It is now week 15 in the NFL, and the playoff races are heating up. After last week’s action, some questions need to be asked. Are the Las Vegas Raiders to continue their high-scoring run? Would the Dallas Cowboys continue their strong form against the Buffalo Bills? What would the Texans do without C.J. Stroud?, and What is going on with the Los Angeles Chargers?
Let’s review Week 15 in the NFL.
The High Scoring Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders are an improving team, even since they fired Josh Jacobs. However, last week their good performances seemed to stop, as they were shut out against the Minnesota Vikings, who themselves only scored 3 points. This week, they faced divisional rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers, a team who also recently played a low-scoring game. All season long, the Chargers have played games that have been decided by less than 3 points. But, the Chargers are without quarterback Justin Herbert for the rest of the season. Could we see any scoring in this game?
The Chargers had the opening possession of the game but would be unable to do anything with this drive. Led by backup quarterback Easton Stick, Los Angeles would struggle to move the ball far and would punt to the Raiders.
The Raiders would start the game strong in reply to the Chargers’ poor drive. Starting from their 32-yard line, the Raiders offense, led by quarterback Aiden O’Connell would be able to easily break through the Chargers’ defense and find themselves at the Chargers’ one-yard line. From here, Zamir White would find the endzone for a one-yard rushing touchdown to give the Raiders an early lead.
The good luck would continue for Las Vegas soon after. On the next Chargers drive, their offence would be able to reach their 48-yard line. But then, a mistake would be made. Stick would be sacked on the next play of the game, and would also fumble the ball on this play. The ball would then be scooped up by the Raiders. The mistake would be costly for the Chargers, as Las Vegas would be able to find the endzone from this possession. The Raiders reached the Chargers’ 30-yard line, and then O’Connell threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Tre Tucker to double the lead.
What we just saw there would then repeat itself immediately after, but on a smaller scale. On the first play of their drive, the Chargers would again fumble the ball, and the Raiders would recover it. Then, from the Chargers’ 22-yard line, O’Connell would find Jakobi Meyers for a 22-yard touchdown pass to give them a 21-point lead, while they were still in the first quarter. Could things get any worse for the Chargers?
The next 4 drives of the game would end in punts, which was probably a welcome break for Los Angeles. But then, normal service would continue. The Raiders would have possession, but their drive would not be able to go anywhere, and they would have to punt the ball. But, the Chargers punt returner fumbled the punt, and the ball would be recovered by the Raiders, keeping them in possession. This mistake would again end in points for the Raiders. On this occasion, O’Connell would find Michael Mayer for an 11-yard touchdown pass to increase the lead for Las Vegas.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe lead would get even wider from the Raiders’ next drive. Starting from their 35-yard line, O’Connell and company would advance the ball down the field to the Chargers’ 26-yard line. From here, Brandon Bolden would find the endzone for a 26-yard rushing touchdown. Just before halftime, Las Vegas would have enough time to score one more touchdown. This time, from the Chargers’ 20-yard line, O’Connell would find Tucker for the 20-yard touchdown pass.
This would mean that at halftime, the Raiders would have a massive 42-0 lead over the Chargers. Could Los Angeles be able to put anything on the board in this game?
The second half began in the same way most of the first half went. The Raiders had the opening possession of the game and would be able to find the endzone again. The O’Connell lead offence would this time be able to reach the Chargers’ 3-yard line. From here, Meyers would throw the touchdown pass to Davante Adams.
Then, something amazing would happen. It took them only one play, but the Chargers would find the endzone. On the opening play of their first drive in the second half, Stick would pass to Joshua Palmer, who would run the ball into the endzone to give them their first score of the game. One down, six touchdowns left to score.
The next Chargers possession would end in a touchdown as well. But, not for this team. The stick would be able to move his offense down to the Raiders 46-yard line. From here, Stick would be sacked and would then fumble the ball. The ball would then be scooped up by the Raiders defense, who would then find the endzone for a fumble return touchdown. The only silver lining is that the Chargers would regain possession for the next drive. Could this drive end in something?
The answer is that it could. But, again, not for the Chargers. This time, Los Angeles would be at their 22-yard line, where another mistake would happen. Here, Stick would throw a pass intended for Austin Ekeler. However, this pass would be intercepted by the Raiders defense, who would again return the ball into the endzone for a pick-6 touchdown.
But, it would be third time lucky for the Chargers. On a drive that started on their 25-yard line, Stick and company would be able to slowly drive up the field and, for the first time in this game, would reach inside the Raiders’ red zone, and then down to the 13-yard line. From here, Stick would find Alex Erickson for a 13-yard touchdown pass.
Embed from Getty ImagesTheir final drive of the game would also give the Chargers points. It’s clear that the Raiders had taken their foot off the gas at this point, as their lead was completely unassailable. The Chargers would be able to reach the Raiders’ 6-yard line. From here, Stick would find Quentin Johnston for a 6-yard touchdown pass.
But, in the end, these last two scores would be consolation touchdowns. The Las Vegas Raiders had dominated the Los Angeles Chargers 63-21.
Last week, the Raiders were shut out in a game that only had 3 points in. A couple of days later, they have suddenly become this high-scoring team. This victory improves their record to 6-8 for the season. We need to talk about the Chargers side. Losing Justin Herbert has affected this team’s morale. All season long, they have lost by under 3 points. This is embarrassing for them. It was so embarrassing, that after the game, the Chargers organization fired both head coach Brandon Staley and General Manager Tom Telesco. They fall to 5-9 for the season, and it doesn’t look like things will improve for them. Next week, the Raiders face the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day, while the Chargers face the Buffalo Bills.
The Bengals Remain in the Hunt
This time last year, the Minnesota Vikings game us one of the largest comebacks in NFL history, coming from 33 points behind to defeat the Indianapolis Colts. This season it is a little bit different. Like many teams, the Vikings are without their usual quarterback, but they are still competitive in the wildcard race. This week, they face a Cincinnati Bengals side who even without Joe Burrow have shown some potential. Who would win this game?
The Bengals would have the first possession of the game and be able to get something from it. The Bengals offense, led by quarterback Jake Browning, would be able to drive down the field and reach the Vikings’ red zone. They would then be able to reach the 12-yard line before Browning would be sacked on 3rd down. This would set up a 34-yard field goal attempt from Bengals kicker Evan McPherson. He would be successful with this, giving Cincinnati an early lead.
In reply to this, the Vikings would also be able to put points on the board on their opening possession of the game. Led by quarterback Nick Mullens, the Vikings’ offense would quickly advance down the field to the Bengals’ one-yard line. From here, Ty Chandler would find the endzone for a one-yard rushing touchdown.
We would then see a few drives that would end in punts. This was broken by the next drive from the Vikings. Mullens and company would be able to move the offense down the field and would be able to reach the Bengals’ 14-yard line. From here, the Vikings would make a mistake. Mullens would throw a pass intended for Justin Jefferson. However, this would be intercepted by the Bengals offense. Luckily for Minnesota, the Bengals could not take advantage of this and handed possession back to the Vikings.
Embed from Getty ImagesOn their next drive, the Vikings would again be able to make it down to the edge of the Bengals’ red zone, this time at the 22-yard line. However, history would repeat itself here. Mullens would again throw an intercepted pass, but the subsequent drive from Cincinnati would again not result in any points.
This meant that at halftime, the Vikings would have a 7-3 lead over the Bengals.
The Vikings would open the second half, and on this occasion would be able to find points from this drive. On this drive, the Mullens-led offense would make it down to the Bengals’ 37-yard line. From here, Mullens would find Jordan Addison for a 37-yard touchdown pass to double the lead for Minnesota
This good run of drives for the Vikings would continue on the next Bengals drive. The Browning-led offense would make their way down to their 40-yard line. From here, Cincinnati would make a mistake. Browning’s pass would be intercepted by the Vikings defense. In reply to this, the Vikings’ offense would be able to move the ball down to the Bengals’ 21-yard line, before their drive stalled. This set up Vikings kicker Greg Joseph with a 39-yard field goal attempt, which he would be successful with, thus widening the Vikings lead
The Bengals would then be able to shake off their prior mistakes. On a drive that started from their 25-yard line, Browning and company would be able to advance down the field to the Vikings’ 13-yard line. From here, Browning would find Tee Higgins for a 13-yard touchdown pass to make it a one-possession game going into the fourth quarter.
The one-possession game would quickly become a tied game after the next Bengals drive. On this occasion, Browning and company would advance down to the field and reach deep into the Vikings’ red zone at their one-yard line. From here, Joe Mixon would find the endzone for a one-yard rushing touchdown to tie the game.
The Vikings had the next drive and would be eager to score. They were at their 44-yard line when another mistake would happen. Mullens would throw another interception, and this would result in a pick-6 touchdown from the Bengals defense. However, this play would not stand due to a penalty against the Bengals for an offside. With the possession back, the Vikings could move the ball down the field to the Bengals’ one-yard line. From here, Mullens would find Addison for the one-yard touchdown pass to hand the lead back to them. With time running out, could the Bengals respond?
Embed from Getty ImagesStarting from their 25-yard line, the Bengals’ offense would be able to make their way down to the edge of the Vikings’ red zone at their 21-yard line. Then, from here Browning would throw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Higgins to tie the game in the dying seconds of the fourth quarter. The scores would be tied at 24-24 as the time ran out. This meant that we would be going to overtime in Cincinnati.
The Bengals would have the opening possession of overtime. Needing a touchdown, they would not be able to get this. They would not be able to get anything from this possession and would punt to the Vikings, who only needed a field goal to win the game.
The Vikings would be more successful than the Bengals were, but would still hand over possession after a failed fourth-down conversation attempt on the Bengals’ 42-yard line.
In reply to this, the Bengals would advance down to the Vikings’ 11-yard line. From here, Evan McPherson would kick the game-winning 29-yard field goal. This gave the Cincinnati Bengals a 27-24 overtime victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
This victory keeps the Bengals season alive. They are still in the AFC playoffs picture. Even without star quarterback Joe Burrow, this team can play well, and the victory improves their record to 8-6. The defeat for the Vikings creates what could become a large dent in their playoff hopes, as they fall to 7-7 for the season. Next week, the Bengals face the Pittsburgh Steelers, while the Vikings host the Detroit Lions.
The Battle of Houston
The Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans have an interesting history. For many years, the Titans were based in Houston as the Houston Oilers. They then moved the Tennessee but were able to keep the Oilers’ history. This was seen this weekend when the Titans wore Oilers throwback jerseys. So, technically we had a Houston Derby, between the Houston Texans and the Houston Oilers (née Titans).
The Texans would have the opening possession of the game, but would be unable to do anything with this and would have to punt to the Titans.
In reply to this, the Titans offense, led by quarterback Will Levis, would be able to move down the field and reach the Texans’ one-yard line. This however was largely aided by a 33-yard pass from Levis to Nick Westbrook. Then, from the one-yard line, Levis would find the endzone for a one-yard rushing touchdown. However, the Titans would miss their PAT kick, giving them a 6-point lead early in the game.
After two drives that would end in punts, the Texans would make things harder for themselves. Led by quarterback Chase Keenum, who is filling in for the injured C.J. Stroud, the Texans offense would be able to reach their 40-yard line. However, a massive mistake would occur here. Keenum would throw a pass intended for Dare Ogunbowale. But this pass would be intercepted by the Titans’ defense, who would then return the ball to the endzone for a pick-6 touchdown to extend the lead for Tennessee.
Embed from Getty ImagesHowever, the Texans would have some luck at the end of the first half. On a drive that started from their 43-yard line, Keenum and company would be able to move the ball down to the Titans’ 5-yard line. Unfortunately, they would be unable to get any further than this, and a 23-yard field goal attempt from returning Texans kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn would be set up. Fairbuirn would be successful with this, meaning that at halftime, the Titans would have a 13-3 lead over the Texans.
The Titans would have the opening possession of the second half, but this would not last long. Levis and company would be able to move the ball down to their 40-yard line. However, here a mistake would be made. Levis threw a pass that was intended for DeAndre Hopkins. However, this would be intercepted by the Texans defense.
This mistake would prove costly for the Titans. Starting from their 40-yard line the Keenum-led offense would be able to make it down to the Titans’ 9-yard line. However, their drive would stall here. This set up Fairbairn with a 27-yard field goal attempt which he would be successful with.
The next Texans’ drive would also end in a field goal attempt. This time, Fairbairn would be tasked with making a 53-yard field goal. As with his previous two attempts, he would be successful with this one as well, cutting the lead that the Titans had to 4 points
The Titans would have the next chance to score. Levis and company would be able to make it down to the Texans’ 22-yard line. But then, Levis would be sacked and would then fumble the ball. Luckily for him, the ball would roll out of play before any Texan could get his hands on it. This mistake ruined any momentum that Tennessee had, leading the drive to stall. This would set up a 45-yard field goal attempt from Titans kicker Nick Folk. Folk would be successful with this, extending their lead to 7 points
However, this lead would not last for long. On the next drive of the game, The Texans’ offense would be able to slowly advance down the field from their 21-yard line down to the Titans’ 3-yard line. Then, Keenum would throw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Noah Brown to tie the game.
Embed from Getty ImagesFor the remaining 3 minutes left in the fourth quarter, neither team would be able to challenge for the endzone. This would mean that as the time ran out, the scores would be tied a 16-16, and we would be going to overtime in Tennessee.
The Titans would have the first possession of the overtime period, but would be unable to do anything with this possession and would quickly punt to the Texans.
In reply, the Texans’ offense could not do anything with their possession and would then quickly punt back to the Titans. This back and forth continued for two more possessions. But then, with time running out, the Keenum-led Houston offense would be able to move the ball down to the Titans 36-yard line. This set up Fairbairn with a 54-yard field goal attempt to win the game. As time ran out, Fairbairn’s kick was good.
This meant that the Houston Texans had defeated the Tennessee Titans in overtime 19-16.
This victory keeps the Texans in the playoff race, as they improve to 8-6 for the season. For the Titans, the defeat means that they fall to 5-9 for the season and are officially eliminated from reaching the playoffs. It’s bizarre to think that only two years ago, the Titans were the number one seed in the AFC. Next week, the Texans face the Cleveland Browns, while the Titans play the Seattle Seahawks.
Reality Check for the Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have been in a tight race for the NFC East title. Last week, they seemed to gain an advantage in this race, having defeated divisional rival the Philadelphia Eagles. But, they have to keep up their strong form. This week, they faced the Buffalo Bills, who are still in contention for a playoff spot and can easily defeat well-performing teams. Who would win this game?
The Bills would have the opening possession of the game, and they would be able to gain some points from this. Starting from their 25-yard line, the Bills offense, led by quarterback Josh Allen, would be able to advance down the field and reach into the Cowboys’ red zone. They would later be able to find the Cowboys’ 2-yard line. From here, Latavius Murray would find the endzone for a 2-yard rushing touchdown to give the Bills the early lead in the game. In reply to this, the Cowboys would be unable to do anything with the ball and would punt back to Buffalo.
A few drives later, the Bills would be able to increase their lead, mostly due to a mistake made by the Cowboys’ defense. The drive had started well for the Cowboys, forcing the Bills to punt at their 26-yard line. However, on the punt, the Cowboys would be penalized for Roughing the Passer. This gave the Bills 4 new downs and moved them up to their 41-yard line. From here, Allen and company would be able to drive down the field to the Cowboys’ 18-yard line. Then, Allen would find James Cook for the 18-yard touchdown pass to double their lead over Dallas.
In reply to this score, the Cowboys would be able to put their first points onto the board. On a drive that started at their 25-yard line, the Cowboy offense, led by quarterback Dak Prescott would be able to move the ball down the field to the Bills’ 14-yard line. However, this drive would stall here. This set up a 32-yard field goal attempt from Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey. He would be successful with this kick.
Embed from Getty ImagesBut the Bills would immediately reply to this score. The Allen-led offense would be able to find themselves at the Cowboys’ one-yard line. From here, Allen would find the endzone for a one-yard rushing touchdown to extend the Bills surprise lead. This meant that at halftime, the Bills would have a 21-3 lead over the Cowboys.
The Cowboys would have the opening drive of the second half, but as they have done for most of this game, they would have to punt to the Bills. In reply to this, the Bills would be able to score. On a drive that started from their 30-yard line, the Bills’ offense would be able to reach the Cowboys’ 5-yard line. Here, the drive would stall, setting up a 23-yard field goal attempt from Bills kicker Trevor Bass. Bass would be successful, and the Bills’ lead would get larger.
On the next drive from Buffalo, this lead would grow even more. After moving down the field, the Bills would find themselves at the Cowboys’ 24-yard line. From here, James Cook would again find the endzone, this time for a 24-yard rushing touchdown to seal the victory for the Bills.
The Cowboys would try on their next drive to get some points. The Prescott-led offense would reach their 48-yard line, where they would decide to attempt a fourth-down conversion. On this play, Prescott threw a pass that was intended for Brandin Cooks. However, this pass would be intercepted by the Bills’ defense, ending any hope of scoring from that drive. Luckily for the Cowboys, the Bills would not be able to do anything with this possession.
Embed from Getty ImagesBut, on the final drive of the game, the Cowboys would finally find the endzone. On a 15-play drive, Prescott and company would be able to slowly move down the field and reach into the Bills’ red zone, and then down to their 3-yard line. From here, CeeDee Lamb would find the endzone for a 3-yard rushing touchdown. In the end, this would be a consultation score, and the Buffalo Bills had easily defeated the Dallas Cowboys 31-10.
This seemed like a reality check for the Cowboys. After being a high-scoring team that demolishes their opponents, including last week’s demolition of the Eagles, this week shows that they can be beaten. The defeat means that they fall to 10-4 for the season. However, due to the early games going their way, the Cowboys had already made the playoffs before the game started. The battle for the NFC East with the Eagles title may go down to the last day. The victory keeps the Bills season alive, as they improve to 8-6 for the season. Next week, the Bills face the Los Angeles Chargers, while the Cowboys face the Miami Dolphins, in what will be an important game in who gets the number one seed in both the AFC and the NFC.
What Happened in the Other Games?
The Indianapolis Colts kept their playoff hopes alive with a victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew would throw for 3 touchdowns, as the Colts recorded a 30-13 victory over the Steelers
The Detroit Lions are another high-scoring team that could make a very successful run in the playoffs. This alone would be successful for the Lions, who have not won a playoff game since 1991. This week, they faced the Denver Broncos. Lions quarterback Jared Goff had a day to remember, throwing for 5 touchdowns as the Lions easily defeated the Broncos 42-17.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Cleveland Browns are in a resurgence under Joe Flacco. This week, the Browns faced the Chicago Bears. The Bears would be winning for most of this game, but a dominant final quarter from the Browns would bring the scores level. Then, with time running out, Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins would kick the game-winning field goal, as he has done many times this season, to give the Browns a 20-17 victory
After last week’s last-second defeat to the Giants, the Green Bay Packers hoped to stay in the playoff race against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, whose own playoff race could be won by several teams. Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield looks like he has found a home in Tampa. He threw for 4 touchdowns as the Buccs defeated the Packers 34-20
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The New York Jets faced the Miami Dolphins in a repeat of the game that we saw on Black Friday. We would get a repeat of that game. The Dolphins would destroy the Jets on all sides of the ball, giving Miami a 30-0 victory. This victory puts the Dolphins on the verge of the AFC East title, while it eliminates the Jets, continuing the joint-longest playoff drought in US Sports. The Jets last made the playoffs in 2010.
A couple of years ago, this game would have been a markee, primetime matchup. This game would have been on primetime, but then the networks saw the state of the New England Patriots this season and gave this game a hard pass. They would be correct to do so. The Chiefs would bounce back from their controversial (in their eyes) defeat to the Bills, with an easy victory over the Patriots. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes would throw 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in their 27-17 victory.
Now, for the returning segment of “How did the New York Giants ruin my weekend”. After 3 weeks of success, Tommy DeVito, everyone’s favorite Italian who still lives at home, and the Giants faced the New Orleans Saints. Old problems would return for the Giants, especially concerning the offensive line. The Saints would easily defeat the Giants 24-6, and would for some reason celebrate every play like they had won the Super Bowl.
It seems that every week this season, we have one game that is low-scoring. This week’s game was an NFC South divisional game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers, played in the heavy rain with barely anyone in the stands. The Panthers have only won one game this season. That changed after this game. Panthers kicker Eddie Pineiro would kick the game-winning field goal to give the Panthers their second win of the season in a 9-7 victory over the Falcons.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Los Angeles Rams playoff chances are on life support. They just need to keep winning and find a bit of luck elsewhere. This week they faced the Washington Commanders, who have one of the worst defenses in the league. This was seen in this game. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford would throw 2 touchdowns as the Rams defeated the Commanders 28-20. This keeps the Rams’ playoff hopes alive and eliminates the Commanders.
The San Francisco 49ers faced the Arizona Cardinals this week, knowing that a win would hand them the NFC West title. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy would throw for 4 touchdowns as the 49ers would easily defeat the Cardinals 45-29, handing them their 2 consecutive NFC West title.
The Sunday Night football game this week was between the Baltimore Ravens and the Jacksonville Jaguars. During this season, we have seen that when the Jaguars play against tough opponents, they appear to struggle. We would see this in this game. Ravens quarterback Lamarr Jackson would perform well against the Jags, helping the Ravens to a 23-7 victory and sealing their spot in the playoffs.
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The Monday night game was between the Philadelphia Eagles, who are on a small losing streak, and the Seattle Seahawks, who were without quarterback Geno Smith, with Drek Lock filling in for him. The Eagles were looking like they would win this game. But a late touchdown pass from Lock to Jaxson Smith-Njigba gave the Seahawks a 20-17 victory over the Eagles. This loss, paired with the Cowboys’ loss means that nobody gains anything in the NFC East title race.
So, that was week 15 in the NFL. Next week, it is Christmas, with games on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. So will we see any Christmas Miracles, and whose season will be given a giant lump of coal?
Always enjoy your articles Ben.
Great writing once again.
Roll on to the playoffs, Bills are looking strong.