The NFL Roundup 2020: Week 15

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Week 15 can be quite the unique time of year in the NFL. Simply because it is a bit of a no man’s land. For top-tier teams are itching to compete in the playoffs, while other teams are quietly awaiting the end of the season, so they can make major changes to their squad and fare better in the new year. But while there is an odd air surrounding the league during this time of year, that doesn’t mean the games get any less boring. Because the elite are down for more practice and the scrappy teams are hoping for an upset to bolster their pride and that means we are going to be treated to some entertaining games, the kind that will find a way to surprise us and without further ado, let’s take a moment to preview Week 15 in the NFL and all of the wonderful stories and matchups it is going to send our way.

Which Denver Broncos team will show up this weekend?
The Broncos have been quite the interesting conundrum in 2020. Because at times, their play reflects their record through and through. While at other times, they are a lights out squad, one that can upset a top-tier team or they straight up punish their opponent and that leaves everyone wondering which particular team is going to show up this weekend and if I had to guess, it would be the latter. Simply because their win over Carolina has them energized to play and honestly, another good game is exactly what Drew Lock needs as he continues to grow. But you’ll note that I didn’t say anything about them winning and I won’t. Because Buffalo is the better team here, and barring some kind of a surprise, Denver isn’t going to beat them. But they should make a game out of it and quality play is critical for this young team and their future.
 
Will Philadelphia play the spoiler this weekend?
A few weeks ago, talking about Philadelphia in a positive light was an outright impossibility. But the bold decision to bench their franchise quarterback for rookie Jalen Hurts has changed the conversation for certain. Simply because Hurts commands this offense in a whole different manner, one that the team responds to and that really does leave one to wonder… as to whether or not the Eagles can upset the Cardinals on the road this weekend and honestly, it is possible. Because the Cardinals have similar vulnerabilities to the Saints on defense, and if the Eagles can exploit those and contain Kyler Murray, then they’ll have the victory and truth be told, there is a strong possibility that this might happen. For the Cardinals are struggling to keep their season together and the Eagles are playing as though they have nothing to lose.
 
Will the Steelers rebound this weekend?
Truly the past couple of weeks have been quite trying for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Simply because they are shell-shocked at the moment and are seemingly unable to get out of their own way when it comes to the mistakes they’re making and the missed opportunities they’re leaving out on the field. But the good news, is that this elite team is likely going to get the rebound game that it needs this weekend, since they’re playing the lowly Bengals. But alas, there are no guarantees in the NFL. So, if Pittsburgh continues to make big goofs on offense and the defense remains lax, then there’s a chance that Cincy could shock the world and make Pittsburgh 11-3. But more than likely, the Steelers will win this game, largely due to the fact that the fight went out of Cincinnati the instant Joe Burrow was lost to injury.

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The Most Fascinating Games to Watch This Weekend

New England Patriots (6-7) at Miami Dolphins (8-5)
Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Gardens, Florida
Sunday, December 20, 2020 – 1:00 p.m. EST – CBS

​There are a great many reasons that this game is on our radar this weekend. Such as the fact that it features two high scoring offenses and some bend but don’t break defenses. But what really makes it so incredibly fascinating, is the sheer fact that this game features two teams in two vastly different places than they were a year ago. Because back then, Miami was trying to put together a quality game and was looking at its millionth fourth place finish in the AFC East, and the Patriots were riding high and preparing for the playoffs. But this year… Miami is in line for the playoffs if they keep up their good play and the Pats are desperately trying to even quality for the postseason. Which means that we should actually be in for one quality matchup since the playoff stakes are high. But if I had to pick a winner, it would definitely have to be Miami. Simply because they have the better quarterback and better defense, and they are likely itching to knock New England out of playoff contention.

Kansas City Chiefs (12-1) at New Orleans Saints (10-3)
Mercedes-Benz Superdome – New Orleans, Louisiana
Sunday, December 20, 2020 – 4:25 p.m. EST – CBS

Truly this is a game that’s on everyone’s radar, simply because it could serve as a Super Bowl Preview. Because the Saints are a top-tier team, even without their star QB and of course, the Chiefs continue to wow the football world week in and week out, and the dynamic play of both of these teams might land them in the big game come February. But in the here and the now, they have to play this particular game, one that should be a fun one to watch. Because both of these teams want the win, simply because they’re both fighting for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, so don’t be shocked if this one ends up being a high scoring affair. But as to who wins this one, well let’s be honest… it is going to be the Chiefs. Because they have the better offense, plain and simple and they know how to win big games like this one.

Sunday Night Football
Cleveland Browns (9-4) at New York Giants (5-8)
MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, New Jersey
8:20 p.m. EST – NBC

​Normally highlighting a 9-4 team that is taking on a sub .500 team seems like a waste of time, but this game is definitely different for certain. Simply because the Giants are starting to play at a supremely high level, and that’s allowed for them to make life hell for elite teams since they have been known to upset a top-tier team or give them fits on the field. And they are taking on a flawed but good Cleveland team, one that is still searching for their identity on both sides of the ball and is yearning for consistency and that means… there is a chance that New York can win this game. So, if they can keep Mayfield from finding a rhythm and use long and sustained drives to get to the end zone, then they’ve got a chance at winning this one. But truth be told, I expect Cleveland to walk away with the victory here, simply because #6 has some weapons to play with.