The NFL’s Week 15 slate has been nothing short of dramatic. Saturday’s tripleheader included the Bengals surviving the Vikings in overtime, the Lions beating up on the Broncos and the Colts cruising past the Steelers to shake up the crowded playoff picture. And that’s not even accounting for Sunday, when Joe Flacco won again, the Tommy DeVito magic evaporated and the Panthers won 9-7.
Which players, coaches and teams deserve the most praise or critique? Here are Week 15’s biggest winners and losers:
Winner: The Dolphins’ playoff hopes
Beating the Jets is one thing. Dropping 30 on Robert Saleh’s defense on a day Tyreek Hill was unavailable due to injury is another. Not that Miami wasn’t already playoff-bound, but actually dominating a legit “D” in December is a promising sign for Tua Tagovailoa and Co.’s chances of making a legitimate push. If they can actually get and stay healthy, that’ll help, too.
This feels like beating a dead horse, but as long as the Chiefs keep trotting Toney out to serve as a real player in Kansas City’s receiving corps, he’ll be subject to attention. And while his spotty hands didn’t cost the team a win against the Patriots, they did keep New England more competitive than necessary, denting his reliability as a Patrick Mahomes outlet even further.
The Buccaneers may not be a world-beater, but they’re on track for a playoff appearance after Mayfield balled out against the slumping Packers defense. His four passing touchdowns give him 24 on the season, which is proof enough that he’s overachieved on a so-so team in transition. On a one-year deal, he could be on the fast track to another starting gig in 2024.
Every contender is prone to a slip-up. Just look at how badly Dallas beat the Eagles a week ago. But after suddenly appearing to be in the 49ers’ class as an NFC heavyweight, Dak Prescott and Co. crashed back to earth in Buffalo, where the Bills ran all over…
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Author : Cody Benjamin
Publish date : 2023-12-18 14:28:45
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