NFL Week 15 Preview: Who Needs What?

We’ve only three weeks remaining in the 2012 NFL regular season. It’s just about crunch time and the NFL scheduling committee has come through in the clutch for the first time in weeks. In keeping with the last few weeks, we’ll focus on the games that really matter at this point. Luckily, nearly every game this week has heavy playoff implications.

Atlanta vs. New York Giants: The defending champions face off against the likely top seed in the NFC this year. This is also a rematch of last year’s playoff walloping, where Matt Ryan officially earned his title of “un-clutch” in the playoffs. People have pointed to this matchup all year as a possible playoff preview. However the G-Men are a loss away from falling into a tie with Dallas and/or Washington. The Falcons are a loss away from possibly moving into a tie with San Francisco and completely losing the faith of … well everyone. When’s the last time Atlanta impressed anyone with a win? A one-point win over Tampa three weeks ago was semi-impressive but before that? They haven’t looked totally solid since a week two win over Denver. Both teams NEED to win this game.

Green Bay vs. Chicago: Another fantastic matchup! The Packers will look to earn their second division title in a row while the Bears will look to stay in the playoff race. Six weeks ago the Bears smacked the Titans, 51-20, to move to 7-1. Since then, the D has struggled and Cutler has been hobbled as the Bears have fallen to 8-5. If they lose to Green Bay this week, Da Bears could be in serious danger of losing their wild-card spot.  However, with Arizona and Detroit looming, this is far from a must win for the Bears.

Washington vs. Cleveland: Pretty simple here, the Skins have to win to stay in the playoff race. Needless to say this task will become much easier if RG III is able to play Sunday. Meanwhile, Cleveland has really picked up their play in the past few weeks and steadfastly refuses to draft in the top five.

Minnesota vs. St. Louis: Minnesota was 3-13 last year and St. Louis was 2-14 yet this year they’re both hanging around in the playoff race. Whichever team loses this week will fall out of contention and even the winner won’t have a great shot at making it. But both fan bases should be excited as both teams have turned around quicker than expected.

Denver vs. Baltimore: This is an important matchup for a few reasons. First off, the winner will likely grab the higher seed in the AFC. If the Patriots lose to the 49ers (which seems likely enough), the Broncos will have a chance to grab a first-round bye. Secondly, both teams could use a confidence-boosting win at this point. The Ravens, like the Falcons, haven’t been impressive all year. They’ve lost two of three and fired offensive coordinator Cam Cameron this week. The Broncos have won eight in a row but the most impressive win of that streak was Cincinnati. Both teams could use a signature win and this will be the week to do it.

Houston vs. Indy: Believe it or not, the AFC South is still up for grabs. Houston has to win here to ensure their second AFC South title in as many years. This game carries extra weight with Houston, however, as they were demolished on Monday Night Football for the second time this year. These two teams will face off again in two weeks and possible again in the playoffs. Houston will have to win one of these games if they hope to earn a first-round bye.

Pittsburgh vs. Dallas: Here we have a matchup of two teams fighting tooth and nail for the sixth seed in their respective conferences. After a Bengals win Thursday, the Steelers need a victory to keep their edge in the battle for the sixth seed. The Cowboys need a win here simply to stay in a crowded NFC wild-card race.

New England vs. San Fran: Ah, here we may have the game of the week. An unstoppable force will meet an immovable object as the Patriots and their juggernaut offense take on the stingy 49er’s D. Who will prevail? Can Kaepernick step up against one of the league’s best teams? Can Brady stay upright against Aldon Smith (a week after getting pummeled by J.J. Watt)? The Niners are still staving off those pesky Seahawks and a win here would shore up the division for them. The Patriots are making another heroic late-season run for the first seed in the AFC. The Patriots haven’t lost in the second half of the season since 2009. No, that’s not a typo.

New York Jets vs. Titans: Props to the NFL for picking two of the least compelling, unexciting teams for Monday Night Football in week 15. The Jets have to lose here so everyone can shut up about them making the playoffs. Because if they do play on into January, all faith in humanity will be lost for all non-Jets fans. But Fireman Ed sure would look silly.

Stay Hungry My Friends