The combination of Davis Mills and Jeff Driskel almost led the Houston Texans to a huge upset in Dallas on Sunday; the Texans went into AT&T Stadium as 17-point underdogs but were up by three in the last minutes of regulation. However, Houston’s failure to get any points on a possession that got inside the Dallas 1 turned into a 98-yard drive for the Cowboys, who won, 27-23. Dak Prescott lost the battle of quarterbacks on Sunday until the last drive, as he had three interceptions, while the Texans’ offense had taken advantage of the first two interceptions that Prescott threw, turning both short fields into touchdowns. Let’s break down the quarterback matchups for Week 15 as you consider your NFL betting plans.
NFL News: Week 15 QB Matchups
→ Thursday, December 15
San Francisco 49ers (-3.5) at Seattle Seahawks (O/U 43.5)
(8:15 pm ET, Prime Video)
Geno Smith has overperformed in contrast to expectations – at least until the last few weeks, as the Seahawks have taken some ugly losses, most recently at home against Carolina. The 49ers have backup quarterback Brock Purdy starting at quarterback, but he just blew out Tom Brady in his starting debut, and he should have better numbers than Smith as well.
→ Saturday, December 17
Indianapolis Colts (+4) at Minnesota Vikings (47.5)
(1:00 pm ET, NFL Network)
Matt Ryan really looked like his time was up in the loss to Dallas last week, but Kirk Cousins took a few steps back in the loss at Detroit. The Vikings should be able to bounce back, given their talent advantage on offense, as Ryan looks virtually immobile at this point.
Baltimore Ravens (+3) at Cleveland Browns (37.5)
(4:30 pm ET, NFL Network)
Deshaun Watson continues to play well below what the Browns thought they were getting when they inked him to the biggest contract in NFL history, as the Browns only mustered 10 points against Cincinnati last week. We don’t know whether we will get Tyler Huntley or someone else this week, as Huntley entered the concussion protocol, but I don’t expect to see Lamar Jackson back yet.
Miami Dolphins (-7) at Buffalo Bills (42.5)
(8:15 pm ET, NFL Network)
The Buffalo Bills got revenge for their earlier loss to the Jets in Week 14, but the Bills’ offense is still not firing on all cylinders. Miami struggled in a loss to the Chargers, but their speed means that they can change games in the blink of an eye. Josh Allen seems to have the higher ceiling, but Tua Tagovailoa might have the edge in talent around him.
→ Sunday, December 18
Philadelphia Eagles (-8.5) at Chicago Bears (48.5)
(1:00 pm ET, FOX)
Jalen Hurts has to be the leader for MVP right now. Justin Fields has speed and a cannon arm, but I’m not sure he can finish the season, given the beating he takes every week.
Atlanta Falcons (+4) at New Orleans Saints (42.5)
(1:00 pm ET, FOX)
Supposedly we will see Cincinnati product Desmond Ridder for the Falcons. The Saints will still have Andy Dalton running things. The Saints have the better defense, but neither team does all that much damage on offense. Expect the Saints to give Ridder plenty of pressure.
Detroit Lions (-1) at N.Y. Jets (44.5)
(1:00 pm ET, CBS)
Jared Goff might have the best vertical passing game going in the NFC right now. Mike White looks like the sort of talent to lead the Jets to the playoffs, if they can snag a wild card.
Pittsburgh Steelers (+1.5) at Carolina Panthers (38.5)
(1:00 pm ET, CBS)
Sam Darnold just led the Panthers to a big win in Seattle, while Kenny Pickett is in the concussion protocol. If Pickett is cleared, I still think his ceiling could be higher than Darnold’s.
Dallas Cowboys (-4.5) at Jacksonville Jaguars (47.5)
(1:00 pm ET, FOX)
We’re seeing Dak Prescott get bitten by the turnover bug. He threw three picks against Houston last week, and the Texans also deflected 11 of his passes. Trevor Lawrence just led the Jaguars to a win over the Titans. Could an upset of the Cowboys be next?
Kansas City Chiefs (-14) at Houston Texans (48.5)
(1:00 pm ET, CBS)
Watch out – Houston lost to Dallas by four as 17-point underdogs, and Kansas City barely held off a woeful Denver offense. Patrick Mahomes continues to excel at streetball, but the combination of Driskel and Mills could cause havoc this week too.
Arizona Cardinals (-1.5) at Denver Broncos (38.5)
(4:05 pm ET, FOX)
The Broncos have Russell Wilson in the concussion protocol after the home loss to Kansas City. The Cardinals have Kyler Murray, but we’re still waiting for that collaboration with DeAndre Hopkins to catch fire again.
New England Patriots (+1.5) at Las Vegas Raiders (44.5)
(4:05 pm ET, FOX)
Bill Belichick meets his protege, Josh McDaniels. Derek Carr has a propensity for throwing backbreaking interceptions, as we saw in the team’s latest collapse against the Rams. Mac Jones can drive the bus, and he’s pretty good with ball security.
Tennessee Titans (+2.5) at L.A. Chargers (46.5)
(4:25 pm ET, CBS)
Justin Herbert led the Chargers to a key win at home over Miami, and he has both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams healthy. Ryan Tannehill continues to fight at least one sprained ankle, and his wide receiver talent is much less impressive.
Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (43.5)
(4:25 pm ET, CBS)
Joe Burrow guided the Bengals to yet another win against Cleveland, finding Ja’Marr Chase on an elite level touchdown pass. Tom Brady looked frustrated and past his prime in that ugly beating in San Francisco.
N.Y. Giants (+3.5) at Washington Commanders (40.5)
(8:20 pm ET, NBC)
Daniel Jones has not been able to take on the pressure with Saquon Barkley’s productoin dropping. Taylor Heinicke keeps leading Washington to clutch games.
→ Monday, December 12
L.A. Rams (+7.5) at Green Bay Packers (39.5)
(8:15 pm ET, ESPN)
Baker Mayfield had been a member of the Rams for two days before leading them to two late touchdown drives to take down the Las Vegas Raiders last Thursday. What can he pull off after a 10-day planning period in Green Bay? The Packers will watch the film, but Aaron Rodgers has a rib injury and a fractured thumb. He might insist on playing anyway, but Jordan Love might be the better option at this point.
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