The NFL Week 15 slate was nothing in need of dramatic. Saturday's tripleheader included the Bengals outlasting the Vikings in time beyond regulation, the Lions beating the Broncos and the Colts cruising previous the Steelers to shake up a crowded playoff image. And that's not counting Sunday, when Joe Flacco received once more, Tommy DeVito's magic evaporated and the Panthers received 9-7.
Which gamers, coaches and groups deserve probably the most reward or criticism? Listed below are the largest winners and losers of Week 15:
Winner: Dolphins playoff hopes
Beating the Jets is one factor. One other factor is shedding 30 to Robert Saleh's protection on a day Tyreek Hill was unavailable as a result of damage. Not that Miami isn't already within the playoffs, however truly dominating a legit “D” in December bodes properly for Tua Tagovailoa and Co.'s probabilities. to legit strain. If they’ll truly get and keep wholesome, that helps too.
It looks as if beating a lifeless horse to me, however so long as the Chiefs trot out Toney to function an actual participant in Kansas Metropolis's receiving corps, he'll be a spotlight. And whereas his spotty arms didn't price the group a win in opposition to the Patriots, they stored New England extra aggressive than obligatory, additional damaging his reliability as an outlet for Patrick Mahomes.
The Buccaneers is probably not world-class, however they're properly on their option to a playoff look after Mayfield's fireplace in opposition to a collapsing Packers protection. His 4 passing touchdowns give him 24 on the season, which is proof sufficient that he excelled in transition on a so-so group. Below a one-year deal, he may very well be on the quick monitor to a different beginning gig in 2024.
Each contestant is inclined to slide up. Simply take a look at how badly Dallas beat the Eagles per week in the past. However after immediately showing to belong with the 49ers as an NFC heavyweight, Dak Prescott and co. crashed again to earth in Buffalo, the place the Payments ran throughout Dan Quinn's vaunted protection. It's only a reminder that for all their expertise, the 'Boys nonetheless have hurdles to beat when it issues most.
Winner: Joe Flacco's Browns legacy
It's rising each week! The ageless pocket passer hasn't been almost as sharp in opposition to the Bears, whose “D” has turned a nook of late, and for some time it seemed like choosing him would possibly give Chicago a shock win. However Flacco stored capturing, knocking it down, and ended up profitable and feeding Amari Cooper and David Njoku to place the membership up 9-5. AFC contenders, be warned.
Someway, someway, the rookie QB walked off the sphere underneath his personal energy late in time beyond regulation in opposition to the Texans. However it wasn't for lack of safety within the trenches. Houston was all around the big-handed sign caller in a good sport, and Levis was virtually crushed on a sack that pressured him to the sideline. He has spicy bodily instruments, however hopefully he'll get some assist sooner or later.
Brock Purdy is doing all the things he must be because the 49ers QB. However how is it attainable that his high multi-purpose weapon doesn't have an edge in San Francisco's MVP race? With almost 200 complete yards and three TDs within the Cardinals' blowout, the star working again bolstered his already lofty numbers and established himself as the point of interest of Kyle Shanahan's offense.
