Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is coming upon us yet again! Week 15 is here and there's just four more weeks of regular season football and then the 2nd season starts for the playoffs. The games I'll be keeping an eye on this week are the 49ers-Seahawks, Dolphins-Bills, Bengals-Buccaneers and Giants-Commanders. In this post, I'll do the latest playoff picture, a Week 15 preview and picks for the games and the Early and Late game TV Broadcast pairings. A lot to cover so let's get to work!
Playoff Picture: Week 15
For Week 15, there have been a couple of teams that have been eliminated from playoff contention. So far only one team has punched their ticket to the playoffs. By the end of the week perhaps, more teams will have clinched their playoff spot or a division title. Let's take a look at the NFC first.
Seeding
1st seed: Philadelphia Eagles (12-1) (Clinched playoff berth)
2nd seed: Minnesota Vikings (10-3)
3rd seed: San Francisco 49ers (9-4)
4th seed: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7)
5th seed: Dallas Cowboys (10-3)
6th seed: Washington Commanders (7-5-1)
7th seed: New York Giants (7-5-1)
Wild Card Weekend Matchups
NY Giants @ Minnesota
Washington @ San Francisco
Dallas @ Tampa Bay
In the Hunt
Seattle (7-6), Detroit (6-7), Green Bay (5-8), Carolina (5-8), Atlanta (5-8), Arizona (4-9), New Orleans (4-9), LA Rams (4-9)
Better luck next year
Chicago (3-10)
Minnesota could clinch the NFC North with a win and Lions loss or tie. Philadelphia isn't quite there to clinch the NFC East as they do have a two-game lead over Dallas. Washington is ahead of New York based on division record (Washington has a 1-2-1 record and New York has a 0-3-1 record). Let's take a look at the AFC.
Seeding
1st seed: Buffalo Bills (10-3)
2nd seed: Kansas City Chiefs (10-3)
3rd seed: Baltimore Ravens (9-4)
4th seed: Tennessee Titans (7-6)
5th seed: Cincinnati Bengals (9-4)
6th seed: Miami Dolphins (8-5)
7th seed: New England Patriots (7-6)
Wild Card Weekend Matchups
New England @ Kansas City
Miami @ Baltimore
Cincinnati @ Tennessee
In the Hunt
LA Chargers (7-6), NY Jets (7-6), Jacksonville (5-8), Las Vegas (5-8), Cleveland (5-8), Pittsburgh (5-8), Indianapolis (4-8-1)
Better luck next year
Denver (3-10), Houston (1-11-1)
Buffalo is ahead of Kansas City of course because of head-to-head record. New England entered into the 7th seed with the win against Arizona last week. They're ahead of the Chargers (conference record) and the Jets (head-to-head record). No clinching or playoff berth scenarios this week for the AFC but keep an eye on the AFC South race. Tennessee has a two-game lead on Jacksonville but the Titans haven't played well lately.
Week 15 Preview
The Fifteenth week of the NFL's regular season starts in Seattle, Washington and ends in Green Bay, Wisconsin. There will be a 16-game slate where all 32 teams will play. No teams are on a bye this week. The week will feature a Thursday night game, three Saturday games, six early games, four late games, a Sunday night game and a Monday night game. FOX will have the single, regional game and CBS will have the doubleheader this week. Let's get to the picks!
Week 15 Picks
Note: all game times are in US Eastern. TW is me and CV is my former roommate.
San Francisco (9-4) @ Seattle (7-6) (Amazon; 8:15 pm): TW: 49ers; CV: 49ers
The 49ers beat the Buccaneers and the Seahawks lost to the Panthers last week. A huge game in the NFC playoff picture. Brock Purdy did well in his debut against Tom Brady. In fact perhaps too well. The letdown game could happen for Purdy as he might have a bit of a overconfidence. Or perhaps he'll be humble enough to respect the Seahawks defense. It's a must-win game for the Seahawks who have fallen down quite a bit. The falling down is no small part to the absence of Kenneth Walker III who has played well in his rookie season. San Francisco seems to be the better team in this game so I'll take them.
Indianapolis (4-8-1) @ Minnesota (10-3) (NFL Network; 1:00 pm): TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings
The Colts had a bye and the Vikings lost to the Lions last week. The first of three games on Saturday starts with a mismatch perhaps. The Colts have had a letdown of a season. Their head coach got fired, they hired an interim head coach who's never coached a game beyond high school level. Despite all the negativity, the Colts are going to be rested for this game. They're going to be at least competitive in this game, let alone get a lead. Minnesota hasn't been all that great this year despite the record. They're the only team with at least 10 wins and a negative point differential. They got exposed badly against the Lions who made their defense look like mince meat. If the Vikings defense can step up and slow or shut down the Colts offense, they got a good shot to win.
Baltimore (9-4) @ Cleveland (5-8) (NFL Network; 4:30 pm): TW: Ravens; CV: Ravens
The Ravens beat the Steelers and the Browns lost to the Bengals last week. The classic Ravens-Browns rivalry returns to Cleveland. Anthony Brown will be the starter if Tyler Huntley isn't cleared to play via concussion protocol. The sample size of Brown is small but he has a running game that can roll over teams. Kenyan Drake, Gus Edwards, and JK Dobbins will need to put their best foot forward to win. Cleveland will start DeShaun Watson again. Watson has been meager to average so far in 2022. He does have the best running back in the conference in Nick Chubb running over people while scoring 12 touchdowns thus far. Seems like a Browns win but I'll take the Ravens in an upset.
Miami (8-5) @ Buffalo (10-3) (NFL Network; 8:15 pm): TW: Bills; CV: Bills
The Dolphins lost to the Chargers and the Bills beat the Jets last week. The Saturday slate wraps up with a good AFC East matchup. Miami has fallen down the last few weeks. One example is that their offense produced only 17 points against the Chargers in a game where they should've put up more. Both sides of the ball haven't stepped up to give their team a winning edge. The offense hasn't put up the points that they have put in last few weeks prior to the San Francisco game. Buffalo has had a bit of a skid earlier in the season but they seem to be back on track. The weather will be a factor in Buffalo as snow is in the forecast for this game. The Bills will have a slight advantage to it as they are used to the wintery weather. Miami will need to have a bounce back game on offense to keep the Bills offense off the field. Seems like a tall task.
Atlanta (5-8) @ New Orleans (4-9) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Falcons; CV: Saints
The Falcons had a bye and the Saints also had a bye last week. I think this is the first time these two teams met this season. Atlanta still has a shot to win the NFC South but so does New Orleans. Both teams are fairly similar on offense. They possess a running attack that can be overpowering. Tyler Allgeier and Alvin Kamara will need to put their best foot forward to victory. Atlanta has been trustworthy to pick and I don't trust New Orleans enough to give them that nod. I'll take the Falcons in a whim.
Dallas (10-3) @ Jacksonville (5-8) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Cowboys; CV: Cowboys
The Cowboys beat the Texans and the Jaguars beat the Titans last week. Dallas nearly blew it to the Texans last week and they really honestly should've lost that game. Let's be honest Cowboys fans. Dak Prescott didn't have his best game and his running game bailed him out. They'll need to get their head out of their ass to beat the Jaguars. Jacksonville isn't a slouch as of late. They had a skid of losses earlier in the season but I think that's in the past. One of the reasons for the Jaguars tumble is turnovers. Trevor Lawrence played lights out football against one of the better teams in the division in Tennessee. They had great plays on defense as well. I think the Cowboys are going to win but if the Jaguars keep it close, watch out, they might actually win.
Detroit (6-7) @ NY Jets (7-6) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Lions; CV: Lions
The Lions beat the Vikings and the Jets lost to the Bills last week. A sexy interconference matchup. Detroit comes into this game on fire. Their offense has lit it up on both the pass and the run. Jamaal Williams has been quite the scorer for the Lions attack with 806 rushing yards with 14 touchdowns. This Lions team isn't the old Lions team, let alone your father's Lions team, or even your grandfather's Lions team. The Jets however, aren't nearly as a popular choice in pick'ems this week. They were at one point 7-4 and flying high (pun intended). They've averaged just 17 points/game during the last few weeks. Mike White will need to start to get back that luster. Or the Jets might go with Joe Flacco or headcase Zach Wilson. The Jets might've been the sexy pick earlier in the season but I don't trust them against a hot Lions team.
Kansas City (10-3) @ Houston (1-11-1) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs
The Chiefs beat the Broncos and the Texans lost to the Cowboys last week. It looked for a while that the Chiefs were about to blowout the Broncos. Patrick Mahomes reverting back to his old turnover ways was in part to the Broncos staying alive in the game. I don't personally see the Chiefs falling back down that hole again in this game. Houston based on their record, has been terrible. They haven't won a game since week 5 against Jacksonville. They did however played like gangbusters against Dallas and almost won that game. I think the Chiefs will get back to their tried and true ways and not turnover the ball against a horrid Texans team.
Philadelphia (12-1) @ Chicago (3-10) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Eagles; CV: Eagles
The Eagles beat the Giants and the Bears had a bye week last week. Jalen Hurts has played like an MVP thus far this season. If he plays like this through the rest of the season, he'll lock it in for sure. In the meantime, he and the rest of the Eagles play against the Bears. Chicago has been a polar opposite to the Eagles thus far. They've basically sent Justin Fields to fend for himself. He has a decent running game with Khalil Herbert and David Montgomery but the receiving corp hasn't been all that great. In fact, Chicago has one of the worst passing games in the league with just averaging 160 yards/game in 2022. I think the Eagles will take care of business.
Pittsburgh (5-8) @ Carolina (5-8) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Panthers; CV: Steelers
The Steelers lost to the Ravens and the Panthers beat the Seahawks last week. Hard to say who will start for Pittsburgh. It would seem that Mitchell Trubisky will get the nod to start. Pittsburgh comes into this game with a rough game against the Ravens. They really couldn't get going on passing game wise. Carolina has played well since they dumped head coach Matt Rhule earlier in the season. They did well against a fairly good Seahawks team. I think the matchup in this game will be whether if the Pittsburgh offense can get itself going. Have to get their pass targets involved. I think it's a toss-up game but I'll go with the home team for once.
Arizona (4-9) @ Denver (3-10) (FOX; 4:05 pm): TW: Cardinals; CV: Broncos
Both teams lost last week as the Cardinals lost to the Patriots and the Broncos lost to the Chiefs last week. A battle of the backup quarterbacks! Kyler Murray and Russell Wilson will be out for this one. The Colt McCoy and Brett Rypien will get the nod to start against each other. A riveting matchup for sure. Other than the quarterbacks, the two teams are somewhat similar in that they're not going anywhere past Week 18 this season and they have head coaches that might lose jobs at the end of the year as well. Colt McCoy showed some promise against New England but he needs to have better pass protection to even have a shot to do well. Denver's offense has been the butt of jokes this season but perhaps with a fresh quarterback to start will give Denver some life and drive down the field. It's a toss-up of a game but I'll take the Cards.
New England (7-6) @ Las Vegas (5-8) (FOX; 4:05 pm): TW: Patriots; CV: Raiders
The Patriots beat the Cardinals and the Raiders lost to the Rams last week. New England won't likely have Rhamondre Stevenson in this game as he is dealing with an ankle injury. The Pats will go with Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris as options for the backfield in this game. It will be the passing game that will be in question for the Patriots. Redzone, offensive penalties, and 3rd down conversions have been an issue for New England. Safe to say the defense has been playing as well as they can. Las Vegas really had a choke of a game against the Rams against a waiver wire acquisition in Baker Mayfield. Josh Jacobs has been a stud for the Raiders while the rest of his offense hasn't been quite the offense they should be. The matchup will feature a teacher vs student game as Josh McDaniels will face his mentor Bill Belichick. McDaniels has the upper hand as he did beat Belichick in 2009. I think Belichick will get his revenge against his former offensive coordinator.
Cincinnati (9-4) @ Tampa Bay (6-7) (CBS; 4:25 pm): TW: Bengals; CV: Bengals
The Bengals beat the Browns and the Buccaneers lost to the 49ers last week. The marquee game will feature a game that looked good when the schedule came out in May. It's the first matchup between Joe Burrow and Tom Brady. Joe Burrow and company enter this game with a good slate of football and look to hopefully regain the AFC North division lead. Tom Brady however has entered this contest with one of the worst stretches of football in his long career. Last week's 35-7 loss to the 49ers has to be one of the lowest points of his career. Unless Brady reverts back to his old self, I don't see him and the Buccaneers getting back to winning football.
Tennessee (7-6) @ LA Chargers (7-6) (CBS; 4:25 pm): TW: Titans; CV: Titans
The Titans lost to the Jaguars and the Chargers beat the Dolphins last week. Two teams that have 7-6 records going into Week 15. Both teams should be better than what they show in their records. The Titans like to use Derrick Henry to run their offense with Ryan Tannehill passing the ball seldom. The Chargers go into this game with a huge win against the Dolphins. They didn't quite have the best game but a win is a win. The matchup to keep an eye on in this game will be if the Chargers offense vs the Titans defense. Joey Bosa could return to action in this game for the Chargers defense. I don't trust either team but I'll take Titans.
NY Giants (7-5-1) @ Washington (7-5-1) (NBC; 8:20 pm): TW: Commanders; CV: Giants
The Giants lost to the Eagles and the Commanders had a bye last week. A rematch of the tie game a few weeks ago! The game should be a fairly good one. Daniel Jones and company had a tough time to compete with the Eagles. They do have a chance to compete with the Commanders. Washington has played better than New York as of late. Taylor Heinicke has been the guy for this team in 2022. Brian Robinson has been a catalyst as well. New York has dealt with injuries so far this season and have faltered. I don't trust them as much as I did earlier in the season so I'll take the Commanders in this game.
LA Rams (4-9) @ Green Bay (5-8) (ABC; 8:15 pm): TW: Packers; CV: Packers
The Rams beat the Raiders and the Packers had a bye last week. A network broadcast of Monday night football. The week wraps up with a matchup that looked good in the preseason but it is what it is. The Rams enter the game with a miracle of a win with Baker Mayfield at the helm. Mayfield had been picked up on waivers on Tuesday and played the game on Thursday. With extra time and rest, the Rams will be a bit better prepared to play against the Packers. Green Bay will have a extra rest of their own in this game. If they want to make a playoff push it will have to be the start of it and have some hope. The offense hasn't had too much of an issue but it has to be the defense that will need to put forth and eat the Rams offense alive. I'll take the Packers and the Frozen Tundra in this game.
Early & Late Game TV Broadcast Pairings
Note: games in bold are being shown in my area. Check local listings.
CBS Early
Detroit @ NY Jets
Ian Eagle, Charles Davis
Pittsburgh @ Carolina
Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta
Kansas City @ Houston
Kevin Harlan, Trent Green
CBS Late
Cincinnati @ Tampa Bay
Jim Nantz, Tony Romo
Tennessee @ LA Chargers
Andrew Catalon, James Lofton
FOX Single
Philadelphia @ Chicago
Joe Davis, Daryl Johnston
Dallas @ Jacksonville
Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olson
Atlanta @ New Orleans
Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth
New England @ Las Vegas (Late)
Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma
Arizona @ Denver (Late)
Chris Myers, Robert Smith
For more information on which game is being shown in your area check out: NFL 2022: Week 15 Maps
2022 Pick ‘Em Records
My record:
Week 1: 8-7-1
Week 2: 8-8
Week 3: 5-11
Week 4: 11-5
Week 5: 10-6
Week 6: 8-6
Week 7: 9-5
Week 8: 12-3
Week 9: 11-2
Week 10: 8-6
Week 11: 8-6
Week 12: 10-6
Week 13: 11-3-1
Week 14: 7-6
Total: 126-80-2
Cardinal Viking's record:
Week 1: 6-9-1
Week 2: 11-5
Week 3: 5-11
Week 4: 6-10
Week 5: 9-7
Week 6: 9-5
Week 7: 8-6
Week 8: 9-6
Week 9: 9-4
Week 10: 8-6
Week 11: 8-6
Week 12: 9-7
Week 13: 8-6-1
Week 14: 9-4
Total: 112-92-2
Previous Picking Records:
2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1
2021: 167-104-1
2019: 161-94-1
2020: 167-88-1
See you all after the Monday night game for the Week 15 Recap post! Enjoy your week and the games!
-Tom
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