Chargers, Bengals and more picks for NFL Week 15 | Lorenzo’s Locks
Lorenzo Reyes is back with his favorite picks ahead of NFL Week 15’s games. Find out who he likes and who he’s fading heading into the weekend.
Lorenzo’s Locks
The 2022 NFL regular season has hit the final stretch.
Week 15 is off to a historic start. The Minnesota Vikings overcame a 33-point halftime deficit to win 39-36 over the Indianapolis Colts. The Vikings also clinched the NFC North and secured their playoff spot. The Buffalo Bills also handled business and will head to the postseason as well.
The Baltimore Ravens weren’t as lucky. The Ravens faltered against the Cleveland Browns and fell a half-game behind the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC North. It was the second win for Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson with the organization.
On Sunday, the action is set to be a pivotal juncture for more teams in playoff contention. The New York Giants and Washington Commanders headline the weekend slate on Sunday night.
Both teams need a victory to keep pace within a tight NFC wild card race. The Giants currently occupy the final wild card spot while the Commanders are the sixth seed.
In the AFC, Kansas City Chiefs can clinch playoff spot. The Chiefs can wrap up the AFC West by defeating the Houston Texans. A key game to watch is the Cincinnati Bengals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Bengals can extend their lead in the AFC North Meanwhile, the Buccaneers need a win to hold off the hard-charging Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons in a weakened NFC South.
NFL WEEK 15 PICKS: Can Vikings, Cowboys, Chiefs clinch playoff spots?
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REPLAY REVIEW: Roughing the passer or not? Could be time to include cases on replay review
Here’s a rundown of all the Week 15 action around the NFL.
San Francisco 49ers 21, Seattle Seahawks 13
Briefly: The 49ers clinched the NFC West with a road victory over the Seahawks. Niners quarterback Brock Purdy continued his magical season with another two-touchdown performance. He completed 17 of 26 passes for 217 yards. Purdy connected with six different receivers and extended a key fourth-quarter drive to seal the victory. The 49ers defense also turned in a signature performance. The unit held the Seahawks to 70 rushing yards and forced two fumbles. The Seahawks struggled to find an offensive rhythm and went 4-for-13 on third down. Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith threw for 238 yards on 44 attempts and tight end Noah Fant registered the lone touchdown.
One highlight to know: Niners tight end George Kittle hauled in a 54-yard touchdown that extended the 49ers lead in the third quarter. He was left wide open and rushed past two defenders to score his second touchdown of the game.
Next up: The 49ers host the Washington Commanders in Week 16. The Seahawks travel to Arrowhead Stadium to play the Kansas City Chiefs.
Minnesota Vikings 39, Indianapolis Colts 36
Briefly: The Vikings started Saturday’s game in the worst possible way. Minnesota fell behind early and faced a 33-point halftime deficit. The hometown faithful let the Vikings hear it with a loud chorus of boos. In the second half, the Vikings completely flipped the script. Minnesota outscored Indianapolis 39-3 to win the NFC North division. Vikings receivers KJ Osborn and Justin Jefferson came up big. The duo combined for 22 receptions, 280 yards and two touchdowns. Vikings running back Dalvin Cook turned a 64-yard reception into a touchdown. In overtime, Vikings kicker Greg Joesph nailed a 40-yard field goal to secure the victory. The Colts dropped to 4-9-1 and have now lost four consecutive games.
One highlight to know: Vikings running back Dalvin Cook raced past multiple defenders with a late fourth-quarter touchdown. He received a short pass and took it 64 yards to the house.
Next up: The Vikings host the New York Giants in Week 16. The Colts play the Los Angeles Chargers.
Cleveland Browns 13, Baltimore Ravens 3
Briefly: The Browns pulled out a tough AFC North victory on Saturday. Weather impacted the overall output as points were at a premium. Browns receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones scored the lone touchdown in the third quarter. It was enough as the Browns defense shut down the Ravens offense. Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley completed 17 of 30 passes for 138 yards. He also tossed an interception and was sacked three times. It was also an uncharacteristic day for both kickers. Ravens star Justin Tucker missed two crucial field goals. Meanwhile, the Browns left some points on the table as kicker Cade York missed twice. The Ravens fell to 9-5 this season and are now half-game back of the Cincinnati Bengals in the division.
One highlight to know: The Browns blocked a 50-yard field goal attempt early in the fourth quarter. It resulted in a key moment as the Ravens were held in check at a pivotal point in the game.
Next up: The Ravens host the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16. The Browns face the New Orleans Saints.
Buffalo Bills 32, Miami Dolphins 29
Briefly: The Bills clinched a playoff spot on Saturday night. However, it wasn’t an easy task. Both teams battled the wintry weather and turned up the heat during a dramatic fourth quarter. The Bills held on late behind star quarterback Josh Allen. The talented signal-caller orchestrated a 15-play, 86-yard drive that concluded with Bills kicker Tyler Bass nailing a 25-yard field goal to win the game. Allen finished with 304 passing yards and four touchdowns. He also added 77 yards on the ground. The Dolphins hung tough all night. Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle had three receptions for 114 yards and a long 67-yard touchdown. Miami looked strong after a disappointing Week 14 performance, but Buffalo was too much in the end.
One highlight to know: Josh Allen scrambled for 44 yards to set up a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dawson Knox in the fourth quarter.
Next up: The Bills face the Chicago Bears on Christmas Eve. The Dolphins play the Green Bay Packers on Christmas Day.
Detroit Lions 20, New York Jets 17
Briefly: Dan Campbell and the Lions kept their playoff hopes alive with a closely fought battle in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets had a chance to tie the game as time expired with a 58-yard field goal, but kicker Greg Zuerlein’s kick was wide. Second-year quarterback Zach Wilson had flashes of good play to go along with costly mistakes in his return to the starting lineup.
One highlight to know: Kalif Raymond converted the first score of the game with a 47-yard punt return for a touchdown with 6 minutes left in the first quarter.
Next up: The Lions travel to take on the Carolina Panthers in Week 16. The Jets host the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Kansas City Chiefs 30, Houston Texans 24 (OT)
Briefly: The Kansas City Chiefs clinched their seventh straight AFC West title after battling with the Houston Texans all the way through overtime. Harrison Butker missed a 51-yard field goal with eight seconds left in regulation to send the game into the extra period and Jerick McKinnon scored the winning touchdown after two changes in possession. Patrick Mahomes finished 36-of-41 for 336 yards and two touchdowns. Davis Mills scored three total touchdowns, but Houston’s run game was held to 98 yards among four rushers without Dameon Pierce.
One highlight to know: After being forced to punt on their first possession of overtime, the Chiefs defense got the ball back on the first play of the Texans’ ensuing drive. Davis Mills threw an awkward shovel pass forward as he was being sacked and Kansas City’s Willie Gay snagged the ball out from under a pile of players to give Patrick Mahomes and company the opportunity for the go-ahead score.
Next up: The Chiefs host the Seattle Seahawks at Arrowhead Stadium. The Texans travel east to take on the Tennessee Titans. Both games are on Christmas Eve.
Pittsburgh Steelers 24, Carolina Panthers 16
Briefly: The Panthers took a significant hit to their fleeting hopes at winning the NFC South as backup quarterback Mitchell Trubisky led the Steelers to a victory. Trubisky, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren all recorded rushing touchdowns for Pittsburgh.
One highlight to know: Kalif Raymond converted the first score of the game with a 47-yard punt return for a touchdown with 6 minutes left in the first quarter.
Next up: The Steelers host the Las Vegas Raiders on Christmas Eve. The Panthers also host the Lions.
Philadelphia Eagles 25, Chicago Bears 20
Briefly: After a slow start, the Philadelphia Eagles managed to notch their thirteenth win of the season against the lowly Chicago Bears. MVP candidate Jalen Hurts relied on his legs to lead his team to victory, going 22-of-37 for 315 yards and two interceptions through the air, but racking up 61 rushing yards and scoring all three of the Eagles’ touchdowns on the ground. Justin Fields was 14-of-21 for 152 yards and two touchdowns through the air and added 95 rushing yards. He was sacked six times.
One highlight to know: With his first rushing touchdown of the game, Jalen Hurts set the Eagles’ single-season rushing touchdown record by a quarterback. His eleventh ground score of the season came late in the second quarter when he sprinted up the field untouched for a 22-yard touchdown.
Next up: The Eagles travel to face the Dallas Cowboys in an NFC East rivalry game. The Bears cap off a three-game home stand by hosting the Buffalo Bills. Both games are on Christmas Eve.
New Orleans Saints 21, Atlanta Falcons 18
Briefly: Andy Dalton and Taysom Hill combined for three passing touchdowns to pace the Saint over the Falcons in a pivotal NFC South matchup. Meanwhile, rookie QB Desmond Ridder struggled in his first career start, completing just 13 of 26 passes for 97 yards and a puny 59.3 quarterback rating. Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier carried the Atlanta offense with 139 yards rushing on 17 attempts.
One highlight to know: Hill and WR Rashid Shaheed connected on a 68-yard touchdown with 8:17 left in the first quarter.
Next up: The Saints will hit the road for a matchup against the Cleveland Browns in Week 16. The Falcons will visit the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Eve.
Jacksonville Jaguars 40, Dallas Cowboys 34 (OT)
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday
TV: FOX
Betting info: Odds, moneyline and more
What to know: The Cowboys can clinch a playoff spot with a win on Sunday. After a scare from the Houston Texans last week, the Cowboys will look to be more focused against the Jaguars. All eyes will be on the injury report. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and linebacker Travon Walker are both listed as questionable. Lawrence is expected to play and continue his recent surge that netted him AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.
Playoff scenario: The Cowboys have multiple ways to reach the playoffs. The simplest way is with a victory on Sunday.
Arizona Cardinals at Denver Broncos
Kickoff: 4:05 p.m. ET, Sunday
TV: FOX
Betting info: Odds, moneyline and more
What to know: Both teams are looking to finish the 2022 season on a strong note. The Cardinals are without quarterback Kyler Murray due to a knee injury. It will be backup Colt McCoy leading the way for the remainder of the year. The Broncos will also be without star Russell Wilson. However, they found some offensive success against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14. They look to build momentum against a Cardinals defense that ranks 21st in total defense. Can Broncos receiver Jerry Jeudy find the end zone again after a three-touchdown effort?
New England Patriots at Las Vegas Raiders
Kickoff: 4:05 p.m. ET, Sunday
TV: FOX
Betting info: Odds, moneyline and more
What to know: The Patriots look to hold onto their playoff position against the Raiders. Both teams have struggled offensively, and it could lead to a defensive battle. The Raiders have won three out of their last four games. However, the Patriots could make life difficult for Raiders star Derek Carr with a ferocious pass-rush that includes NFL premier edge rusher Matthew Judon and AFC Defensive Player of the Week Josh Uche.
Tennessee Titans at Los Angeles Chargers
Kickoff: 4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday
TV: CBS
Betting info: Odds, moneyline and more
What to know: Both teams have identical 7-6 records this season. The Titans hope to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Jaguars last week. It will be the 100th career game for Titans superstar Derrick Henry. He will look to put on a show against a vulnerable Chargers defense. Los Angeles earned a big statement win against the Miami Dolphins in Week 14. Can the Chargers keep it up against a Titans defense that ranks 31st vs. the pass?
Cincinnati Bengals at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kickoff: 4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday
TV: CBS
Betting info: Odds, moneyline and more
What to know: All eyes will be on this big matchup that features top quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Tom Brady. The signal-callers are dynamic and should put on a great show in the afternoon window. The Bengals need a victory to stay close to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North. The Buccaneers hold a slim one-game lead over the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers in the NFC South. The Buccaneers have struggled and got blown out in Week 14. The Bengals are one of the hottest teams in the league. Can Burrow outshine Brady in Tampa?
New York Giants at Washington Commanders
Kickoff: 8:20 p.m. ET, Sunday
TV: NBC
Betting info: Odds, moneyline and more
What to know: This is essentially an elimination game for both teams. Fans will be treated to a rematch that follows their Week 13 tie. Both teams are in playoff contention, but one false step can reshape the entire playoff picture. The Commanders are coming off a bye week while the Giants were defeated by the Eagles. A key to this game is whether the Commanders can contain Giants running back Saquon Barkley. The dynamic star rushed for 63 yards and a touchdown in the last matchup.
Los Angeles Rams at Green Bay Packers
Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET, Monday
TV: ESPN
Betting info: Odds, moneyline and more
What to know: The Packers and Rams are experiencing disappointing campaigns. The Rams found a spark with quarterback Baker Mayfield last week. Can he keep it going against the Packers? Green Bay is trying to figure out its identity. The offense has sputtered but key playmakers have emerged in running back AJ Dillon and receiver Christian Watson. Both teams will look to finish out the 2022 season on a high note under the lights on Monday night.
