NFL Week 15 Predictions: Breaking Down NFC's Most Electric Matchups

Week 15 of the 2012-2013 NFL campaign features a couple of matchups between playoff contenders and a clash that is sure to produce a lot of points.

Some teams are jostling for playoff position in the NFC, while others are trying to get back on track with explosive offenses.

Here's a look at some must-see NFC matchups in Week 15, complete with predictions.

New York Giants (8-5) at Atlanta Falcons (11-2)

The Giants and Falcons both have poor run defenses, but the difference is New York has averaged 4.5 yards per carry this season (ninth in the NFL) while Atlanta has averaged 3.7 yards per carry (28th).

Michael Turner has struggled by his standards and he's coming off a 14-yard rushing day against the Carolina Panthers.

While Giants starter Ahmad Bradshaw won't be available, rookie David Wilson rushed for 100 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries last week against the New Orleans Saints.

Both teams should be able to toss the pigskin around, but New York's more balanced offense will prevail.

Prediction: Giants 27, Falcons 24

Green Bay Packers (9-4) at Chicago Bears (8-5)

The Bears have lost four of their last five games and they are going up against a dangerous Packers pass rush that will probably include Clay Matthews, per ESPNWisconsin.com.

The Bears have allowed the seventh-most sacks in the league this season, while the Packers have posted the sixth-most sacks.

Chicago has been very good against the pass this season, so this certainly won't be an easy contest for Aaron Rodgers and Co., but I think the Bears offensive line will have issues protecting the banged-up Jay Cutler.

In Week 2, the Packers scored a mediocre 23 points against Chicago but sacked Cutler seven times, holding the Bears to 10 points. I expect the game to end in a similar manner on Sunday.

Prediction: Packers 24, Bears 20

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) at New Orleans Saints (5-8)

The Saints may have just gotten walloped against the Giants, but that was the Giants and this is the Buccaneers.

The Buccaneers have lost their last three contests and they just allowed Philadelphia Eagles rookie Nick Foles to go 32-of-51 for 381 yards and two touchdowns.

That doesn't bode well against Drew Brees and the explosive Saints offense. 

The Saints beat the Buccaneers in a shootout in Week 7 and I expect the same to happen this time around.

Prediction: Saints 34, Buccaneers 28