Picture Credit: All-Pro Reels
For many NFL teams, the 2024 season is already effectively over. The playoffs, for the most part, are set. Franchises toward the bottom of the standings are either fighting for losses or, at the very least, focusing more of their attention on the upcoming draft class. For the teams still fighting to continue their season, the next four weeks of football are crucial. The NFL’s top week 15 games feature matchups that could shake up the playoff picture in a significant way. Here are the NFL’s top week 15 games:
5. Commanders @ Saints
A few short weeks ago, the Commanders were at the center of nearly every conversation in the NFL media world. Jayden Daniels was a lock for Offensive Rookie of the Year, and the NFC East title race was thought to be over. As Washington has faded out of the public eye, their playoff hopes have begun to slip away. Currently, Washington holds the seventh and final seed in the NFC. With just a one-game lead on the eighth-place Rams, the Commanders desperately need a win this weekend. The Saints have dealt with their own struggles in 2024, but they’ve proven themselves capable of knocking out tough opponents. That being said, I expect Washington to take this game.
WAS 21-18 NO
4. Rams @ 49ers
As I mentioned in the previous paragraph, the Los Angeles Rams have snuck into playoff contention late in the season. They sit one game out of seventh place in the NFC. Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp are both playing at a high level. With a relatively favorable schedule for the remainder of the season, the Rams are a true threat to earn a wild card spot or even an NFC West title. San Francisco’s season is effectively over, so this should be an opportunity for Los Angeles to continue their current winning streak.
LAR 26-24 SF
3. Steelers @ Eagles
Two unexpected Super Bowl contenders will face off in Philly on Sunday afternoon. The Eagles have leaned on superior talent and Saquon Barkley’s explosive running ability on their way to an 11-2 start. Barkley currently leads all players in carries for ten yards or more with 37. However, the Steeler’s run defense is one of the best in the league, allowing just 91.5 yards per game on the ground. Pittsburgh may be able to suppress Saquon for the majority of the game, but a breakaway run from Barkley late in the game feels inevitable.
PHI 21-17 PIT
2. Packers @ Seahawks
Raise your hand if you had the Seahawks winning the NFC West coming into the year. Yeah, me neither. Seattle’s late-season surge has given them a one-game lead in the division. Geno Smith, despite his turnover difficulties, has led a more-than-capable NFL offense. Defensive-minded head coach Mike MacDonald seems to have made his impact on the Seahawks’ defense, as they’ve allowed less than 20 points in three of their last four matchups. The Packers’ offense will be a tougher test. Green Bay has scored 30 points or more in each of their last three games. I expect their offensive run to continue.
GB 31-24 SEA
1. Bills @ Lions
Heading into Week 14, I would have called these two teams the best in the league. However, both endured high-scoring shootouts that raised concerns about the deficiencies of their respective defenses. The Bills and Lions are both missing their best defensive player due to injury, and both have very little depth on that side of the ball. For me, this game comes down to the Bills’ run defense against the Lions’ rushing attack. Buffalo is below average against the run, and Detroit is near the top of the league with over 150 rushing yards per game.
DET 28-27 BUF
