NFL Week 15 Recap and Week 16 Lookahead
NFL Week 15 Recap
Slow Start, One-Sided Results
Week 15 delivered dominant performances and a lack of nail-biters, leaving Scott Seidenberg unimpressed with the “boring” early slate.
- Key Stat: Winning teams averaged a 93.5% fourth-quarter win share, the highest in three years (Mackenzie Rivers, 3:14).
Major Games and Insights
1. Colts vs. Broncos: Fundamentals Fail (7:25-10:54)
Game Context: Denver capitalized on a Jonathan Taylor fumble to outscore Indianapolis 24-0, turning a potential 20-7 Colts lead into a 31-13 defeat.
- Steve Fezzik's Insight: Poor coaching and reckless celebrations defined Denver’s “flawed fundamentals.”
- Fezzik Takeaway: Neither team deserves playoff hype.
2. Bills Dominate Lions Despite Final Score (11:04-12:28)
Buffalo’s 48-42 win was misleading:
- Game Domination: Buffalo secured a 97% fourth-quarter win share.
- Dan Campbell's Onside Kick: Lions’ head coach gambled early, possibly due to an injured defense.
Scott Seidenberg: "This was a blowout, despite the late scores."
3. Green Bay Packers: Playoff Push (14:30-15:52)
Jordan Love has improved significantly, ranking 11th in PFF QBR composite.
- Team Context: Losses to elite teams (Eagles, Vikings, Lions) remain respectable.
- Super Bowl Odds: Packers are +1200, positioning them as dark horse contenders.
Scott Seidenberg: "The Packers are absolutely Super Bowl material."
4. Philadelphia Eagles: Passing Game Resurgence (24:29-25:21)
Philadelphia silenced critics with a 27-13 win over Pittsburgh.
- Key Stats:
- A.J. Brown: 8 catches, 110 yards, 1 TD.
- Devonta Smith: 11 catches, 109 yards, 1 TD.
- Jalen Hurts: 290 yards, 2 TDs.
- Team Ranking: Fezzik has Philadelphia as the 3rd-best team in the NFL.
5. Carolina Panthers Implosion (16:04-17:57)
Carolina’s 30-14 loss to Dallas showed their regression.
- Bryce Young struggled with turnovers and poor decision-making.
- Steve Fezzik: Panthers have been underdogs for 33 straight games—a reflection of their instability.
Player Highlights
- Lamar Jackson: 290 yards, 5 TDs against the Giants.
- Baker Mayfield:
- 13-4 ATS on the road.
- 17-0 in six-point teasers.
- Jordan Love: Climbs to 11th in QBR rankings.
- A.J. Brown: 110 yards, 1 TD.
- Devonta Smith: 109 yards, 1 TD.
Week 16 Lookahead: Key Matchups
1. Bills vs. Patriots (36:17-36:57)
- Spread: Buffalo -13.5.
- Seidenberg: "Feels low for a team as dominant as Buffalo."
2. Vikings vs. Seahawks (34:55-35:23)
- Spread: Vikings -3 (trending toward -3.5 due to Geno Smith’s uncertainty).
- Fezzik: Seattle’s recent struggles reveal them as “pretenders.”
3. Eagles vs. Commanders (39:01-39:52)
- Spread: Eagles -3.
- Fezzik believes this line undervalues Philadelphia: "My power ratings make it -4.5."
Adjustments After Week 15
Steve Fezzik’s Upgrades:
- Dallas, Green Bay, Minnesota, Philadelphia (+1 point each).
- Rams also upgraded.
Seattle Downgrade: Fezzik criticizes their lack of playoff potential.
Key Takeaways
- Buffalo Bills remain dominant but need to maintain focus.
- Baltimore Ravens showcase elite metrics but face postseason hurdles.
- Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings rise as NFC contenders.
- Eagles silence passing-game critics with Jalen Hurts' standout performance.
Final Thoughts
As Week 16 approaches, Buffalo’s playoff push, Green Bay’s resurgence, and key NFC battles will shape the postseason race. Keep an eye on injury updates and evolving lines for Vikings vs. Seahawks and Eagles vs. Commanders.
Fezzik closes with a poker tip: "Shove with Jacks." 