The playoff picture is becoming much clearer and NFL Week 15 could be crucial in deciding some divisional battles and eliminating some ailing teams from postseason contention. The reigning AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs are on the brink, needing plenty of help to clinch even a Wild Card berth, while Detroit Lions are currently being squeezed out by Chicago Bears. The AFC East could be decided in Foxborough on Sunday as Buffalo Bills seek to halt New England Patriots’ momentum, while Miami Dolphins can do Baltimore Ravens a big favour by winning in Pittsburgh on Monday Night Football. UK viewers can follow all the drama on Sky Sports NFL, with RedZone available via NFL Game Pass.
NFL Week 15 Betting Preview
Game 1 – Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots (Sunday, Dec. 14, 6:00pm GMT)
The Patriots (11-2) return from their bye week riding a 10-game winning streak and aiming to clinch their first division title since Tom Brady left town. Second-year QB Drake Maye has been sensational since he delivered a clutch performance against the Bills in Buffalo back in October. He will look to wrap up a Patriots’ postseason ticket against the team that have dominated the division in recent years.
Buffalo (9-4) remain dangerous, with Josh Allen throwing 22 touchdowns and rushing for almost 500 yards this season. He took off for a 40-yard TD run in the snow against Cincinnati last week. The Bills’ defence ranks second in the league against the pass, but their run defence has been leaky, which could be exploited by New England’s balanced attack. Foxborough advantage and Maye’s composure could secure the sweep.
Tip 1: Patriots +1.0 @ 20/23
Game 2 – Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints (Sunday, Dec. 14, 9:25pm GMT)
Carolina (7-6) are tied atop the NFC South and also come off a late-season bye. Bryce Young has shown real growth, throwing seven touchdowns in his last three games. The Panthers’ rushing attack ranks top-10 in yardage, while their defence has forced timely turnovers.
New Orleans (3-10) stunned Carolina last month with a 17-7 win, powered by rookie QB Tyler Shough’s best career outing (282 yards, 2 TDs). However, the Saints remain one of the league’s lowest-scoring teams, averaging under 20 points per game. Carolina’s playoff push and bye-week rest should help them avenge November’s loss.
Tip 2: Panthers -2.5 @ 20/23
Game 3 – Green Bay Packers vs Denver Broncos (Sunday, Dec. 14, 9:25pm GMT)
Green Bay Packers (9-3-1) have surged to the top of the NFC North, winning four straight behind the steady play of Jordan Love. The Packers QB leads the league in EPA per play since Week 11, with WR Christian Watson and rookie Jayden Reed providing explosive options downfield. Meanwhile, the Packers’ defence ranks top-10 in yards allowed per play and continues to generate pressure without heavy blitzing.
Denver Broncos (11-2) are riding a remarkable 10-game winning streak and remain unbeaten at home (6-0). Rookie QB Bo Nix has been dubbed Mr Clutch for his poise under pressure, but Denver have also leaned heavily on a defence that has limited four of their last five opponents to fewer than 20 points. It’s a tough one to call, but Green Bay’s balance on both sides of the ball and Love’s hot streak could be enough to hand Denver their first home loss of the season.
Tip 3: Packers -2.5 @ 10/11
Game 4 – Miami Dolphins vs Pittsburgh Steelers (Monday Night Football, Dec. 15, 1:15am GMT)
The Steelers (7-6) reclaimed the AFC North lead with a gritty win over Baltimore. Aaron Rodgers has steadied the offence, while their defence has been racking up the sacks. Miami (6-7) are surging with four straight wins. RB De’Von Achane looks set to overcome a rib injury scare to play, adding explosiveness to a dangerous rushing attack. Tua Tagovailoa has not been at his best this season and cold-weather conditions at Acrisure Stadium could hamper Miami’s ability to stretch the field. Expect a defensive battle in freezing Pittsburgh, with both teams leaning on the run.