Chiefs-Saints in possible Super Bowl preview. Justin Herbert busts Raiders' playoff hopes. Plus, Week 15 picks.
It's Week 15 and don't forget that this weekend's slate of games includes two on Saturday (which will mean we've had NFL games on each day of the week this season). Before we dig deeper, enjoy these:
- Which teams will emerge victorious in Week 15? Our experts make their picks.
- Several NFL records are in jeopardy of falling this season.
- A Cowboys player didn't know this week's game got flexed.
- As always, we're here to help you set up that fantasy football lineup.
About last night: Los Angeles Chargers 30, Las Vegas Raiders 27 (OT) -- The final "Thursday Night Football" game of the season really was something. Marcus Mariota came in for an injured Derek Carr and was impressive, but it was rookie Justin Herbert who provided the winning score in overtime, damaging the Raiders' fading playoff hopes.
- Marcus Mariota earned nearly an extra $1 million in loss
- Jon Gruden wore an Oakland Raiders hat on 'TNF'
Game of the Week: Kansas City Chiefs at New Orleans Saints -- A potential Super Bowl LV preview. Both teams are in contention for home-field advantage in their respective conferences. Adding possible spice to this matchup is that Drew Brees has been designated to return from injured reserve.
Sneaky-good Game of the Week: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins -- It's a rare season when the Patriots are looking up in the standings at the Dolphins in December. But, here we are. The last time that happened was 2008, which also happens to be the last time New England missed the playoffs.
Survivor Pool Pick of the Week: Jacksonville Jaguars at Baltimore Ravens -- And, now this is the fifth time this season we're going with the Jaguars' opponent. Gardner Minshew might be back behind center for the Jaguars, but the Ravens are in must-win mode in order to make the AFC's playoff field. (Prior picks, starting with Week 1: Steelers, 49ers, Colts, Rams, Cowboys, Dolphins, Bills, Chiefs, Texans, Packers, Chargers, Seahawks, Vikings, Titans).
Week 15: Picks, news, analysis and more
- Week 15 picks: Who will win this week across the NFL? Our staff makes their picks.
- Lorenzo's Locks: Paste BN Sports' Lorenzo Reyes has the three best bets for this weekend. Will the Chiefs cover in the matchup of the week?
- Power rankings: See how all 32 teams stack up heading into Week 15.
- Super Bowl hopefuls face biggest challenge off the field: The challenge of remaining healthy and ensuring coronavirus doesn’t completely derail a team’s chances for success is huge the next few weeks, Mike Jones writes.
- Several records in danger of falling: A number of players are having seasons to remember.
- 7 reasons why Derrick Henry will reach 2,000 rushing yards: The Titans RB must average 156 yards over his final three games to reach the elusive plateau.
- Yes, Dallas, you were flexed in favor of Browns-Giants: Hall of Fame WR Michael Irvin said that getting flexed in favor of the Browns (and Giants) marks a "new low" for the franchise.
- Sam Darnold wants to be a Jets QB 'for life': Darnold still sees a future with the Jets, despite struggling through the worst season of his career.
- NFL wants to honor health care workers at Super Bowl: The league plans to invite "true American heroes" to Super Bowl LV in Tampa to help encourage COVID-19 vaccinations.
- NFL draft first-round order: Jets, Jaguars and Bengals in contention for No. 1 overall pick.
Fantasy football: Do you still have title hopes?
If you answered "yes," then pay close attention. You're so close to that fantasy football championship!
- Fantasy rankings for Week 15: For your convenience, these position-by-position rankings were updated for this week's games.
- Studs, duds and sleepers: Here are some names to know going into Week 15. The good: Tom Brady against the Falcons. The not-so good: Cam Newton against a Dolphins defense that did well against Patrick Mahomes last week.
Week 15 schedule
(All times Eastern)
Thursday
Saturday
Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos, 4:30 p.m. (NFL Network)
Carolina Panthers at Green Bay Packers, 8:15 p.m. (NFL Network)
Sunday
San Francisco 49ers at Dallas Cowboys, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Seattle Seahawks at Washington Football Team, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. (FOX)
New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Jacksonville Jaguars at Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Detroit Lions at Tennessee Titans, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Philadelphia Eagles at Arizona Cardinals, 4:05 p.m. (FOX)
New York Jets at Los Angeles Rams, 4:05 p.m. (FOX)
Kansas City Chiefs at New Orleans Saints, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
Cleveland Browns at New York Giants, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
Monday
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN)
NFL Facebook group: Join now!
Football season is here! And, if you love talking football, we have the perfect spot for you. Join our Facebook Group, The Ruling Off the Field, to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders. Sign up now!