With only three weeks left in the regular season, 2023 has proven to be one of the most wide-open races for the Lombardi Trophy. The 49ers, Eagles, Cowboys and Ravens have clinched a place in the postseason which means they are ten spots available. All eight divisions are mathematically undecided, and teams need to win this weekend. The headline for the weekend is the clash of the top four offenses. The number two ranked offense, the Dallas Cowboys, will look to rebound from a beatdown in Buffalo and head to South Beach to play the number one ranked unit in the Miami Dolphins. Meanwhile, the current number one-seeded teams from both conferences and the 3rd and 4th offenses will square off in the Bay when the 49ers host the Ravens. These are two of the five games we will discuss in our five hottest games in week 15.
Last week: 3-2
Overall: 47-28
1. Cincinnati Bengals (8-6) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7)-Saturday, 4:30 p.m., NBC
This game will have a lot on the line because the loser will drop out of the race for a playoff sport. Entering the game, these teams are heading in the opposite direction after the Steelers beat the Bengals on the road 16-10. However, since then, the Steelers have lost three straight games against the Cardinals, Patriots, and Colts. Ouch! In those three losses, the Steelers offense has been awful, averaging 13.6 points per game. On the other hand, the Bengals have won three straight games averaging 31.6 points behind backup quarterback Jake Browning. I think the Bengals will win this game but because it will be a tightly contested divisional game.
Bengals 22-Steelers 19
2. Detroit Lions (10-4) at Minnesota Vikings (7-7)-Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox
The 2023 Lions will have the chance to make history as they head to Minnesota this weekend. If they win in the twin city, they will become the first Lions team to win the NFC North. The last time the team division title was in 1993 when they won the NFC Central. Last week, the Lions got back on track with a resounding 42-17 over a Broncos team desperate to make the playoffs. Quarterback Jared Goff had one of his best games of the season by completing 24 of 34 passes for 278 yards and five touchdowns. On the other hand, the Vikings suffered a brutal overtime loss against the Bengals, and backup quarterback Nick Mullens had an indifferent performance throwing two interceptions and two touchdowns. The key in this game for the Lions will be Goff protecting and the Lions forcing turnovers on defense because the team is 8-1 when they have one turnover or less. I think Dan Campbell and company get the job done this weekend.
Lions 30-Vikings 20
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-6) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Sunday (7-7), 1 p.m., CBS
The Jaguars have suffered a steep decline from a team that could challenge for its first Super Bowl trip to a team trying to fend off the Colts and Texans for the AFC South division title. Jacksonville are on a three-game losing streak with Trevor Lawrence struggling last week against a Ravens defense and making costly mistakes at the inopportune time. Lawrence is currently in the concussion protocol, and we are uncertain whether he will play this Sunday. On Sunday, the Bucs won three straight games including an impressive road win in Lambeau field versus a Packers team that is ascending. Baker Mayfield dazzled in completing 22 of 28 passes for 381 yards and four touchdowns. I am sticking with the Bucs to win this home game based on the uncertainty surrounding Lawrence’s status, and a win will push them one step closer to winning the NFC South.
Bucs 27-Jaguars 23
4. Dallas Cowboys (10-4) at Miami Dolphins-Sunday (10-4) 4:25 p.m., Fox
There will be fireworks in this matchup because both teams have beaten the teams struggling but have been poor against teams vying for the playoffs. Last week, the Cowboys were humbled on the road in a 31-10 demolition in Buffalo. The defense struggled to stop the run by allowing 266 yards to a team that traditionally fails to run the football. Mike McDaniels will try to exploit this weakness in this gameplan as they host America’s team. Last week, the Dolphins shut out the Jets 31-0, but Tua and company must see this game as an opportunity to silence the critics who say they can’t win a big game. However, I have the Cowboys rebounding in this game because I think the defense will bounce back, and the offense will rebound playing in better weather conditions.
Cowboys 30-Dolphins 26.
5. Baltimore Ravens (11-3) at San Francisco 49ers (10-4)-Monday, 8:15 p.m., ABC
This matchup could be a Super Bowl preview, and our minds wonder back to Super Bowl XLVII when the Ravens triumphed in a classic. The 49ers have the edge in this game because their offense is the most dominant unit in the league. Brock Purdy continued his sensational play last week with a four-touchdown performance. However, I think Lamar Jackson and the Ravens can exploit a potential weakness in the 49ers’ defense that allowed 234 rushing yards against the lowly Cardinals. The 49ers will win because they will play from ahead, and force Jackson to throw the ball and stay patient in running it. It will be a thriller on Monday Night, but the home team will win it.
49ers 27-Ravens 24