The NFL is entering the most crucial stage of the regular season, teams only have three games remaining to secure their playoff spot. This year, for the first time, seven teams from each conference will make the post-season and this week’s schedule includes key match-ups which could result in some teams being eliminated.
In a battle between two teams with playoff hopes, the Seattle Seahawks face the
Washington Football Team. Washington are enjoying a run of four straight wins, but may have to contend with the absence of quarterback Alex Smith after he re-injured his leg in Sunday’s win over San Francisco. If Smith cannot play, this should be a straightforward victory for Seattle.
The Buffalo Bills have quietly climbed the ranks to become one of the Super Bowl favourites. A string of recent wins puts them in a position to claim the AFC East crown with a win over Denver. Led by Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs on offence, the Bills suddenly look like a top 3 team who should not have too much trouble defeating the Broncos.
The game of the week sees the high-powered Kansas City Chiefs’ offence face the New Orleans Saints’ tough defence. New Orleans dropped out of the NFC number one seed with their surprise loss to the Eagles last week. They will be looking to avoid two defeats in a row and keep pace with the Packers in the battle for the NFC number 1 seed, and with it a first round bye. However, beating the Chiefs will be a difficult task for the Saints if Taysom Hill continues his run of inconsistent performances at the quarterback position. The Saints’ defence are likely to have to produce a special performance to secure the win over the Chiefs.
Star Pick
Perfect Picks Players deciding which team to use their Star Pick on this week are likely to be choosing between the Baltimore Ravens at home to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans at home to the Detroit Lions or LA Rams at home to the NY Jets. All three should win comfortably but trying to predict the winning margin for heavy favourites can be difficult. For this reason it can be better to use your Star Pick on a team that is unlikely to win by 40+ points, and for that reason the Titans may be the best option.
Upset Alert
Two favourites on upset alert include the San Francisco 49ers at the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings at home to the Chicago Bears. Both teams are favoured to win but have not looked good in recent weeks and do not have a convincing victory between them for some time.
Good luck with your Week 15 Picks, and remember, if you win the Contest you will also claim the $1300/£1000 Jackpot if you score over 70 points.