NFL Week 15 early game live thread

Sunday’s early slate of games have several compelling matchups with playoff implications. Let’s have a look.

Philadelphia Eagles (11-2) at New York Giants (2-11)

The Eagles have a one game lead over the Vikings (10-3) for the No. 1 spot in the NFC. They’ll be without Carson Wentz, but even with Nick Foles the Eagles should be able to take care of business on the road.

Who knows though? It’s a divisional game, on the road. Crazier things have happened.

Cincinnati Bengals (5-8) at Minnesota Vikings (10-3)

Speaking of finding success despite have to roll with a backup QB...former Rams’ QB Case Keenum has played very well for the Vikings in 2017, and now finds himself with a 9-3 record on the year.

The Vikings are looking to bounce back from a road loss to the Panthers in Week 14, in hopes of holding onto a postseason bye.

Baltimore Ravens (7-6) at Cleveland Browns (0-13)

The Ravens are currently on the outside looking in for a postseason berth, but could be a sleeper team to eye down the stretch. They’ve got at Browns today, then home games against the Colts and Bengals to finish out their season. A three game run and a double-digit win total wouldn’t be surprising.

But, let’s hope the Browns win today. Just because.

Arizona Cardinals (6-7) at Washington Redskins (5-8)

Booooooring.

Bruce Arians runs his mouth a lot, so I’ll be pulling for Kirk Cousins & Co. to dice them up in D.C. today.

Green Bay Packers (7-6) at Carolina Panthers (9-4)

The big story line here is the return of Aaron Rodgers (collarbone). Even with the best QB in football (who still isn’t 100%), it’ll be tough sledding for the Packers if they’re to see the postseason. They’ll have to beat a very tough Panthers team on the road today, then defeat the Vikings, and the Lions in Detroit.

The Panthers, obviously, are in a very exciting race for the NFC South division crown. They’re one game ahead of the Falcons (8-5), who play the Buccaneers on Monday night.

New York Jets (5-8) at New Orleans Saints (9-4)

The Saints won’t take the Jets, who have been surprisingly good despite their offseason turnover, lightly.

I’d expect the Saints to win by a couple of touchdowns. At least.

Miami Dolphins (6-7) at Buffalo Bills (7-6)

Buffalo has to win out or it’s light out on any thought of the playoffs. They’ll take on the Dolphins - who are coming off an impressive win against the Patriots (10-3) on Monday night - in two out of their final three games. They’ll have their shot at beating the Patriots, in New England, in Week 16.

For Miami, it’s more about playing spoiler than anything else.

Houston Texans (4-9) at Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4)

The Jaguars are still in the hunt for a first round bye, and they’re remaining schedule - HOU, at SF, at TEN - sets them up nicely for a potential 12-4 finish on the season.

They beat the Seahawks last week, so that’s reason enough to root for them today, as far as I’m concerned.

What game(s) are you paying close attention to in the early slate? Any upsets your picking today?