NFL 2022: Football Food For Thought (Week 15)

What a week this could turn out to be when it comes to the NFL playoffs.

It starts on Thursday night with the San Francisco 49ers in position to win the NFC West with a victory at Seattle. On Saturday, the Vikings can capture the NFC North by beating the Colts and the Bills can wrap up a playoff berth with a win over the Dolphins.

But wait, there’s more. The Chiefs can clinch the AFC West and the Cowboys can secure a postseason berth with victories over the Texans and Jaguars, respectively. It adds up to a fascinating Week 15 in the league.

Thursday, Dec. 15

San Francisco (9-4) at Seattle (7-6): Kyle Shanahan’s club owns the NFL’s longest current winning streak. The 49ers’ six consecutive victories have come by a combined 172-64 score. San Francisco posted a convincing 27-7 home win over Pete Carroll’s club back in Week 2. However, the Niners have not swept this series since 2011.

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Saturday, Dec. 17

Indianapolis (4-8-1) at Minnesota (10-3): The Vikings can wrap up the NFC North with a win. The Colts (off last week) are hoping to salvage a non-losing season. But these clubs share the fact that both have given up more points than they have scored. Minnesota has allowed the most total yards and most passing yards in the league.

Baltimore (9-4) at Cleveland (5-8): Back in Week 7, the Ravens held off the Browns, 23-20, at Baltimore. John Harbaugh’s club has allowed the second-fewest rushing yards in the league (99.8 average) but faces a tough test in Nick Chubb. He ranks third in the league in rushing yards (1,153) and has scored 12 touchdowns on the ground.

Miami (8-5) at Buffalo (10-3): In Week 3 at Miami, the Dolphins snapped a seven-game losing streak to the Bills via a 21-19 win. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has had a rough two-game stretch, hitting on just 28-of-61 passes for 440 yards and three TDs (2 interceptions) in losses to the 49ers and Chargers. The Bills clinch a playoff spot with a win.

Sunday, Dec. 18

Pittsburgh (5-8) at Carolina (5-8): This is a Steelers’ team that could be on the verge of its first losing season since 2003. The rejuvenated Panthers are 4-3 in their last seven outings after a 1-5 start. Mike Tomlin’s club has limited its last three opponents to 17 points or less. Carolina has run for 180-plus yards in three off their last four games.

Philadelphia (12-1) at Chicago (3-10): No team in the league has scored more points than the Eagles (386). They are also the only club in the NFL that has yet to lose on the road (6-0) this year. The Bears were off last week and have allowed the fourth-most points in the league (333) – 201 of those during their current six-game losing streak.

Kansas City (10-3) at Houston (1-11-1): Last week, the AFC West leaders survived a visit to Denver as Patrick Mahomes threw just as many interceptions (3) as TD passes. Only five teams in the league have committed more turnovers by the Chiefs (19). Despite one win and an eight-game losing streak, the Texans have 17 takeaways.

Dallas (10-3) at Jacksonville (5-8): Mike McCarthy’s team has twice as many wins at the Jaguars and are in the midst of a four-game winning streak. The Cowboys are also a perfect 3-0 vs. AFC teams this season. The Jaguars have lost an astounding 20 straight interconference games dating back to a 40-7 loss at Dallas in Week 6 of 2018.

Atlanta (5-8) at New Orleans (4-9): In Week 1, the Falcons squandered a 26-10 fourth-quarter lead at home and lost to the Saints, 27-26. While both of these clubs were off last week, you could make a case that they have not shown up this season. All kidding aside, these struggling teams are each still in the hunt for an NFC South title.

Detroit (6-7) at N.Y. Jets (7-6): Talk about turnarounds? A season ago, these two clubs both finished in last place and combined for just seven victories. In 2022, only four teams in the league have totaled more points than the surging Lions (349). Meanwhile, just five NFL clubs have surrendered fewer points than the improved Jets (243).

Arizona (4-9) at Denver (3-10): Could this be the week that the Broncos snap out of their offensive funk? It’s worth noting that the team scored a season-high 28 points last week vs. the Chiefs and still came up short. Denver has totaled an NFL-low 194 points this season. The disappointing Cardinals have allowed a league-high 348 points.

New England (7-6) at Las Vegas (5-8): Don’t walk away from this game if Josh McDaniels’ club is ahead by double digits. Last week, the Raiders lost their fourth game this season when leading by 13 or more points. The erratic Patriots have surrendered only 65 points in their seven victories – allowing 17 points or less in each of those wins.

Tennessee (7-6) at L.A. Chargers (7-6): The Titans rank 12th in the league in fewest points allowed (276). But 173 of those points have come in the club’s six losses. If it’s the Chargers, it figures to be a close game. All told, 10 of the Bolts’ 13 contests this year have been decided by seven points or less. Brandon Staley’s club is 6-4 in those games.

Cincinnati (9-4) at Tampa Bay (6-7): The reigning AFC champions have gotten their act together, especially on the offensive line. The Bengals have allowed only eight sacks during their five-game winning streak. That compares to giving up 30 QB traps during their 4-4 start. Todd Bowles’ club is 0-4 in interconference games this season.

N.Y. Giants (7-5-1) at Washington (7-5-1): Brian Daboll’s club has won just one game since opening the season with a 6-1 record. Meanwhile, the well-rested Commanders are an impressive 6-1-1 in their last eight contests after a four-game losing streak. That one tie? It came two weeks ago at MetLife Stadium (20-20) vs. the Giants.

Monday, Dec. 19

L.A. Rams (4-9) at Green Bay (5-8): The reigning Super Bowl champions have won just four games. On Monday night at Lambeau Field, the Rams will utilize their fourth different starting quarterback in 2022 in Baker Mayfield. The disappointing Packers were off a week ago and with a loss will finish below .500 for the first time since 2018.