Week 15 wasn’t normal. The Omicron variant is running wild through the country, making up nearly 75% of all cases and the NFL has had its issues. Because of the spike in cases several games we postponed to Monday and Tuesday. We’ve also seen teams that were competing for the #1 seed stumble in the NFC and AFC. With only three weeks left there is still a lot to be sorted out as we draw closer to the end of the season. Let’s look at how Week 15 will shape up the last three weeks of the season.
Packers vs Ravens:
Green Bay was able to take a 14-point lead in the 2nd half against the Ravens, but Aaron Rodgers missed a pass that would’ve made the game a 3-score game. Tyler Huntley, filling in for the injured Lamar Jackson, would nearly bring the Ravens back – leading two late 4th quarter touchdown drives. With the score 31-30, John Harbaugh would be faced with a decision like the one he had to make a few weeks ago against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Harbaugh decided to go for two and once again the Ravens would be stopped. Aaron Rodgers completed 23-31 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns. Green Bay is locked into the #1 seed in the NFC. Tyler Huntley played well for the Ravens, throwing for 215 yards and running for 73 yards, but the loss puts the Ravens in a dogfight in the AFC North with only three weeks left.
Steelers vs Titans:
The Titans had nearly twice as many first downs, twice as many total yards, and nearly possessed the ball twice as long as the Steelers and still lost this game due to costly turnovers and a 4th down stop by Joe Haden. The win keeps the Steelers’ hopes alive in the AFC North and wild card picture. With the Patriots losing, the Titans squandered an opportunity to move back into the #1 seed in the AFC. The Titans are 1-3 in their last four games and have 13 turnovers during that stretch. This could be a game Tennessee looks back at and kicks themselves for blowing a missed opportunity.
Patriots vs Colts:
The New England Patriots came into this game as the #1 seed in the AFC, but Johnathan Taylor didn’t care. Taylor ran for 170 yards and a touchdown, and the Colts were able to upset the Patriots 27-17. Mac Jones threw two interceptions and New England found themselves down 20-0. The Patriots’ comeback attempt came up short when Taylor broke out a 67-yard touchdown run to seal the game. The Colts won a game with Carson Wentz only completing five passes. With the win, the Colts are currently the AFC’s 5th seed with as many as five teams at 8-6 and the Steelers at 7-6-1. New England, at 9-5, still has a lot to play for themselves as another showdown vs Buffalo looms in Foxboro.
New Orleans vs Tampa Bay:
In one of the most head-scratching results of the season, the New Orleans Saints shutout Tom Brady and the Buccaneers 9-0 in Tampa. New Orleans has the Bucs’ number in the regular season and were able to beat Tampa for the 2nd time this season without starting quarterback Jameis Winston. Taysom Hill was only 13-27 for 154 yards and the Saints only rushed for 61 yards on 31 carries, but it was just enough for a win. Tom Brady threw an interception and lost a fumble, but the larger story were the injuries to some of his teammates on the offensive end. Chris Godwin is out for the season with a torn ACL, Mike Evans left with a hamstring injury and Leonard Fournette also left the game. The Bucs’ loss gave the Green Bay Packers some separation in the race for the NFC’s top seed.
Quick Takes:
- What an awful loss for the Arizona Cardinals who now are in a tie for 1st place in the NFC West with the Rams.
- The Kansas City Chiefs, despite their struggles at times on offense, are now in 1st place in the AFC.
- Mercifully for Panthers fans, the season is almost over.
- The 49ers are a team nobody wants to see in the playoffs with their physical style of play.
AFC Playoff Picture
1) Kansas City Chiefs 10-4
2) New England Patriots 9-5
3) Tennessee Titans 9-5
4) Cincinnati Bengals 8-6
5) Indianapolis Colts 8-6
6) LA Chargers 8-6
7) Buffalo Bills 8-6
Outside looking in: Ravens are 8-6, Steelers are 7-6-1, Dolphins, Browns, and Broncos are 7-7
NFC Playoff Picture
1) Green Bay Packers 11-3
2) Dallas Cowboys 10-4
3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10-4
4) Arizona Cardinals 10-4
5) LA Rams 10-4
6) San Francisco 49ers 8-6
7) Minnesota Vikings 7-7
Outside looking in: Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints are 7-7, Washington and Atlanta are 6-8
Week 16 games to watch:
- San Francisco vs Tennessee
- Indianapolis vs Arizona
- Baltimore vs Cincinnati
- Buffalo vs New England
- LA Rams vs Minnesota
- Pittsburgh vs Kansas City