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Estimated studying time: 23 minutes
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Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (-3)
Storyline: AFC West Wild-Card Battle
The Chargers’ blowout loss at house in Week 15 opened the door for the Broncos to leapfrog them within the standings. Nevertheless, a season sweep of Denver with a win right here would flip the script. The Chargers face an uphill battle, although, as a result of a drop in offensive manufacturing that has led to a few losses of their final 4 video games.
On the opposite sideline, the Broncos enter this matchup on a four-game profitable streak. Nevertheless, these wins got here towards groups presently exterior the playoff image. A victory right here wouldn’t solely redeem their Week 6 loss to the Chargers but in addition give them essential momentum heading into the ultimate stretch of the common season.
Matchup to Watch: Chargers LT Rashawn Slater vs. Broncos ED Nik Bonitto
Bonitto’s breakout season is in full swing, significantly during the last 4 video games. Since Week 11, he leads the NFL with a 92.9 total defensive grade, highlighted by 90.0-plus grades in three of these video games. In the meantime, Slater has additionally shined, incomes a 91.3 total grade since Week 11, rating him second amongst tackles in that span.
Further Information:
- Broncos CB Pat Surtain II’s (ankle) harm is taken into account minor after exiting final week’s recreation.
Houston Texans (-2.5) vs. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
Storyline: No Mahomes for AFC Divisional Conflict?
Patrick Mahomes limping off the sphere late in Week 15 towards Cleveland despatched a shock via Chiefs Kingdom. Preliminary stories listing him as week-to-week, and his standing stays unsure for this barely shortened week regardless of beginning apply as a full participant. If Mahomes can’t go, Carson Wentz is poised to take over.
The Texans, using excessive after clinching their second consecutive AFC South title, now goal to climb the AFC standings and surpass the Steelers for the No. 3 seed.
Matchup to Watch: Chiefs G/T Joe Thuney vs. Texans ED Will Anderson Jr.
With the left sort out place in flux, the Chiefs moved Thuney from left guard to left sort out final week. Tasked with blocking Myles Garrett, Thuney struggled, posting a 43.5 PFF pass-blocking grade and permitting a 23.3% stress fee. This week, he faces no simpler process towards Anderson, who has earned a 90.2 pass-rush grade since Week 12 and delivered a strip-sack of Tua Tagovailoa final week.
Further Information:
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (-6.5)
Storyline: AFC North Showdown
Regardless of shedding to the Eagles in Week 15, the Steelers clinched a playoff berth because of different outcomes. This matchup carries further weight, with the AFC North title on the road. A Steelers win crowns them division champs, whereas a Ravens win secures a playoff spot and evens the division race.
The Ravens look to avenge their 16-18 loss to Pittsburgh in Week 11, the place a failed two-point conversion saved the sport from heading to additional time. Baltimore’s protection held the Steelers to 6 discipline targets in that contest, all nailed by Chris Boswell.
Matchup to Watch: Ravens WR Rashod Bateman vs. Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr.
Bateman has quietly been one of many league’s finest at creating separation. In accordance with PFF, he leads the NFL with a 75.17% separation fee. Final week, he earned his highest receiving grade of the season (85.3), because of a 90.91% separation fee. Porter, nevertheless, has been one of many stickiest corners within the league, with a 60.89% lockdown share, rating fourth total.
Further Information:
- Ravens and WR Diontae Johnson have “mutually agreed” to excuse him from workforce actions.
- Steelers ED T.J. Watt (ankle) returned to apply in a restricted capability.
- WR George Pickens (hamstring) didn’t apply to start out the week.
New York Giants vs. Atlanta Falcons (-10.5)
Storyline: Falcons Flip to First-Spherical QB Michael Penix Jr.
With a playoff spot on the road, the Falcons have benched Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr., their top-10 choose within the 2024 draft. Penix will make his first profession begin towards a struggling Giants workforce, hoping to construct on his flashes of promise in restricted motion.
The Giants, now on a nine-game shedding streak, appeared uninspired of their 35-14 loss to the Ravens final week. They flip again to Drew Lock at quarterback, who has endured accidents and inconsistent play this season.
Matchup to Watch: Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. vs. Giants Secondary
Though Penix has seen solely six dropbacks this season, he showcased rhythm, timing, and even his first big-time throw in reduction of Cousins. The Giants’ secondary has been a weak spot, incomes a 47.3 workforce protection grade and permitting the worst EPA per move play within the league. Final week, Lamar Jackson torched them with 5 big-time throws, incomes a 90.1 PFF passing grade.
Further Information:
Arizona Cardinals (-4.5) vs. Carolina Panthers
Storyline: Cardinals Combating to Keep Alive in NFC Standings
At 7-7, the Cardinals are clawing to maintain their playoff hopes alive. Their dominant win over New England in Week 15 snapped a four-game skid. With solely three video games left, Arizona should deal with its personal enterprise and hope different groups falter to remain within the hunt.
Carolina’s constructive play was short-lived, because the workforce struggled towards Dallas final week, marking its fourth straight loss. This downturn got here after the Panthers confirmed indicators of enchancment within the three weeks prior, regardless of not securing a win.
Matchup to Watch: Panthers QB Bryce Younger vs. Cardinals S Budda Baker
4 turnovers marred Younger’s Week 15 efficiency, incomes him a 39.5 total grade — his lowest since Week 2. He posted a 0-to-3 big-time throw-to-turnover-worthy play ratio, a pointy distinction to the 12-to-3 ratio within the three earlier video games. The query stays: which model of Younger will present up?
Baker not too long ago signed a three-year extension and continues to shine. He’s having a profession 12 months, incomes a 76.7 total defensive grade — the best of his profession.
Further Information:
- The Cardinals signed S Budda Baker to a three-year, $54 million extension.
- Panthers LBs Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus have been positioned on IR and can miss the remainder of the season.
Detroit Lions (-7) vs. Chicago Bears
Storyline: Lions Trying to Rebound from Week 15 Loss
The Lions’ 11-game win streak ended with an exciting loss to the Payments in Week 15, a recreation that showcased two powerhouse offenses. Regardless of racking up over 500 yards, Detroit’s gradual begin proved pricey. If the Lions — and Payments — care for enterprise, a rematch may loom within the playoffs.
This week, Detroit appears to finish a season sweep of the Bears, who’ve now misplaced eight straight video games. The teaching change from Matt Eberflus to Thomas Brown hasn’t produced the outcomes the franchise hoped for, with a 68-25 level differential because the change.
Matchup to Watch: Lions CB Kindle Vildor vs. Bears WR Rome Odunze
The lack of Carlton Davis has examined the Lions’ cornerback depth. Vildor, who has struggled this season with a 46.7 PFF protection grade, will step up. Nevertheless, he confirmed enchancment towards the Payments, incomes a 70.0 protection grade.
Odunze, the Bears’ rookie receiver, has but to search out consistency however has excelled in contested conditions. His 76.9% contested catch fee leads the NFL amongst receivers with 10 or extra contested targets.
Further Information:
- Lions RB David Montgomery (torn MCL) is hoping for a return this season.
- Lions CB Carlton Davis (damaged jaw) and DI Alim McNeill (torn ACL) have been positioned on IR.
- Lions ED Aidan Hutchinson (damaged leg) is aiming for a Tremendous Bowl return.
Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts (-4.5)
Storyline: Can the Titans Spoil the Colts’ Playoff Possibilities?
The Colts’ playoff hopes took a success with final week’s loss to Denver. Now, they need assistance from different groups to remain within the postseason race. Expensive self-inflicted errors, together with a fumble on the purpose line by Jonathan Taylor, dashed their Week 15 probabilities.
The Titans could also be eradicated, however they continue to be aggressive. Head coach Brian Callahan benched Will Levis in favor of Mason Rudolph, doubtlessly signaling the tip of Levis’ tenure because the workforce’s franchise quarterback.
Matchup to Watch: Colts QB Anthony Richardson vs. Titans Protection
Richardson missed the earlier matchup in Week 6, watching from the sidelines as Joe Flacco led the offense. Inconsistent play continues to plague Richardson, who earned a 47.7 PFF passing grade in Week 15, averaging simply 4.3 yards per try and committing two turnover-worthy performs.
The Titans’ protection has been opportunistic not too long ago, forcing 5 turnovers over the previous two video games — greater than a 3rd of their season complete.
Further Information:
Los Angeles Rams (-3) vs. New York Jets
Storyline: Rams Look to Management NFC West
With their Thursday night time win over San Francisco and Seattle’s Sunday night time loss, the Rams now lead the NFC West because of their Week 9 victory over the Seahawks. With the division race tight, Los Angeles can’t afford to slide up as street favorites.
The Jets snapped a four-game shedding streak with a street win in Week 15, scoring 30 factors for the primary time this season. The offense sealed the victory with a late landing drive towards Jacksonville.
Matchup to Watch: Rams TE Tyler Higbee vs. Jets Protection
The Rams are set to get a lift with the return of Tyler Higbee, who missed time with a knee harm. Whereas Higbee’s 2023 season was underwhelming (58.7 PFF receiving grade), his familiarity with the offense may show priceless in the course of the playoff push.
The Jets have struggled to cowl tight ends not too long ago, permitting 20 receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns during the last three weeks. In Week 15, Brenton Unusual had a profession day towards them, greater than doubling his earlier single-game excessive for receptions.
Further Information:
- The Jets interviewed former Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff to switch Joe Douglas, who was let go in November.
- Jets WR Davante Adams recorded his a hundredth profession landing, turning into the twelfth participant in NFL historical past to succeed in that milestone.
- Rams activated TE Tyler Higbee (knee) from the PUP listing.
Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5) vs. Washington Commanders
Storyline: Battle for the NFC East Crown
The Eagles are using a double-digit win streak after a decisive victory over the Steelers. A win right here would safe the NFC East title and bolster their probabilities in a three-way tie atop the NFC standings. Count on Philadelphia to provide their finest effort on this pivotal matchup.
In the meantime, the Commanders goal to fend off their division rivals and keep within the NFC Wild Card race. They’re additionally in search of revenge for his or her Week 11 loss to the Eagles — a recreation that wasn’t as shut as the ultimate eight-point margin indicated, with Washington scoring late to slim the hole.
Matchup to Watch: Commanders WR Terry McLaurin vs. Eagles CB Quinyon Mitchell
Jayden Daniels’ favourite goal, McLaurin, has been on fireplace. Over his final three video games, he has 20 catches for 248 yards and 5 touchdowns, the latter main the NFL throughout that span. McLaurin’s stellar season has earned him an 84.7 receiving grade, rating eleventh amongst broad receivers.
Mitchell, the Eagles’ rookie nook, has had a superb season, incomes a 75.7 protection grade, which ranks sixteenth at his place. He has but to permit a landing, making him well-equipped to deal with McLaurin’s latest scoring surge.
Further Information:
Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals (-7)
Storyline: Bengals Claw to Keep away from Elimination
The Bengals face one other must-win recreation as they host the Browns. Though their playoff likelihood is slim, Cincinnati has performed its half with latest street wins over Dallas and Tennessee.
The Browns, alternatively, are trying to find solutions at quarterback. Jameis Winston’s latest struggles led to his benching in favor of Dorian Thompson-Robinson. During the last three weeks, Winston has 10 turnover-worthy performs, probably the most within the NFL throughout that span.
Matchup to Watch: Browns QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson vs. Bengals Turnover Defense
Thompson-Robinson struggled in Week 15, incomes a 54.4 PFF passing grade and throwing his third interception of the season. Throughout 38 dropbacks this 12 months, he has managed simply 100 passing yards and a 28.5 passing grade.
Cincinnati’s protection stepped up in Week 15, forcing six turnovers towards the Titans, together with a fumble return for a landing. They practically added one other rating if not for Jordan Battle’s goal-line fumble.
Further Information:
- Browns RB Nick Chubb suffered a damaged foot in Week 14.
Minnesota Vikings (-4.5) vs. Seattle Seahawks
Storyline: NFC Playoff Implications on Each Sides
The Vikings secured a playoff berth in Week 15 and now sit in a three-way tie with Philadelphia and Detroit atop the NFC standings. They goal to maintain the momentum going and push for the No. 1 seed.
The Seahawks’ loss to Inexperienced Bay dropped them out of the division lead and playoff image. Each remaining recreation is important as Seattle tries to catch the Rams and Commanders.
Matchup to Watch: Seahawks QB Geno Smith vs. Vikings Move Rush
Smith left final week’s recreation with an harm however returned to full apply this week. His presence is essential towards a Vikings protection that ranks third within the NFL with 92 quarterback knockdowns. Smith thrives underneath stress, recording a 64.1 passing grade, the fifth-best amongst qualifying quarterbacks.
Further Information:
New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Payments (-14.5)
Storyline: Payments Driving Momentum to the End Line
The Payments are flying excessive after a press release win over Detroit. They goal to climb the AFC standings and problem Kansas Metropolis with two video games towards the struggling Patriots over the following three weeks.
The Patriots have misplaced 5 of their final six video games and don’t pose a lot of a menace to Buffalo. Their newest defeat got here from the Cardinals, highlighted by ball safety points, together with three fumbles.
Matchup to Watch: Payments RB James Prepare dinner vs. Patriots Entrance Seven
Prepare dinner delivered a stellar efficiency towards Detroit, incomes a career-high 92.3 grade. He rushed for 7.5 yards per carry and scored two touchdowns, marking his fourth multi-score recreation this season.
The Patriots’ run protection has struggled all 12 months. In Week 15, they allowed James Conner to common 6.9 yards per carry and rating twice. New England’s workforce run protection grade (58.9) ranks twenty sixth within the NFL.
Further Information:
- Payments QB Josh Allen stays the MVP frontrunner with -900 odds.
- Chilly temperatures and potential snow are within the forecast.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Las Vegas Raiders (-1.5)
Storyline: Race to the Backside
This matchup has little intrigue exterior of draft positioning, with the Raiders, Giants, and Jaguars all close to the underside of the standings.
Each groups are additionally with out their Week 1 beginning quarterbacks. The Jaguars proceed with Mac Jones, whereas the Raiders flip again to Aidan O’Connell. Given the uncertainty at quarterback, it’s no shock the Raiders are rumored to be eyeing high prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Matchup to Watch: Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. vs. Raiders CB Decamerion Richardson
Thomas has change into a favourite goal for Mac Jones, seeing 34 targets during the last three video games. He holds a 28.3% menace share and averages 2.23 yards per route run.
Richardson, a fourth-round rookie, has struggled in protection. His 45.3 PFF protection grade ranks 111th out of 113 qualifying cornerbacks, and he permits 9.3 yards per goal.
Further Information:
San Francisco 49ers vs. Miami Dolphins (-1.5)
Storyline: Lengthy Shot Playoff Odds
Whereas neither workforce is mathematically eradicated from the playoffs, each face do-or-die eventualities and slim postseason hopes. Count on an intense battle as they battle to maintain their playoff goals alive.
The 49ers have slipped to the underside of a tightly contested NFC West after shedding 4 of their final 5 video games. Their 2-4 street document suggests the postseason is slipping away, with PFF’s simulation mannequin giving them lower than a 1% probability of creating it.
Matchup to Watch: 49ers LB Dre Greenlaw vs. Dolphins RB De’Von Achane
Controversy surrounded the 49ers final week with De’Vondre Campbell’s discontent following Greenlaw’s return. Regardless of leaving the sport as a precaution, Greenlaw excelled, incomes an 87.6 total grade on 30 snaps.
Greenlaw’s well being shall be examined towards Achane, whose velocity makes him a menace to attain on any play. Nevertheless, Achane has struggled not too long ago, posting a 59.1 offensive grade during the last three video games.
Further Information:
- Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle (knee) prevented a significant harm and is taken into account day-to-day.
- 49ers suspended LB De’Vondre Campbell for conduct detrimental to the workforce.
- Dolphins WR Grant DuBose has been launched from the hospital after a critical harm.
- 49ers LT Trent Williams (ankle) could miss the remainder of the season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3.5) vs. Dallas Cowboys
Storyline: Tampa Appears to be like to Construct on Newfound Momentum
The Buccaneers seized management of the NFC South from the Falcons and don’t appear keen to provide it again. Their dominant Week 15 efficiency towards the Chargers prolonged their win streak to 4 video games.
The Cowboys stay mathematically alive and have performed nicely, profitable three of their final 4 video games. They face a steep climb, however they proceed to battle.
Matchup to Watch: Buccaneers WR Mike Evans vs. Cowboys CB DaRon Bland
Evans has been instrumental in Tampa Bay’s latest success. Since coming back from a hamstring harm in Week 12, he boasts a 90.4 PFF receiving grade, the second-highest amongst receivers, with 12 explosive receptions and 7 contested catches.
Bland’s return to the Cowboys’ lineup in Week 12 has additionally boosted their protection. He holds a 77.7 PFF protection grade and has compelled incompletions on 19.1% of targets.
Further Information:
- Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs (knee) will bear season-ending surgical procedure.
- Bucs QB Baker Mayfield earned NFC Offensive Participant of the Week honors for Week 15.
New Orleans Saints vs. Inexperienced Bay Packers (-13.5)
Storyline: Saints By some means Nonetheless Alive in NFC
Although eradicated from wild-card rivalry, the Saints nonetheless have a slim shot on the NFC South title. To maintain that hope alive, they have to win out, beginning with a troublesome matchup in Inexperienced Bay.
The Packers, in the meantime, can clinch a playoff berth with a win or tie. Sitting third within the NFC North, two video games behind Minnesota and Detroit, Inexperienced Bay is probably going headed for the No. 6 seed.
Matchup to Watch: Saints QB Spencer Rattler vs. Packers LB Edgerrin Cooper
This rookie showdown options Rattler making an attempt to crack Cooper’s defensive prowess. The Saints benched Jake Haener in favor of Rattler final week, a transfer that almost sparked a comeback after a disastrous first half.
Cooper, coming off a career-best 93.8 grade, has earned his second NFC Defensive Participant of the Week award. His robust play may pose a significant problem for the Saints’ unsettled quarterback state of affairs.
Further Information:
- Saints signed former Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
- Packers first-round T Jordan Morgan (shoulder) is predicted to overlook the remainder of the season.
