It’s the final quarter of the season and by now the playoff teams are trying to fire on all cylinders and if you’re the Jags, Raiders, Bucs, Jets, Titans, Giants or Skins you’re simply just wanting the season to end. It was a week that saw some teams implode like normal looking at you Cincinnati while others started giving fans hope for the next year in Minnesota and St Louis.
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It really wasn’t a good night for Chicago. Not only did they lose but they lost Brandon Marshall for the season through injury and now they are the cellar dwellers of the NFC North a big fall from grace for a team that had playoff aspirations at the start of the season. Dallas rebounded from an embarrassing performance a week ago against Philadelphia to stomp the Bears in a blitzing third quarter domination. (41-28) Cowboys
The Bipolar Bengals again reared their ugly heads against Pittsburgh in a game the Steelers had to win in order to keep in touch with the AFC North leaders. Le’Veon Bell had a monster game again and Roethlisberger threw the longest TD pass of the season of 94yards to rookie receiver Martavis Bryant. The AFC North is anyone’s game and it’s going to be interesting to see which team is going to win the division. (42-21) Steelers
The Rams defence is beastly and the less said about the Redskins this week the better. St Louis notched their first consecutive wins for the season and have done so in style with both wins coming courtesy of shut outs. It was a brutal day for Colt McCoy who was sacked six times and injured his neck bringing out the return of RGIII who was consequently sacked as well. (24-0) Rams
It was a cellar dweller showdown as the injury ravaged Giants faced the suckfest that is Tennessee. It wasn’t all doom and gloom for the Giants though as they notched a win and saw the amazing progression of rookie wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. For Tennesse the fact that some fans had paper bags on their head says it all. (36-7) Giants
If someone can figure out what is happening in the NFC South and tell me that would be great. Carolina looked like they were done for the season when they pulled out a pummelling of the Saints in their own Dome. The Saints have been in freefall ever since they beat the Packers. (41-10) Panthers
It was a day that gave Minnesota fans a glimmer of hope for the future as the Vikes overcame a tenacious New York Jets side that could be without HC Rex Ryan come the end of the season. Sheldon Richardson went into beast mode as he notched three sacks by himself. Unfortunately it didn’t help the Jets cause as they went down in OT. (24-30) Vikings
In what has been the story of Miami’s season they came up once again short to another playoff team. It hasn’t been for a lack of trying though it’s just a few inconsistencies here and there that have let them squander chances. Baltimore strengthened their playoff credentials with a hard fought win over what is a strong Miami defence. (28-13) Ravens
It wasn’t Andrew Luck’s best day but it was enough for Indianapolis to secure victory of the Browns. Despite forcing 4 turnovers the Browns or more specifically Brian Hoyer couldn’t capitalise and it could be a game that sees him losing the QB position. The Colts move one step closer to securing their second straight division title. (25-24) Colts
In what should show you how bad the NFC South is Tampa Bay were finally eliminated from the playoff race with a 2-11 record. That’s abysmal. The Lions kept their hopes of a division title alive and well though as they try and keep pace with Green Bay. Calvin Johnson looks like he is returning to his old ways which can only boost what has been a lacklustre Lions offence of late. (17-34) Lions
It was a rather bland game in Jacksonville. The Jaguars led at halftime but you knew it wouldn’t last and it proved to be correct as the Texans shutout the Jags after halftime. The Texans are keeping pace with the rest of the playoff hopefuls in the race for a wildcard berth in the AFC. (27-13) Texans
If only Buffalo had an offence they would’ve beaten Denver. Sadly they don’t so the Broncos notched another win despite a very poor game from Peyton Manning who seems to be struggling of late. Buffalo is probably only a good QB away from being a serious playoff contender as that defence is one of the best if not the best in the business. (17-24) Broncos
Alex Smith still hasn’t thrown a TD pass to any of his wide receivers and at this point of the season it doesn’t look like he is going to. Arizona did just enough to stop a two game losing streak and managed to keep hold of their number one seeding in the NFC. It’s going to be a hard run home for the Cards but if they manage it they are going to be hard to beat. Kansas City are just making up the numbers at this stage. (14-17) Cardinals
Russell Wilson had more passing yards than the Eagles had in total offensive yards. When that happens you’re never going to beat Seattle. In what was their biggest test to show that they are a serious contender in the NFC the Eagles failed. This game also showed Seahawk fans that their team is back and now the 12th Man bandwagon is back out in force. (24-14) Seahawks
It was a Bayside rivalry match that had a surprising ending. In what really signifies the end of the Harbaugh era in San Francisco as the 49ers dropped a game they could ill afford to the Raiders. It was a game that could give Derek Carr the boost he needs to go on and finish the season in style giving glimpses of what could be in store for Oakland and it’s long suffering fans. (13-24) Raiders
San Diego pulled out their powder blue uniforms but it wasn’t enough to stop Brady and New England from bouncing back. The Chargers led at half time but in the end the offence couldn’t get anything going as they were shutout in the second half. The Patriots are setting themselves up for a big postseason run. (23-14) Patriots
Julio Jones had an absolute day out as he put up 259 receiving yards as he beat up on the Green Bay secondary. It wasn’t enough for Atlanta nor was scoring 30 points in the second half as the Packers did just enough to hold on for the victory and to the NFC North lead. Atlanta paid dearly in the first half to a Packer team that has dominated teams at home in the first half. (37-43) Packers
Things to look forward to in Week 15:
- Arizona @ St Louis
- Miami @ New England
- Houston @ Indianapolis
- Cincinnati @ Cleveland
- Green Bay @ Buffalo
- San Francisco @ Seattle
- Dallas @ Philadelphia
- Who will be the Browns starting QB?
