Every week has huge playoff ramifications, and in Week 15 teams that were dead have been brought back to life. Yes, some teams have been eliminated, but most games on Saturday and Sunday this week matter in either playoff seeding or qualification.
Week 15 Review
Chargers One Breath Away from 1 Seed – The Chargers continue to play incredible football, this time coming from behind to beat the KC Chiefs in Arrowhead. Down by 2 scores, QB Philip Rivers hit WR Mike Williams with a TD score to pull within 1 point. Coach Anthony Lynn went for 2 points and the win and Williams caught the game winner with just seconds remaining, 29-28. Chargers are still 2nd in the AFC West by virtue of the Division record.
Bears Win NFC North – It’s been a while, but the Bears took out the Packers to win the division for the first time since 2010. The 24-17 win was backed by solid play by the Defense including 5 sacks of Aaron Rodgers and a key interception in the end zone late in the 4th quarter. The Bears still have a shot at the 2 seed.
Foles Lead Eagles Again – I’m beginning to think Foles may lead this team better than the more talented Wentz. QB Nick Foles stepped in to take out the high flying Rams (their 2nd straight loss) by getting the ball out quickly (0 sacks) and feeding WR Alshon Jeffery (160 yards receiving), 30-23. The Eagles defense forced 3 TOs and limited a potentially injured Todd Gurley to 48 yards rushing. The Eagles move to 7-7 and still have a shot at the playoffs with the win.
Pittsburgh Finally Bests Pats – The Steelers were reeling, but they found their defense against a Patriots’ team who never loses 2 in a row. RB Jaylen Samuels was great for 172 combined yards, but the Steelers’ defense held the Pats to 10 points and drew 14 penalties for 106 yards. Steelers win 17-10. Steelers move to 8-5-1 just ahead of the Ravens in the division.
Titans Run All Over Giants – RB Derrick Henry did it again with 170 yards and 2 TDs, as the Titans get their first shutout in 18 years, 17-0. Titans move to 8-6 in that logjam for the final playoff spot in the AFC.
Colts Playing Defense – The Colts have now won 7 of 8 games with a big shutout win over the formerly streaking Cowboys, 23-0. In a game where QB Andrew Luck only threw for 192 yards, the running game and defense came to play. Colts are now in the Top 10 in all major categories in Index.
Week 16 Preview – Must See Match Ups
Ravens at Chargers, 8:20 PM Eastern/7:20 PM Central on Saturday Night NFL Network (-4) – Chargers can keep on the pressure with a win to try and get that 1 Seed and a bye, but the Ravens are 4-1 with QB Lamar Jackson starting (sole loss to KC at KC in OT). This really is a playoff caliber match up and should be a great one.
Texans at Eagles, 1 PM Eastern/12 Noon Central on CBS (-2.5) – Eagles are in must win mode with Foles the likely starter. Texans are now in the 2 Seed slot, so they need to keep winning with NE’s soft 2 games remaining.
Steelers at Saints 4:25 PM Eastern/3:25 PM Central on CBS (-6) – Saints are now the 1 Seed and can solidify that position with a win at home against the Steelers who are fighting to stay ahead of the Ravens in AFC North. Should be fun.
Chiefs at Seahawks 8:20 PM Eastern/7:20 PM Central on NBC (+2.5) – Chiefs need to get the win to stay ahead of the Chargers in AFC West and 1 Seed, while Seahawks with loss to SF, need a win to clinch a playoff spot in the NFC.
NFL Index Week 16
Top 5 – New Team There
- Bears (2 Way Tie) – After big Packers win, Bears still king of the Index. No letdowns at SF, and this team can still get a bye. Only category not in Top 5 – Yards Gained at 345.9 (22nd)/ Saints – With the top seed, the Saints are going to be tough to beat. Top 10 in most categories, but 14th in Yards Against (348.8).
3. Chargers – Huge win at Chiefs, and the Index has seen it for weeks. Top 8 in every category except TO Differential +3 (12th).
4. Houston – Texans keep winning with 10th win of 11 games. 3rd in TO Differential (+10) buoys rank.
5. Colts (3 Way Tie) – The rising star in the Index with all numbers in the Top 10 except TO Differential at 14th (+2)/Rams drop with back to back losses and poor TOs Differential – Defensive Metrics down to 20th/Ravens have been consistent with good running game and defense – 1st in both Defensive Metrics.
Bottom 5
28. Dolphins – Fins are bad, even if they are not eliminated from the playoffs at 7-7. They have lived off TOs at +9 (4th), but are 23rd or worse in every other category.
29. Bengals – They got a win against another terrible squad. Still 32nd in Yards Against and 31st in Points Against.
30. Jets – They had the lead late against Houston and are favored vs. Packers at home, but don’t believe it. They are 22nd or worse in every single category.
31. Raiders – Out of the last spot somehow, but Raiders are -11.3 in Scoring Differential (31st) and 32nd in Points Against (29.9).
32. Cardinals – Wilks is in jeopardy of losing his job after 1 year – offense is 32nd in Scoring (13.7) and Yards (243.1). Plus 32nd in Scoring Differential (-12.5).
Alright, the playoff picture should get a lot clearer after this week.
Wegs