The NFL Roundup 2019: Week 15

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

Three weeks. That’s all that remains in the regular season of the NFL and the air surrounding this time of year is quite intense. Because there’s still a lot of teams in the playoff hunt at a time when seeding should be close to finalization, and there are also some struggling teams that are refusing to give up the fight regardless of whether or not their fans believe they should tank, in the hopes of getting a better draft pick. If anything, this uncertainty and thirst for victory is making for some incredible games this year and some powerful storylines and I’m expecting this weekend’s slate of games to be no different. So, without further ado, let’s dive right into today’s preview and examine some of the storylines that are brewing and which games everyone should be keeping an eye upon as Week 15 in the NFL gets underway.
 
Will the Denver Broncos upset the Chiefs this weekend?
If someone were to ask me this question five weeks ago, I would have quickly replied with no. But things have changed in the Mile High City. For the Broncos defense is starting to jell at just the right time and of course, the offense finally has a quarterback that can play. But of course, none of those elements guarantee a win in KC this weekend, but if some key things go down, Denver can pull it off. First and foremost, that defense really does need to bring its A game to the table on Sunday and if they can contain Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, they have a chance at slowing down the vaunted Kansas City offense. And If Drew Lock can exploit the holes in the Chiefs defense, then Denver has a shot at winning this thing and honestly, don’t be shocked if they do. Because this team is quickly becoming something quite special and if they can upset the Texans, they can upset the Chiefs.
 
Can Dallas get back on track this weekend?
Make no mistake about it, this has been a disastrous season for the Cowboys, and I don’t think anyone expected them to be fighting for their playoff lives at this point in the season. But here we are, and they could potentially get knocked out of the playoffs soon if the Eagles continue to play better and they continue to lose and well, is it possible for them to right the proverbial ship this weekend against the Rams? Well that’s a solid maybe. Because the Cowboys have little to no confidence right now, and the coaching is a mess. So, if Coach Garrett installs a game plan that builds said confidence and his boys can execute it to a tee, then yes, they can win this game. But in all honesty, I don’t see them walking out of this one a winner, because the team just isn’t responding to their head coach and they don’t play like a team and that’s always a recipe for losing.
 
Can the Oakland Raiders finally put it all together this weekend?
I think it is safe to say that the Oakland Raiders have been one of the league’s biggest surprises this season. Because they have a coach who knows how to win in Jon Gruden. They have a dynamic quarterback in Derek Carr and they’ve been revamping the roster since Gruden arrived back in the building. And everything they’ve done to improve this team should have paid off this season, yet their record reflects a mediocre squad. Which I think is due to the fact that this team simply has not jelled yet, nor do these guys work together as a unit and that sadly does take time. But a complete game from all three segments of the team would go a long way into making that happen and well, is this the weekend they finally put it all together? It’s possible. Because they’re facing the lowly Jaguars and if they can just go out there and ball and have a little fun for a change, that might do wonders for a squad that is looking to finally become a team. 

---

The Most Fascinating Games to Watch This Weekend 

Chicago Bears (7-6) at Green Bay Packers (10-3)
Lambeau Field – Green, Bay Wisconsin
Sunday, December 15, 2019 – 1:00 p.m. EST – FOX 

A few weeks ago, this would have been a matchup worth missing. Because the Bears were falling to pieces and the Packers were destroying defenses. But what a difference a few weeks can make. For the Chicago offense is suddenly finding its footing again, giving the defense the support they so desperately need and oddly enough, Green Bay isn’t quite racking up the points like they did early on in the season, and bad teams are suddenly keeping things close, which means… this might be quite the game when all is said and done. Because Chicago has a shot at upsetting the mighty Packers and honestly, it is Green Bay’s game to lose. So, if the Pack comes out onto the field unfocused and if they don’t take the Bears seriously, expect one hell of an upset. But my hope for this game, is that it becomes another NFC North classic, wherein these two duke it out and it comes down to the wire. 

Houston Texans (8-5) at Tennessee Titans (8-5)
Nissan Stadium – Nashville, Tennessee
Sunday, December 15, 2019 – 1:00 p.m. EST – CBS 

This is another game that speaks to how unpredictable the 2019 regular season has turned out to be. Because not that long ago, Houston was in the driver’s seat in the AFC South, and it seemed like no one could stop them. But the Broncos exposed some serious vulnerabilities on their defense, giving the entire football world and Houston’s latest opponent, something to study. And in regard to the Titans, well a few weeks ago they were virtually forgotten in the football world since their record was hot garbage and they were on the outside, looking in. But a quarterbacking change made all the difference in the world and just like that, they’re now poised to potentially take control of the South with a win here. Which means this one has the makings of a powerhouse game, one where both teams strive hard because they know what’s on the line and honestly, don’t be shocked if the Titans win this one, because they are focused and they are playing like they have nothing to lose, and that makes them supremely dangerous. 

Sunday Night Football
Buffalo Bills (9-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5)
Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
8:20 p.m. EST – NBC 

​I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the best part about watching football this time of year is that we are often treated matchups that feature quality teams and this game follows that particular rule. Because both the Steelers and the Bills are on fire right now, and both squads feature dynamic young quarterbacks that give it their all when they take the fields and they both offer fans defenses that abide by the ‘bend but don’t break’ mentality. Which means this game will likely be a battle royale, one where the lead will likely change multiple times over the course of sixty minutes. And really, I think the winner of this one is the team that makes the least amount, of mistakes possible. So, keep an eye on the turnover column and watch for missed opportunities, because those two elements are likely what will decide an important game that will have all kinds of impact on the playoff race.