Week 15: 4 games with playoff implications

Denver Broncos (10-3) vs. Baltimore Ravens (9-4)

This is a key game today for the seeding in the AFC playoff standings. Both teams are fighting for the right to host a home playoff game. The Ravens lost in OT last week to the Redskins and the Broncos won their eighth straight game this season by beating the Raiders. The Broncos have not won in Baltimore in their last five visits but that was before Peyton Manning arrived. Manning, on the other hand, has won eight straight games against the Ravens, which includes two playoff wins. The Broncos have incredible momentum going into this game. The Ravens have lost two games in a row and seem to be regressing going into the playoffs. The Broncos are in the top 10 on defense against the rush and pass. Von Miller’s play has been at an MVP level for most of the season and today could improve those chances in a pivotal conference game. The Ravens will need a mistake free game from Joe Flacco to help the Ravens right the ship. Ray Rice needs to re-emerge into the Ravens’ offense and be the team leader on the offensive side of the ball. The Broncos have found their stride and Manning is playing like the player of old. The Broncos have the momentum on their side and should walk into MT& T Bank Stadium confident of their chances to win.

Prediction: Broncos 35-20

New York Giants (8-5) vs. Atlanta Falcons (11-2)

The Giants head into today’s game with a one game lead in their division against the Cowboys and Redskins. The Giants have painted themselves into a corner and now have a difficult game with the Falcons, who have the NFC’s best record. The Giants play well in high stakes games but Atlanta is undefeated at home this season. The Falcons did lose last week on the road in Carolina and the Giants beat the Saints at home in a profound signature win. The Falcons will need to air the ball out against this questionable defensive backfield of the Giants. The Giants will need to establish their running game against the Falcons’ defensive that allows over 100 yards a game. David Wilson was the break out star for the Giants last week and they will need him to have another monster game in the Georgia Dome. Eli Manning and Matt Ryan will have an epic showdown in what could be the NFC championship game later in January. The Falcons will need to keep Manning under constant pressure and prevent him the opportunity to bring the Giants back in the 4^th quarter. The Falcons are ready to be mentioned with the serious contenders in the NFL and this game today will be their statement game.

Prediction: Falcons 31-28

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) vs. Dallas Cowboys (7-6)

Two iconic franchises with playoff aspirations will meet in Cowboys Stadium today in a game that could eliminate the loser from the playoffs. The Cowboys won a crucial game last week on the road against the Bengals and are currently one game out of the division. The Steelers had a chance to gain ground on the Ravens and take a one game lead over the Bengals, but they lost a home game against the Chargers. The Steelers have pressure to win this game today, due to the Bengals winning on Thursday night. The Cowboys will need this win today to stay in the division championship hunt; they are tied with the Redskins and trail the Giants by one game. The Cowboys received good news early in the week with the announcement that Dez Bryant will attempt to play today and that will be a boost to Tony Romo. The Steelers will need to establish their short passing game again this week, something that they could never establish last week against the Chargers. The Steelers’ defense will need to create pressure on Romo, which usually creates turnovers and short field situations for the Cowboys. The Steelers will definitely come out more focused and poised than last week. Roethlisberger is now one week healthier and will have better mobility in the pocket. The Cowboys will need to throw the ball against this banged up defensive backfield of the Steelers. The Steelers will need to run the ball to balance out their attack on offense. This game should be a battle and I expect the team that allows the most passing yards will lose this game.

Prediction: Steelers 28-21

Green Bay Packers (9-4) vs. Chicago Bears (8-5)

This rivalry is one of the best in the NFL, and today’s game should be a war on the football field. Each team has taken to the media with remarks and ill will against one another. The Packers have the momentum walking into Solider Field today against the banged up Bears. Rodgers had a great game against the Bears earlier in the season and for the Bears to have a chance today, they will need to put pressure on him. The Bears defense has been less than stellar in the past two weeks but they can redeem themselves with a clutch performance this afternoon. The Bears will need some big plays by Forte and Marshall to extend drives by keeping Rodgers off the field. Clay Mathews will return to action this week and that should be a big boost to the defense. The Bears’ opportunities will be against the Packers’ offensive line and if they can get to Rodgers it will increase their chances to win. The Packers will spread the ball around today and stop the Bears’ chances of a divisional title and possibly knock them out of playoff contention with a win today.

Prediction: Packers 30-17

The games today are high powered matchups and will clear up the playoff picture. The NFC East is the division to watch today with three teams still vying to win the crown. The Cowboys and Giants play quality teams that are trying to make the playoffs. The Giants can lock up the division with a win today but a loss would hamper all those chances. The Steelers losing today would make their matchup next week against the Bengals a must-win game to stay in the playoff race. If the Bears lose it will open up that last playoff spot in the NFC. Today will clear the air and will set up the possible scenarios for the final two games of the season.

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