Week 15 Game Picks Cont.
19 Dec. 2021 4:05 p.m. ET Games
Bengals @ Broncos
Cincinnati has had opportunities to retake control of the AFC North in recent weeks but has failed with back-to-back losses at home. The key number for this game is 7 and not just because of both these teams’ 7-6 record. The Broncos are 0-5 since 2020 vs a team entering the game with 7+ wins and the Bengals are 1-7 since 2018 against teams with 7+ wins entering the game. But there’s more in favor of Cincinnati here simply because a loss to Denver would be detrimental to their playoff seeding. The Broncos are winless (0-3) vs AFC North this season so the Bengals will need to win in order to avoid a tiebreaking situation within the division.
Fortunately, Denver has had a tale of two seasons as they have allowed fewer than 17 points in each of 7 wins this season (allowed 17+ in each of 6 losses). Joe Burrow and the Bengals are beyond capable of getting stops when needed and putting up points with the resurgence of rookie wideout Ja’Marr Chase.
Score: 27-17, Bengals Win.
Falcons @ 49ers
Although the Falcons have handed the 49ers an unexpected regular-season loss in recent history, that shouldn’t be the case this time around. George Kittle has gone nuclear over the past two weeks racking up 332 yards and three scores. Pair that aerial attack with Deebo Samuel’s rushing ability and the 49ers should be set offensively.
On the flip side of the ball, Kyle Shanahan will have to make sure his defense is in check and contain Cordarelle Patterson to the best of their ability. It’s worth noting that Atlanta is 5-2 on the road this season (0-5 at home) so there’s a little magic to this team playing away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Fortunately for the 49ers’ secondary though, Matt Ryan has fewer than 2 pass TD in 5 straight games, which is a slump that should continue regardless of the playing field.
Score: 29-20, 49ers Win.
Packers @ Ravens 4:25 p.m. ET Game
Despite this being an interconference matchup, it’s a big one as the Packers sit atop the NFC in hopes of keeping the No. 1 seed as the Ravens look to stay atop the AFC North and firmly at the top of the playoff race.
This week things could get interesting for Green Bay as all of their losses have come on the road this season and Baltimore is 5-1 at home this season. However, over the last five games, the Ravens are 2-3 and averaging a mere 16.6 PPG. But there’s room to improve against a Packers defense that has shown signs of weakness lately.
Packers Stats 2021
This week though, the Packers could catch a break on both sides of the ball as Aaron Rodger takes on a second to last-ranked pass defense in Baltimore and the defense takes on an injured Lamar Jackson. The former league MVP suffered an ankle sprain in last week’s loss to Cleveland and didn’t return after the first quarter. That could play a factor in this game if the Packers pass rush is able to hit home early on.
To make things even more interesting, Rodgers and head coach Matt LaFleur are 9-0 vs opposing starting QBs under the age of 25. Green Bay seems to be clicking at the right time for the home stretch of the regular season
Score: 31-26, Packers Win.
Sunday Night Football; 8:20 p.m. ET
Saints @ Buccaneers
There really shouldn’t be much of a game here, but because it’s New Orleans against Tampa Bay in the regular season, it could make things interesting. The Saints have won 3 straight regular-season games against Tom Brady, but the future Hall of Famer has never lost 4 straight regular-season games to a single opponent. In fact in the Saints-Bucs’ last six regular-season meetings, New Orleans has averaged 33.5 PPG, 21 defensive sacks, 14 takeaways with a perfect 6-0 record.
Kevin C. Cox | Credit: Getty Images
This week though, the tides could change with Brady being undefeated at home (6-0) this season, tossing 22 touchdowns to a mere 3 interceptions. On top of that, they have scored 30+ points in each home game this season. The Saints will be without HC Sean Payton on the sidelines due to a positive COVID-19 test and with Taysom Hill being unable to be a true QB1 off late, the Buccaneers should take this at home.
Score: 34-23, Buccaneers Win.
20 Dec. 2021 2:00 p.m. ET
Raiders @ Browns
The Raiders have lost 5 of their last 6 games since their bye week and this week they head to Cleveland on Monday for what should’ve been a Saturday game. This should allow the Browns to get some names off the COVID-19 list including QB Baker Mayfield or Case Keenum, who are clearly better options than Nick Mullens. Interestingly enough though, the Browns have alternated wins and losses in their last 8 games (won last week), and with all of their COVID issues off late, you’d have to think how ready the Browns are for this game. But then again it reminds us how bad the Raiders have looked off late. Cleveland’s defense should be the main reason why this team can squeeze out an ugly win.
Score: 17-13, Browns Win.
Vikings @ Bears; Monday Night Football
A trap game could be ahead of Minnesota on Monday night, but Chicago looks like a mess this season. Although they have shown glimpses of promise on both sides of the ball, the Bears have lost 7 of their last 8 games. Meanwhile, the Vikings are 2-5 on the road this season and have lost 7 of their last 8 games against the Bears. To make matters worse for Minnesota, Kirk Cousins is 1-9 in his career on Monday night. Although it would be tempting to see a Bears win, the Vikings have too much talent to mess this up.
Score: 23-19, Vikings Win.
21 Dec. 2021 7:00 p.m. ET Games
Seahawks @ Rams
Tuesday football is upon us due to COVID issues postponing games and hopefully, this will be the first and last such postponement of the season (despite fans wanting football every day of the week). This week we head to Los Angeles for an NFC West showdown between the Rams and Seahawks. Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay are back on track winning two straight following a 3-game losing streak.
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
This week they take on Russell Wilson who has lost 12 career losses vs the Rams, including four of his last five games. Things shouldn’t change this time around as Aaron Donald is back to being a dominant force up front and the team should welcome Jalen Ramsey back for Tuesday’s showdown.
Score: 30-22, Rams Win.
Washington @ Eagles
The second NFC East matchup of the week takes us to Philadelphia for a showdown against Washington. Since 2020, the Washington Football Team 5-3 with a +53 point diff vs divisional teams as the Eagles are 2-6 with a -57 point diff vs divisional teams in the same span. To make matters worse the Eagles are 1-4 at home this season which gives Washington a chance to bounce back after last week’s loss. Philly may be coming off a bye week, but the team has failed to find a sense of consistency this year.
