NFL 2019 Week 15 Recap

Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action has gone by. Some teams are inching closer to play into January, while some are looking to finish out the year on a high note. Last week in picks I did fine with a 9-7 finish. Hopefully I'll have another week of good fortune in picking. In this post I'll do an NFL 100 spotlight on the "Freezer Bowl" and the recap of the games. Let's get to work!

NFL 100: A Spotlight

On the same day when "The Catch" occurred on January 10th, 1982, one of the coldest games in NFL History occurred. It was held in Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio between the Cincinnati Bengals and the San Diego Chargers. The air temperature was -9 degrees Fahrenheit (-22.8 Celsius), with the wind sustaining 27 miles per hour, would have a wind chill factor of -37 degrees Fahrenheit (-59 Celsius). It was the last thing the Chargers wanted.

The week prior, the same Chargers team played in "The Epic In Miami" where the Chargers played in Miami, Florida with temperatures of 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31.1 Celsius). The temperature difference if you compared the 88 degrees to the -37 wind chill would be 125. It was truly going from one hell to another hell, weather wise.

Cincinnati would win their first playoff game against the Buffalo Bills the week before. They won 28-21 in the Divisional playoff. The team had been 0-3 in the postseason prior to the 1981-1982 playoffs.

The Bengals were more accustomed to the weather as the entire offensive line wore no long sleeves. They kept warm by putting their hands down their pants, near their male supporter. The Chargers were ill-equipped to handle the weather. After all they had just played in very warm weather the week before and they lived and played in San Diego, also known for their warmer climate during the winter months.

In the end, the Chargers were put into the deep freeze as Dan Fouts and the high powered Chargers offense was ineffective to play in the game. One of the factors was that Fouts didn't always throw the perfect spiral that you're accustomed to seeing in quarterbacks. The wind was a factor in making the throws from Fouts largely ineffective in getting to his receivers like Wes Chandler, Chuck Muncie or Kellen Winslow. The Chargers would lose the game 27-7.

The Bengals would lose to the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XVI. They wouldn't make another trip to the Super Bowl in the 1988 season where the 49ers would beat the Bengals again in Super Bowl XXIII. The Chargers would make it back to the playoffs in 1982 but it would be their last in the Don Coryell era. They wouldn't make it back to the AFC Championship game, let alone a Super Bowl, until the 1994 season where the Chargers lost to the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XXIX. Essentially, the 49ers were always in the way if you wanted to win a championship.

Week 15 Recap

NY Jets 21, Baltimore 42: TW: Ravens; CV: Ravens

The game was as to be expected. Sam Darnold started for the Jets and threw for 218 yards with two touchdowns and threw one pick. Le'Veon Bell would rack up 87 yards from the ground in the game, certainly one of his highest in the season. Lamar Jackson was amazing in the game as he threw for 212 yards with five touchdowns with 86 rushing yards. Mark Ingram would finish with 76 rushing yards with a touchdown. The AFC North belongs to the Ravens. 

All-time series: Ravens lead 9-2

Next week: NY Jets: vs Pittsburgh; Baltimore: @ Cleveland

TW: 1-0; CV: 1-0

Miami 20, NY Giants 36: TW: Giants; CV: Dolphins

Eli's coming! Ryan Fitzpatrick started for Miami and threw for 279 yards with two touchdowns. Patrick Laird ran the ball for 46 yards for the Dolphins. Eli Manning threw the ball for 283 yards with two touchdowns while throwing for three interceptions. Saquon Barkley would have a great game with his 112 yards rushing with two touchdowns. Javorius Allen would run for 28 yards with a touchdown. It was also Eli's last home start in his decorated career.

All-time series: Giants lead 7-2

Next week: Miami: vs Cincinnati; NY Giants: @ Washington

TW: 2-0; CV: 1-1

Houston 24, Tennessee 21: TW: Titans; CV: Titans

Houston is now in the driver's seat for the division. DeShaun Watson threw the ball for 243 yards with two touchdowns while throwing two interceptions. Carlos Hyde ran the ball for 104 yards with a touchdown. Ryan Tannehill was effective in his throws for the most part, throwing for 279 yards with two touchdowns while throwing a pick. Tannehill would get 10 rushing yards with a touchdown as well. Derrick Henry wouldn't get get 100 yards from the ground but did finish with 86 yards. Somewhat of an ugly game but hopefully there won't be anymore changes in the AFC South division race.

All-time series: Titans lead 18-17

Next week: Houston: @ Tampa Bay; Tennessee: vs New Orleans

TW: 2-1; CV: 1-2

New England 34, Cincinnati 13: TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots

New England would get back on track in the 2nd half and returned to normal play that we expect from them. Tom Brady threw the ball for 128 yards with two touchdowns. Sony Michel ran the ball for 89 yards while Rex Burkhead ran for 53 yards with a rushing touchdown. Andy Dalton would start for the Bengals and threw for 151 yards with a touchdown while throwing an astounding four interceptions. Joe Mixon was the leading rusher in the game with 136 yards. 

All-time series: Patriots lead 17-9

Next week: New England: vs Buffalo; Cincinnati: @ Miami

TW: 3-1; CV: 2-2

Seattle 30, Carolina 24: TW: Seahawks; CV: Seahawks

The game was closer than most expected but Carolina did cover the spread at +6. Russell Wilson threw the ball for 286 yards with two touchdowns. Chris Carson did very well in the ground game with 133 yards with two touchdowns. Kyle Allen threw for 277 yards with a touchdown while throwing for three interceptions. Christian McCaffrey ran the ball for 87 yards while getting 88 receiving yards. I feel the McCaffrey for MVP train ran its course, sadly. 

All-time series: Seahawks lead 10-4

Next week: Seattle: vs Arizona; Carolina: @ Indianapolis

TW: 4-1; CV: 3-2

Tampa Bay 38, Detroit 17: TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers

Jameis Winston has made strides this season. Winston would finish the game with 458 yards passing with four touchdowns with one interception. He would also become the first player in NFL history to throw for 450 yards in consecutive games. Ronald Jones would rush for 23 yards with zero touchdowns in the game. David Blough wouldn't fare well in the game as he threw for 260 yards with two interceptions. Wes Hills was the leading rusher for the Lions with 21 yards rushing with two touchdowns. 

All-time series: Lions lead 31-28

Next week: Tampa Bay: vs Houston; Detroit: @ Denver

TW: 5-1; CV: 4-2

Denver 3, Kansas City 23: TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs

The snow nor the Denver Broncos could stop the Patrick Mahomes' Chiefs into their 10th win of the season. Drew Lock finished the game with 208 yards passing with an interception. Phillip Lindsay ran the ball with 32 yards rushing on seven carries. Patrick Mahomes threw the ball for 340 yards with two touchdowns while throwing an interception. Darwin Thompson ran the ball for 38 yards. 

All-time series: Chiefs lead 65-55

Next week: Denver: vs Detroit; Kansas City: @ Chicago

TW: 6-1; CV: 5-2

Philadelphia 37, Washington 27: TW: Eagles; CV: Eagles

Washington showed up to play but Philly would stay alive. Carson Wentz threw the ball for 266 yards with three touchdowns. Miles Sanders really had a good day on the ground with 122 yards rushing with a touchdown. Dwayne Haskins had one of his best games since becoming the starter with 261 yards passing with two touchdowns. Adrian Peterson did alright in the game with 66 yards rushing with a touchdown. Next week will be a huge game for both Dallas and Philadelphia.

All-time series: Redskins lead 86-79-5

Next week: Philadelphia: vs Dallas; Washington: vs NY Giants

TW: 7-1; CV: 6-2

Chicago 13, Green Bay 21: TW: Packers; CV: Packers

The Green and Yellow win meeting #200 against the Bears. Mitchell Trubisky threw the ball for 334 yards with a touchdown while throwing two picks in the game. Devin Montgomery ran the ball for 39 yards with zero touchdowns. Aaron Rodgers threw the ball for 203 yards with a touchdown. Aaron Jones finished the game with 51 yards rushing with two touchdowns. Chicago would've made it a possible tie game with a late march to the endzone on the game's final play. Fortunately, the Packers defense held them on the 2nd yard line. 

All-time series: Packers lead 99-95-6

Next week: Chicago: vs Kansas City; Green Bay: @ Minnesota

TW: 8-1; CV: 7-2

Jacksonville 20, Oakland 16: TW: Raiders; CV: Raiders

Emotions ran high in the final game at the Oakland Coliseum. Gardner Minshew would throw the ball for 201 yards with two touchdowns. Leonard Fournette ran the ball for 42 yards while not scoring a touchdown. Derek Carr would throw the ball for 267 yards with a touchdown pass while running for 12 yards on one carry. Josh Jacobs ran the ball for 89 yards in the game on 24 carries. Perhaps the Raiders will have better luck in Las Vegas next season. 

All-time series: Jaguars lead 5-4

Next week: Jacksonville: @ Atlanta; Oakland: @ LA Chargers

TW: 8-2; CV: 7-3

Cleveland 24, Arizona 38: TW: Browns; CV: Browns

Where the hell did Kenyan Drake come from? Baker Mayfield threw the ball for 247 yards with two touchdowns with one interception. Nick Chubb ran the ball for 127 yards with a touchdown. Kyler Murray would play the supporting role in the game as he threw for 219 yards with a touchdown while throwing a pick. The star in the game, Kenyan Drake, ran for 137 yards with four (not a typo) rushing touchdowns. Where was this Kenyan Drake when he was still a Dolphin? Seriously.

All-time series: Browns lead 33-15-3

Next week: Cleveland: vs Baltimore; Arizona: @ Seattle

TW: 8-3; CV: 7-4

Minnesota 39, LA Chargers 10: TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings

The Chargers turned the ball over seven times! Kirk Cousins did alright in the game with 207 yards passing with a touchdown while throwing an interception. Mike Boone was the leading rusher in the game with 56 yards from the ground with two touchdowns. Dalvin Cook would leave the game with an injury in the 3rd quarter. Phillip Rivers would have higher passing yards with 307 yards with a touchdown pass but three of the seven turnovers were from Rivers interceptions. Melvin Gordon wouldn't be utilized a lot in the game as he could muster 28 yards on seven carries. As a Packer fan, next week scares me. 

All-time series: Vikings lead 7-6

Next week: Minnesota: vs Green Bay; LA Chargers: vs Oakland (last home game in Carson City)

TW: 9-3; CV: 8-4

Atlanta 29, San Francisco 22: TW: 49ers; CV: 49ers

In the battle between teacher (Kyle Shanahan, former Atlanta offensive coordinator) and student (Matt Ryan), the student would come out on top. Matt Ryan threw the ball for 210 yards with two touchdowns while throwing zero picks. Devonta Freeman ran the ball for 39 yards on 12 carries. Qadree Ollison would run in for a rushing touchdown on a 1-yard play. Jimmy Garoppolo had similar numbers with 200 passing yards with a touchdown. Raheem Mostert was the leading rusher in the game with 54 yards with a touchdown. 

All-time series: 49ers lead 47-32-1

Next week: Atlanta: vs Jacksonville; San Francisco: vs LA Rams

TW: 9-4; CV: 8-5

LA Rams 21, Dallas 44: TW: Rams; CV: Rams

The game was pretty much over by halftime. Jared Goff was fine in the game with 284 yards passing with two touchdowns while throwing a pick close to halftime. Todd Gurley could only muster about 20 yards rushing with a touchdown. Dak Prescott would throw the ball for 212 yards with two touchdowns while getting 12 yards rushing. Tony Pollard was the leading rusher in the game with 131 yards and a touchdown. Ezekiel Elliot would get 117 yards with two rushing touchdowns in the game. Overall fine team effort by Dallas. Huge game against Philly next week.

All-time series: Cowboys lead 18-17

Next week: LA Rams: @ San Francisco; Dallas: @ Philadelphia

TW: 9-5; CV: 8-6

Buffalo 17, Pittsburgh 10: TW: Steelers; CV: Bills

The season isn't over yet for Pittsburgh but losing last night didn't help their cause a lot. Josh Allen threw the ball for 139 yards with a touchdown and an interception, the touchdown would be the game-winner. Allen would also get 28 yards rushing with a touchdown. Devin Singletary would get leading rusher honors in the game with 87. Devlin "Duck" Hodges quacked his way to 202 yards passing with a touchdown but threw four interceptions. James Conner came back from injury but wouldn't get much as he finished with 42 yards. Conner would score a receiving touchdown though. Good defensive game despite the Pittsburgh turnovers.

All-time series: Steelers lead 16-10

Next week: Buffalo: @ New England; Pittsburgh: @ NY Jets

TW: 9-6; CV: 9-6

Indianapolis 7, New Orleans 34: TW: Saints; CV: Saints

The game wasn't really close but Drew Brees stands alone on the all-time career touchdown's list. Jacoby Brissett didn't get a lot of yards but he did manage to get 165 in his best efforts. Marlon Mack wouldn't get much either as he could only put up 19 yards. Jordan Wilkins would score the only touchdown for Indy on a 1-yard play late in the 4th quarter. Drew Brees was purely magical as he would tie and break Peyton Manning's career touchdown record. Brees would finish the game with 307 yards with four touchdowns with no interceptions. Alvin Kamara would be the leading rusher in the game with 66 yards. He holds onto the record... unless Tom Brady gets super hot late in the year.

All-time series: Saints lead 8-5

Next week: Indianapolis: vs Carolina; New Orleans: @ Tennessee

TW: 10-6; CV: 10-6

The Records (By Week & Year):

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89

2018: 156-98-2

2019:

Week 1: 11-4-1

Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 10-6

Week 4: 7-8

Week 5: 9-6

Week 6: 7-7

Week 7: 10-4

Week 8: 11-4

Week 9: 8-6

Week 10: 2-11

Week 11: 12-2

Week 12: 9-5

Week 13: 8-8

Week 14: 9-7

Week 15: 10-6

Overall: 135-90-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019:

Week 1: 12-3-1

Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 11-5

Week 4: 8-7

Week 5: 5-10

Week 6: 9-5

Week 7: 7-7

Week 8: 14-1

Week 9: 8-6

Week 10: 5-8

Week 11: 10-4

Week 12: 10-4

Week 13: 10-6

Week 14: 9-7

Week 15: 10-6

Overall: 138-85-1

No game on Thursday but there will be games on Saturday. See you guys on Thursday for the Week 16 Picks post!

-Tom

NFL 2019 Week 15 Picks

Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is going to be here before you know it. Picks last week left me at .500 with an 8-8 record. Not bad but not good either. With this post I'll talk about: the latest playoff picture, an NFL spotlight on the 1958 NFL Championship game, and my picks for the games. Let's get to work!

Playoff Picture: Week 15

Let's look at the NFC:

1st seed: San Francisco 49ers (11-2)
2nd seed: Green Bay Packers (10-3)
3rd seed: New Orleans Saints (10-3) (Clinched NFC South)
4th seed: Dallas Cowboys (6-7)
5th seed: Seattle Seahawks (10-3)
6th seed: Minnesota Vikings (9-4)

Wild card:

Minnesota @ New Orleans
Seattle @ Dallas

Still alive:
Los Angeles Rams (8-5), Chicago (7-6), Philadelphia (6-7)

Eliminated:
Tampa Bay (6-7), Carolina (5-8), Atlanta (4-9), Detroit (3-9-1), Arizona (3-9-1), Washington (3-10), NY Giants (2-11)

San Francisco can get a playoff berth with a win or tie, Rams loss or tie, or Vikings + Packers loss. Green Bay can clinch a playoff berth with a Packers win and Rams loss or Packers tie and Rams loss.

AFC:

1st seed: Baltimore Ravens (11-2) (Clinched playoff berth)
2nd seed: New England Patriots 10-3)
3rd seed: Kansas City Chiefs (9-4) (Clinched AFC West)
4th seed: Houston Texans (8-5)
5th seed: Buffalo Bills (9-4)
6th seed: Pittsburgh Steelers

Wild card:

Pittsburgh @ Kansas City
Buffalo @ Houston

Still alive:
Tennessee Titans (8-5), Cleveland Browns (6-7), Oakland Raiders (6-7), Indianapolis Colts (6-7), Denver Broncos (5-8)

Eliminated: Los Angeles Chargers (5-8), NY Jets (5-8), Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9), Miami Dolphins (3-10), Cincinnati Bengals (1-12)

The Ravens can clinch the AFC North with a win or tie or Steelers loss. Buffalo can clinch a playoff berth with a win. The Bills-Steelers game will have a lot of teams watching especially the Titans who are on the cusp of entering into the playoff picture.

NFL 100: A Spotlight

For the first 50 years of the 20th Century, baseball and boxing dominated the American sports conscious. The sport of football was secondary. At that time college football was more popular than professional football. However, one game in December 1958 would alter the course of the NFL forever.

The game was held in Yankee Stadium where a crowd of 64,185 spectators braved the cold to watch the New York Giants host the Baltimore Colts for the rights to the NFL championship. The game was televised on NBC where 45 million people across the country (the New York City area was blacked out) watched the game.

The Colts were entering their 6th season in existence after making their return to the NFL in 1953. A previous incarnation of the Baltimore Colts was existed from 1946 to 1950. The Colts finished 1958 with a 9-3 record. One of their three losses came against the same Giants team in Yankee Stadium on November 9th by the score of 24-21. The team was coached by Weeb Ewbank. Baltimore had such stars like Johnny Unitas, Raymond Berry, Alan Ameche, and Gino Marchetti.

The Giants were in their 2nd championship game in 3 seasons after dismantling the Chicago Bears in the 1956 game in a 47-7 thrashing. The Giants also finished 1958 with a 9-3 record with their only losses coming against the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Chicago Cardinals. The Giants would have to play a division playoff game against the Cleveland Browns as the Browns had the same record. The Giants would win 10-0. The team was coached by Jim Lee Howell. New York had such stars like Frank Gifford, Emlen Tunnell, and Sam Huff. The team was also coached by Offensive Coordinator Vince Lombardi and Defensive Coordinator Tom Landry.

The scoring got started in the first quarter as Pat Summerall (yeah that Pat Summerall) hit a 36-yard field goal to give the Giants a 3-0 lead. The Colts would get their offense going in the 2nd quarter with an Alan Ameche 2-yard rush for his first of two touchdowns in the game. Raymond Berry would catch a 15-yard pass from Johnny Unitas to give the Colts a 14-3 lead going into halftime.

The scoring in the 3rd quarter would be only highlighted by a Mel Triplett 1-yard rush for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 14-10. The Giants would regain the lead in the 4th quarter with a 15-yard Charlie Conerly pass to Frank Gifford for a touchdown to give the Giants a 17-14 lead, along with a Summeral point after of course.

With time running out and the Colts needing a score, Johnny Unitas would drive down the field to get into field goal range for Colts kicker Steve Myhra. Myhra would hit a 20-yard field goal to force the game into overtime. The drive was probably the first iteration of the phrase "2-minute drill." It would be the first NFL championship game to go into overtime (the 2nd would be Super Bowl LI).

The Giants would get first crack in the overtime but wouldn't do much with it. During that kickoff, it was returned by Don Maynard who also muffed it (Maynard would later play for Weeb Ewbank with the New York Jets to beat the Colts in Super Bowl III). The Colts would get a turn to score.

The Colts would drive 80 yards on 13 plays. When the Colts were on the Giants 8-yard line, a spectator (who was actually an NBC employee) caused a distraction because of NBC's live feed had gone down. Ultimately the feed would return to show the game on television. Alan Ameche's name was called on the final play as he would score a 1-yard rushing touchdown to give the Colts their first NFL championship.

For the Giants, they would return to the NFL championship game in 1959 (to lose to the Colts again), 1961, 1962 (both years to the Packers), and 1963 (to the Bears). The Giants wouldn't win another playoff game until 1981 when the Giants beat the Eagles in the Wild card playoffs. They wouldn't win another championship until the Giants beat the Broncos in Super Bowl XXI in 1986.

For Baltimore, they would win another championship in 1959. They would get back into the championship game in 1964 but would lose to the Browns. Baltimore would lose in the 1965 playoffs to the Packers. The Colts would win another NFL championship in 1968 but would fail to win the Super Bowl against the New York Jets. They finally became Super Bowl champions when they beat the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V. The Colts last playoff win in Baltimore would come against the Browns in the 1971 season. After the 1983 season, the Colts would move to Indianapolis.

The 1958 championship would change the NFL forever. There's certainly a number of reasons for this I feel. The television was in its infancy in the 1950's as more and more American's owned a set. The marriage of football and television would revolutionize both industries for decades to come. Another reason I feel is that more Americans were moving out of the big cities and into the West coast or Midwestern cities. There was no need to go to a game when you could watch the game yourself in your warm home. Finally, the reason was that the past four NFL championship games were blowouts (1954: Browns 56, Lions 10; 1955: Browns 38, Rams 14; 1956: Giants 47, Bears 7; 1957: Lions 59, Browns 14) and most people would rather see a competitive game.

Week 15 Picks

Week 15 in the NFL regular season will start in Baltimore, Maryland and finish in New Orleans, Louisiana. There will be 16 games on the slate as no teams are on a bye week. The week includes: A Thursday night game, eight early games, five late games, a Sunday night game and a Monday night game. FOX will have the double-header and CBS will have the single, regional game. Let's get to the picks!

NY Jets (5-8) @ Baltimore (11-2) (FOX/NFL Network): TW: Ravens; CV: Ravens

Both teams won last week as the Jets beat the Dolphins and the Ravens beat the Bills. The week starts off with somewhat of a lopsided match-up record wise. I like the Ravens to get another week in this one as I don't know how the Jets could possibly slow down Lamar Jackson. I like the Ravens defense more than the Jets defense as well.

Miami (3-10) @ NY Giants (2-11) (CBS): TW: Giants; CV: Dolphins

Both teams lost last week as the Dolphins lost to the Jets and the Giants lost to the Eagles. The game really isn't a sexy matchup on either paper or in fantasy. I tend to lean more towards the home team as the Dolphins record on the road is abysmal. No one really gets anything of value if they win as both teams look to be picking high in next year's draft. I'll take the G-men. 

Houston (8-5) @ Tennessee (8-5) (CBS): TW: Titans; CV: Titans

The Texans lost to the Broncos and the Titans beat the Raiders. AFC South is pretty much up for grabs in this one. The Texans just keep letting me down when I pick them. I kind of want Tennessee to win because of that. I like Derrick Henry in this match-up as he is easily one of the best running backs in the game today. Ryan Tannehill has been stellar for the Titans as well. This will bite me in the ass again but I can't trust Houston. 

New England (10-3) @ Cincinnati (1-12) (CBS): TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots

Both teams lost last week as the Patriots lost to the Chiefs and the Bengals lost to the Browns. For the Patriots, they have to be angry to lose last week. They'll take out their anger on the hapless Bengals who are terrible this season. The Pats rarely lose back-to-back games so that doesn't bode well for the Bengals. Sorry Cincy.

Seattle (10-3) @ Carolina (5-8) (FOX): TW: Seahawks; CV: Seahawks

Both teams lost last week as the Seahawks lost to the Rams and the Panthers lost to the Falcons. The game features two potential MVP's in Russell Wilson for Seattle and Christian McCaffrey for Carolina. I feel the Panthers will lose based on their defense and while their passing game and running attack will do fine, I tend to think the Seahawks have a better overall running game with Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny. 

Tampa Bay (6-7) @ Detroit (3-9-1) (FOX): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers

The Buccaneers beat the Colts and the Lions lost to the Vikings last week. Jameis Winston will still throw interceptions but I feel he will throw just as many touchdowns in the game as the Lions defense is just not that solid on defending the pass, let alone the run. The game could be an offensive showcase for both teams but I don't trust David Blough to keep up with Winston in terms of touchdowns. 

Denver (5-8) @ Kansas City (9-4) (CBS): TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs

Both teams got wins last week as the Broncos beat the Texans and the Chiefs beat the Patriots. If you're a Chiefs fan, you have to feel good about beating the class in your conference in the Patriots last week. Just let Patrick Mahomes do his thing and and play solid lockdown defense. Essentially what you did against New England.

Philadelphia (6-7) @ Washington (3-10) (FOX): TW: Eagles; CV: Eagles

The Eagles got a win against the Giants and the Redskins lost to the Packers. If the Eagles want to possibly get a division crown, they can't expect the Cowboys to lose to the Rams. They need to go out and do their business on the road and win. Fortunately, they play a terrible Redskins team that would like to play spoiler. It could happen but I feel Wentz and company will get a win. 

Chicago (7-6) @ Green Bay (10-3) (FOX): TW: Packers; CV: Packers

Both teams got wins last week as the Bears beat the Cowboys and the Packers beat the Redskins. The two teams have changed a lot since their Week 1 meeting. Green Bay's offense went back to hibernation last week but it was effective enough to beat Washington. If they want to beat the Bears and the reinvigorated Mitchell Trubisky, they need to score more than 20 points in this one. I can't trust the Packers defense to get it done alone. 

Jacksonville (4-9) @ Oakland (6-7) (CBS): TW: Raiders; CV: Raiders

Both teams lost last week as the Jaguars lost to the Chargers and the Raiders lost to the Titans. It's the last game at the Oakland Coliseum. Oakland maybe out of the playoffs but they should at least give their fans in Oakland one final showcase of great. With all their history in the stadium they should at least give the old stadium one last win. Do it for Ken Stabler!

Cleveland (6-7) @ Arizona (3-9-1) (CBS): TW: Browns; CV: Browns

The Browns beat the Bengals and the Cardinals lost to the Steelers last week. Cleveland has had a rough season but are still in the hunt for a playoff spot, but a slim chance. Arizona could still play the spoiler in the game but with their defense and inconsistent running game, I feel the game will be not as close as I feel. I feel the running tandem of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt will eat some yards in this one.

Minnesota (9-4) @ LA Chargers (5-8) (CBS): TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings

Both teams got wins as the Vikings beat the Lions and the Chargers beat the Jaguars. The two teams have similar offenses in terms of talent. Vikings have an edge with Cousins throwing for more touchdowns but lesser yards and Dalvin Cook has done well this year in the running game. Ultimately, I feel the Vikings defense will challenge Phillip Rivers to throw it as they have a great defense. I'll go with the safe bet with Minnesota.

Atlanta (4-9) @ San Francisco (11-2) (FOX): TW: 49ers; CV: 49ers

Both teams got wins last week as the Falcons beat the Panthers and the 49ers beat the Saints. Atlanta could play the upset card in this one but in a stacked NFC, do the 49ers really want to lose to a lowly Falcons team. The game could be a shootout but I don't know how the Falcons could possibly score more than 20 in this one with the 49ers defense.

LA Rams (8-5) @ Dallas (6-7) (FOX): TW: Rams; CV: Rams

The Rams beat the Seahawks and the Cowboys lost to the Bears. Dallas has quite a bit of rest on their shoulders. The Eagles breathing down their neck and against a talented but weakened Rams team doesn't make their situation any easier. Los Angeles has a legit running game and if their offense can take time off the clock and keep the Dallas defense in check, I like their chances.

Buffalo (9-4) @ Pittsburgh (8-5) (NBC): TW: Steelers; CV: Bills

The Bills lost to the Ravens and the Steelers beat the Cardinals last week. Classic AFC match-up on NBC (at least for those who still remember NBC being the AFC package carrier). First time that Buffalo will be on Sunday Night Football since 2007. James Conner and Ju Ju Smith-Schuster could make a return after missing quite a few games due to injury. Momentum is certainly on Pittsburgh's side on this one as they're currently in the drivers seat in the playoffs. If the Steelers win they'd take that #5 spot from Buffalo. I'll take Pittsburgh due to their stifling defense.

Indianapolis (6-7) @ New Orleans (10-3) (ESPN): TW: Saints; CV: Saints

Both teams lost as the Colts lost to the Buccaneers and the Saints lost to the 49ers. The week finishes up with an okay match-up. Obviously I'll take the Saints since they really have better talent on both sides of the ball. In general, I feel it will be a blowout but that's if Marlon Mack is out of the lineup. Geux Saints!

Local TV Schedule (courtesy of 506sports.com; games subject to change):

CBS Single:

Minnesota @ LA Chargers

Greg Gumbel, Trent Green

FOX Early:

Chicago @ Green Bay

Kevin Burkhardt, Charles Davis

FOX Late:

LA Rams @ Dallas

Joe Buck Troy Aikman

For more information on which game is being shown in your area check out: NFL 2019: Week 15 Maps

The Records (By Week & Year):

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89

2018: 156-98-2

2019:

Week 1: 11-4-1

Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 10-6

Week 4: 7-8

Week 5: 9-6

Week 6: 7-7

Week 7: 10-4

Week 8: 11-4

Week 9: 8-6

Week 10: 2-11

Week 11: 12-2

Week 12: 9-5

Week 13: 8-8

Week 14: 9-7

Overall: 125-84-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019:

Week 1: 12-3-1

Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 11-5

Week 4: 8-7

Week 5: 5-10

Week 6: 9-5

Week 7: 7-7

Week 8: 14-1

Week 9: 8-6

Week 10: 5-8

Week 11: 10-4

Week 12: 10-4

Week 13: 10-6

Week 14: 9-7

Overall: 128-79-1

See you guys after the Monday night game for the Week 15 Recap post!

-Tom