It’s always good to take a peek into the future, so you can see what kinds of matchups are available in the week that matters most: Week 15.
This article is of most use to the teams that know they are in the playoffs. You can start positioning your roster to take advantage of these match ups, as winning in Weeks 13 and 14 for you is more about vanity than anything else.
The objective for the regular season is to make the playoffs, now that you’ve accomplished that goal you can start thinking championship.
Week 15 Games
Thursday, Dec. 11
New Orleans Saints vs. Chicago Bears
Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints take their No. 1 ranked pass offense to Soldier field to kick off Week 15. The Bears are currently ranked 30th against the pass, as Lovie Smith’s unit has only produced 17 sacks this season. Getting pressure will be key if Chicago hopes to slow down the Saints.
Another thing that could slow down the Saints is bad weather. Dec. 11 in Chicago is going to be a cold day. If snow or high winds come in off of Lake Michigan the conditions may do a better job of grounding the Saints passing game than the Bears secondary ever could on their own.
If the weather conditions force New Orleans to run against the sixth best run defense in the league, it could be a long day for the Saints’ offense.
Sunday, Dec. 14
New England Patriots vs. Oakland Raiders
The Patriots visit the Oakland Raiders who are ranked 30th in the NFL against the run. The Raiders have allowed 164.5 yards per game on the ground.
The Patriots running backs should have a good day collectively, but as always with the Pats it’s hard to say if Kevin Faulk or Sammy Morris will get the bulk of the carries.
Weather should not bee too much of a factor in Oakland, but we may see some early season rain. If it is rainy that bodes even better for Morris and Faulk.
Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts
Peyton Manning and Joseph Addai should both have great games against the hopeless Detroit Lions. The Lions, the worst team in the NFL, are allowing over 170 yards per game rushing. They’ve allowed eight passing plays over 40 yards, only Seattle and Jacksonville have allowed more big passing plays this season.
For owners who have suffered with the Colts all year, this is a nice little bonus. If you’ve managed to make the playoffs, first-round picks Manning and Addai could carry your team into the championship game in Week 16.
San Diego Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Tyler Thigpen has had an interesting season. Early in the year fantasy owners picked on Thigpen, as he struggled executing his offense correctly. More recently he’s settled down is throwing far fewer interceptions.
The Chiefs are ranked 27th against the pass and 31st against the run this season. Phillip Rivers leads a Chargers team that is the seventh-best passing offense in the league. Both Rivers and L.T. should do well for owners in this game. Vincent Jackson could have a big day as well.
Kansas City should be cold on this weekend and if there is any snow that could slow down the passing game for both teams.
Seattle Seahawks vs. St. Louis Rams
This is an interesting matchup. The last time Matt Hasselbeck and the Seahawks looked good at all on offense it was Week Three against the Rams.
The Seahawks' defense is ranked 31st against the pass, so Mark Bulger/Trent Green should have plenty of opportunities to make big plays. Donnie Avery would be a fun start for this week’s game.
The Rams are ranked 27th against the run and 25th against the pass. Julius Jones could finally have another big day, and there’s a good chance T.J. Duckett could steal a touchdown.
The story of this game is the quite resistible force meeting the easily moveable object. I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of points came out of this match up. Guys you’ve wanted to avoid on your roster just might get big points in the playoffs.
Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans
The Titans are allowing 13.1 points per game, their tough defense should neutralize Houston stars Steve Slaton and Andre Johnson.
The Houston Texans are ranked 24th against the pass, and 17th against the run. We should see slightly more Kerry Collins and slightly less Chris Johnson and LenDale White.
The Titans may have nothing to play for by Week 15, so be on the lookout for key players being rested.
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