Week 15 is important for many teams that harbor playoff hopes, but there are three games between division rivals that will affect the entire playoff landscape. And for the cherry on top of this playoff sundae, all three games are rematches of games played within the last month.
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns: The Bengals lead the AFC North, and the Browns are in last, but only 1.5 games separate the two teams. Sunday marks the start of the Johnny Manziel Era in Cleveland, and if he can lead them to an upset, the entire division will be separated by less than one game. A Cleveland win would breathe life into their playoff hopes and damage the wild card chances of non-AFC North teams, and a Cincinnati win would virtually assure them of a playoff berth. This game looks like it is Cincinnati's to lose.
Prediction: Johnny Football struggles despite some moments of brilliance, and Cincinnati wins 31-20.
Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles: Dallas blew a golden chance on Thanksgiving day when the Eagles shellacked them at home, but thanks to a timely Philadelphia loss, the two teams are once again tied in record. The winner of this matchup will be a heavy favorite to win the division and keep alive any slim hopes of a first-round playoff bye. The loser's playoff hopes will be in dire shape since both teams will lose some key tiebreakers to other NFC squads. Dallas will need to do a better job slowing down the Eagles' pass rush if they want to win this time; they cannot survive another no-show by the offense.
Prediction: Dallas establishes the run early, Sanchez has an off day, and Dallas wins late, 27-24.
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Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers: December is Philip Rivers' favorite month, and he will need to continue his winning ways if San Diego wants to make the playoffs. A Chargers win would give a big boost to their playoff chances, and it would give them a small chance at winning the division. Expect Denver to pull out all the stops as well; a win would sew up the division for Denver. More importantly, they need the win to stay in the hunt for the top seed in the conference and avoid a potential AFC Championship Game in Foxboro. As good as Denver is, San Diego will never have a better chance than hosting the Broncos in a December home game.
Prediction: Denver runs effectively again, and a razor-sharp Rivers just cannot keep up as Denver wins a shootout 41-34.
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