The NFL Roundup 2022: Week 15 Preview

Written by John Edward Betancourt

This is it football fans, the home stretch. That leg of the season where hope springs eternal or sorrow reigns supreme. For ups and downs are what the playoff push is all about and we are going to be treated to some epic games and storylines this weekend. The kind that will leave us talking for days on end depending upon the outcome of certain critical games. Either way, this is an exciting time to be a football fan and with that in mind, let’s dive right in and preview Week 15 in the NFL and the majesty it is going to send our way. 
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Hopefully the NFL does a better job of spotting concussions this weekend.
This might not be a topic that anyone wants to pour over before another weekend of football, but look, it needs to be addressed. Because we’ve seen some scary moments when it comes to concussions and head injuries this season, one of which took place this past week when the league failed to spot a concussion to DaVante Parker. Which means all of these moments were/are avoidable if people just did a better job come game time and hopefully this weekend those critical employees do. So, we don’t have to bear witness to the horror of watching a pro football player struggle to stand straight because someone phoned it in.
 
Do the Bucs stand a chance at saving their season this weekend?
It is definitely safe to say that Tampa Bay is spiraling the drain right now. Because they look awful in every phase of the game, Tom Brady is not himself on the field and to make matters worse… they’re about to face off against the resurgent and fiery Cincinnati Bengals. Leaving all of us to wonder if this game is going to be another nail in the coffin for the Bucs and oddly enough… in the long term, this pending loss may bring them little harm. Just because the NFC South is a rotten division with no clear hero at the moment. So, they could lose this game, and still make the playoffs because of that strength of division. So, for the Bucs, it isn’t over until it is over, but don’t expect them to achieve anything special this weekend, because Cincy is a damn good team.
 
Expect Kansas City to lock up a playoff spot this weekend.
Thus far, only one team is in the tournament, since Philadelphia punched their ticket with a win last week, leaving all of us to wonder who will join them in the postseason as well, and one team that should easily pull off such a feat, is the Kansas City Chiefs. For all they have to do to clinch a berth in the postseason, is beat the Houston Texans. Which should be a fairly easy task to accomplish. Because the Texans are a mess and while they gave Dallas a scare, they’re not good enough to beat a top-tier team such as KC. So, expect the Chiefs to handily lock up a playoff spot this weekend and enjoy another AFC West Division Title in the process.

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The Most Fascinating Games to Watch This Weekend

Thursday Night Football
San Francisco 49ers (9-4) at Seattle Seahawks (7-6)
Lumen Field – Seattle, Washington
8:15 p.m. EST – Prime Video

​Truly, late season divisional battles are just… some of the best football you see all year. Because both teams want the Division Title and the benefits that come with that, and this game is one that will feature a hard-fought battle for the NFC West. Since the Niners and the Seahawks are number one and number two in the NFC West respectively, and Seattle is chomping at the bit to gain traction in the division and a win here would help with that and of course… San Fran wants nothing more than to continue their wild hot streak, one where they have been utterly dominating their opponents with amazing play from their third starting quarterback this year. Of course, they too want the division, and they will likely win this game. Because the Niners really are a talented team and know how to win against difficult opponents.

Miami Dolphins (8-5) at Buffalo Bills (10-3)
Highmark Stadium – Orchard Park, New York
Saturday, December 17, 2022 – 8:15 p.m. EST – NFL Network

​This is another divisional battle of note, simply because… there’s no guarantee the team with the better record will win here. Because over the past few weeks, the Bills have been an utter mess. Their vaunted pass rush has all but disappeared and the secondary is supremely porous. Not to mention, the offense is all over the place and that’s led to some ugly games for Buffalo, and that undoubtedly has Miami chomping at the bit to take the field for this game. Because they could feasibly win this one in epic fashion, since they have the drive and have surprised sloppy teams all season long. So don’t be shocked if this battle for the AFC East goes Miami’s way, because the Buffalo Bills are genuinely struggling right now.

Sunday Night Football
New York Giants (7-5-1) at Washington Commanders (7-5-1)
FedEx Field – Landover, Maryland
8:20 p.m. EST – NBC

​Normally, the Washington Commanders aren’t a team worth spotlighting. Because their poor play has made them an afterthought for some time now. But they’ve been hot at the right time, thanks in large part to quality play from Taylor Heinicke and they are taking on a Giants team that went from red hot to ice cold in a matter of weeks. But they’re still a squad of scrappers, regardless of their struggles to close out games. Which means, this should be a hard-fought Sunday night matchup, one that will either be a wild shootout or a defensive battle royale, and honestly… I am hard pressed to declare who will win this game. Because these teams are so evenly matched, but it will certainly be a lot of fun to watch them both fight hard for a shot at the playoffs.