Here we are: Week 15 of the NFL season with many potential playoff spot on the line. We’ve learned a lot over the past few weeks, like the fact that no one wants to pull away in the NFC South and AFC North, for different reasons.
Much of the playoff picture is getting clearer, but there are still huge matchups this week that will go a long way in deciding who plays on. Let’s check out the top storylines for Week 15.
1. Are the Pittsburgh Steelers on a roll?
The Steelers seemed to have been stagnant In early October, but have now won five over seven games over teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts and most recently Cincinnati Bengals.
Going into a matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, the Steelers control their own AFC North fate. Ben Roethlisberger has been strong lately, but it could come down to Le’Veon Bell turning in another great performance.
2. Can the Miami Dolphins save their season?
The Dolphins drew a lot of hype early in the season after beating the New England Patriots, 33-20, in Week 1. However, at 7-6, their playoffs hopes are dwindling ahead of a road game in Foxboro.
Ryan Tannehill might need to keep up with a blazing Tom Brady if he wants to win. Can the Dolphins defense hold Shane Vereen, LeGarrette Blount and Jonas Gray, though?
3. Will the Kansas City Chiefs end their skid?
The Chiefs had a firm grasp on a Wild Card spot just three weeks ago, but after three straight losses, sit a game out of the playoffs. A home matchup with the Oakland Raiders is a must-win for the Chiefs’ playoff hopes.
Jamaal Charles is the key to this game, if he can play. He’ll be up against a 24th-ranked rush defense in the Raiders and could control the game single-handedly.
4. Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts
This AFC South battle could determine whether the Texans have a fighting chance in the AFC playoff race and if the Colts can somehow slip into the top 2 seeds in the conference. With a loss, either team would be out of their respective races.
Andrew Luck will come back home after having one of his worst games statistically in his career, and will get the Texans’ 28th-ranked pass defense. J.J. Watt is good, but not good enough to stop the entire Colts offense.
5. Can the Green Bay Packers keep it up?
The Packers, in many fans’ opinions, are the best team in the league and have been for the past three or four weeks. Aaron Rodgers has been slinging the ball brilliantly and will attempt to do so against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
The Bills, clinging to playoff hopes as well, will counter with the fifth-ranked pass defense. However, Rodgers will find a way to be productive. That means Kyle Orton will have to step up to keep the Bills in the game.
6. How will Derek Anderson fare in Cam Newton’s absence?
By now, footballs fans know of Newton’s car crash that will keep him out of this game and could lose him the rest of the season. Now, it’s up to Anderson to lead the Carolina Panthers to an improbable playoff spot.
In come the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who rank 19th in total defense. That means Anderson could have a god matchup on his hands, but he needs to find Kelvin Benjamin early and often.
7. Johnny Manziel gets the start
Manziel has been waiting for his chance and Brian Hoyer struggled down the stretch to give him that chance. Now, he’ll get a Cincinnati Bengals team that hasn’t figured out if it wants to make the playoffs or not.
Manziel will attempt to lead his offense against a 21st-ranked Bengals pass defense, but has Josh Gordon as a good safety valve. If he can find Gordon early and often and his running backs can carry the load, he has a chance to succeed.
8. Can the San Diego Chargers get an upset win?
The Chargers almost had a win at home against the New England Patriots last week, but couldn’t hold on. Now, Philip Rivers and his team could really use a win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
The Broncos defense is clicking and they already have a 35-21 win over the Chargers, but Rivers has lead his team to three straight wins. It could be make or break for the Chargers season.
9. Will the Seattle Seahawks take the NFC West?
The Seahawks are playing their best football of the season, winning three straight over winning teams. However, they need a win over the San Francisco 49ers to remain within a game of the Arizona Cardinals.
Lucky for Seattle, it held San Francisco to just three points two weeks ago at its place. Now, the 12th man will attempt to boost the league’s top defense.
10. Who will take the NFC East?
Just over two weeks ago, the Philadelphia Eagles embarrassed the Dallas Cowboys in Cowboys Stadium. Now, it’s time to see if the Eagles can complete the sweep and most likely take the division or if the Cowboys will fight back and take control.
Tony Romo was extremely efficient last week against the Chicago Bears and is 6-0 on the road this season. However, he’ll have to keep up with the Eagles, who are 6-1 at home and scored 27 or more points in six of those games.