2021 NFL Week 15 Recap

Washington 17
Eagles 27

I know they got an early 10-0 lead but Washington had no chance here; they had 16 players and seven assistants on the COVID list (which opened the door for Jennifer King to break another glass ceiling) and it was their third straight game with a rest deficit. I went from thinking this team could win out to believing it’s way more plausible that they lose every game of this “NFC East gauntlet.”

Meanwhile, Philadelphia has at least 175 rushing yards in seven straight games, first NFL team to do that since the 1985 Chicago Bears (who Washington coach Ron Rivera played for). The Eagles and that league-leading rushing attack are perfect for December football — and definitely going to be a tough draw from here on out.

Seahawks 10
Rams 20

Can anyone lock up Cooper Kupp? He’s about to become the most prolific receiver in Rams history so in 2021, the answer is no.

Vikings 17
Bears 9

Two thoughts from this game: First, how good would Justin Fields be if he actually had some help around him? Secondly, wouldn’t it be something if Kirk Cousins led Minnesota to the playoffs to keep Washington home for the holidays?

Raiders 16
Browns 14

I know Cleveland has been decimated by COVID but things seemed to be coming apart at the seams even before that. The Browns missing the playoffs now feels inevitable.

Saints 9
Bucs 0

Fifteen years and 255 straight starts. That’s how far you have to go back to find the last time Tom Brady was shut out and it’s only the third time it’s happened. New Orleans did this without scoring a touchdown and with their head coach out with COVID. The Saints now have the inside track on the last NFC wild card and three winnable games to finish the season so Washington now officially has to win out for a legit shot at the playoffs.

Packers 31
Ravens 30

When Baltimore sifts through the wreckage of this season, going 2-for-8 on two-point conversions will be No. 2 on the list of reasons the Ravens are home for the holidays (second behind injuries, of course). Tyler Huntley played better than Lamar Jackson in some ways and a loss in Cincinnati will all but end football season in Charm City.

Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers pulled even with predecessor (and sorta nemesis) Brett Favre for the Packers’ franchise record of 442 career touchdown passes. I’m interested to see how the Lambeau Field crowd reacts when A-Rod inevitably passes favorite son Favre Sunday.

Falcons 13
49ers 31

Now this is what San Francisco is supposed to be. Deebo running dudes over on his way to history. The 49er defense roughing up quarterbacks. With Arizona free falling and a head-to-head matchup with the Rams to close out the regular season, don’t sleep on the Niners’ chances to win the NFC West.

Bengals 15
Broncos 10

The only message the Cincinnati defense sent Sunday was that they can beat a backup QB. Sweep Lamar Jackson and I’ll take the Bengals seriously.

The Drew Lock experience in one play. pic.twitter.com/Gd9v9XNn5o

— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) December 19, 2021

Cowboys 21
Giants 6

Thirteen offensive touchdowns and 17 defensive takeaways. The Dallas D is winning bets and games for the Cowboys but Dak and the offense better wake up or else their inevitable playoff trip will be a short one (again).

Titans 13
Steelers 19

In the last four games, Tennessee is not only minus-9 in the turnover differential but they’ve committed more turnovers (13) than they had in the 10 games prior (12). The Titans better fix this before their season comes to an abrupt end.

Speaking of the end, don’t worry about looking at it, Ben. The end is looking at you, two years running.

Jets 24
Dolphins 31

Big man touchdown! Check out this line for Christian Wilkins: seven tackles (one for loss), a pass defensed and a touchdown catch (the second of his career). The NFL should add a weekly two-way player of the week award.

Cardinals 12
Lions 30

This was far and away the upset of the week. Arizona won every road game this season by double digits and could have clinched a playoff berth — but they looked more like the Lions than the Lions. Games like this is why nobody thinks the Cardinals are a serious contender in the NFC despite their record.

Although … the only other two other teams to sport the league’s best record and suffer a late-season loss to the team with the worst record ended up winning the Super Bowl (1995 Cowboys, 2004 Patriots). The NFL is a crazy place.

Panthers 14
Bills 31

Each of Buffalo’s eight wins have come by 15 points or more — and the Chiefs are the only ones currently with a winning record. This is a very bad omen for the Bills when (if?) they make the playoffs.

Texans 30
Jaguars 16

Even though the first game of the post-Urban Meyer era was a loss to cap the week from hell, Jacksonville actually kinda won. The Jaguars are on the cusp of holding the No. 1 overall pick in consecutive seasons, which is basically the only way Shad Khan can, well, con someone into coaching this drowning franchise.

Patriots 17
Colts 27

Forget what Jonathan Taylor is doing for fantasy teams — his 11 straight games with a rushing touchdown is carrying Indianapolis at a time when Carson Wentz is trying to reclaim his manhood in more ways than one.

Chiefs 34
Chargers 28 (OT)

I don’t care that Patrick Mahomes 12-0 in road division games — Joe Buck speculating that Donald Parham was shivering in 51 degree weather immediately after saying he won’t speculate is idiotic. FOX screwed the whole thing up and should have issued an apology by now.