avoid a fourth straight loss. This game will likely be close and the Chargers should be able to get back-to-back wins for the first time since October.
The game between the Commanders and Giants in D.C. will likely come down to the wire again. These two teams met just two weeks ago (they both had the bye week in between) and they tied, 20-20 in what seemed to be a more than cautious approach in the overtime. The Commanders rate the edge at home as they have been playing better football than the Giants since late October. New York is just 1-4-1 since a 6-1 start to the season while Washington has gone 6-1-1 after a poor 1-4 start. Turnovers will dictate the outcome of this game so stay tuned.
The rest of the action for Week Fifteen is featured in the capsule style form and then the Heftyinfo picks for all the games follows up.
Saturday games
Indianapolis (4-8-1) at Minnesota (10-3) - The Vikings got spanked last week and the Colts are coming off their bye week but have gone 1-6 after a decent start, which included a complete beat down loss two weeks ago. Take Minnesota in this one.
Baltimore (9-4) at Cleveland (5-8) - The Ravens are holding it together with so many injuries on offense, including starting QB Lamar Jackson still out, and will look to their defense to be the difference against the Browns. Toss up in this one.
Sunday games
Atlanta (5-8) at New Orleans (4-9) - Hard to believe, but both of these teams are STILL in playoff contention in the very weak NFC South division. Saints are due for a win and the Falcons are going with a rookie (Desmond Ridder) as the starting QB in this game.
Pittsburgh (5-8) at Carolina (5-8) - The Steelers have had four straight one score games while the Panthers have won three of their last four games and should win again at home. The Steelers will give them all they can handle though.
Philadelphia (12-1) at Chicago (3-10) - The Bears coming off the bye week hosting the top team in the NFL in what is expected to be a windy and very cold Soldier Field. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts and Bears QB Justin Fields (provided he's a go at game time) should provide excitement, but the Eagles most likely will win this game.
Kansas City (10-3) at Houston (1-11-1) - Was the Chiefs struggles against Denver last week a mirage? Did the Texans leave it all on the field in their near upset at Dallas last week? But the real question is by how much will the Chiefs win this game.
Dallas (10-3) at Jacksonville (5-8) - The Cowboys better be ready this week because the Jaguars will not roll over and cough up a lead late in the game like Houston did against Dallas last week. Jags QB Trevor Lawrence has been better in recent weeks than 'Pokes QB Dak Prescott. Stay tuned on this one.
Arizona (4-9) at Denver (3-10) - In a game that would have featured Kyler Murray going against Russell Wilson at quarterback, both could miss this one as Murray is definitely out (knee injury) and Wilson is in concussion protocol. Toss up here.
New England (7-6) at Las Vegas (5-8) - Can the Raiders play spoiler to the Patriots playoff possibilities?
L.A. Rams (4-9) at Green Bay (5-8) - The Monday Night Football Game with two losing teams in what will be a frigid Lambeau Field. Take Aaron Rodgers and the Packers in this one.
The Heftyinfo picks for Week Fifteen . . . . . . . . . . . . (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)
San Francisco over Seattle
Minnesota over Indianapolis
Cleveland over Baltimore
Buffalo over Miami
New Orleans over Atlanta
Carolina over Pittsburgh
PHILADELPHIA over Chicago
Kansas City over Houston
Dallas over Jacksonville
Detroit over N.Y. Jets
Denver over Arizona
Las Vegas over New England
L.A. Chargers over Tennessee
Cincinnati over Tampa Bay
Washington over N.Y. Giants
Green Bay over L.A. Rams
Last Week's Record - 7-6
SEASON RECORD - 129-77-2
Lock of the Week Record - 12-2
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