Three weeks remain in the NFL regular season, and teams are now making final pushes for the playoffs. We’ll have a look at a player who has struggled and nearly cost his team a playoff berth. Can Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints get back on track this week?
What Will Be Higher for Drew Brees in Week 15?
TD Passes: -175
Interceptions: +135
Brees set an NFL record last week, becoming the first quarterback to throw for at least 4,000 yards in 11 consecutive seasons. He’s on pace for his fourth 5,000-yard season; no other quarterback in NFL history has more than one 5,000+ season. However, Brees has struggled with accuracy over his last two games. He’s had no touchdowns, and coughed up three interceptions in each of his last two contests. He’s gone over nine quarters without throwing for a touchdown, which is the second-longest streak of his career.
On the bright side, this week he’s up against a struggling Arizona Cardinals’ defense, which has allowed at least 23 points in four straight games.
Will the Philadelphia Eagles Finish the Regular Season Having Lost their Last Seven Games?
The Eagles started the season 3-0, but have come unglued since. After losing four straight and eight of 10, the Eagles will finish the season with a difficult schedule. They’re 6-point underdogs in Baltimore this week, and then they host the 9-4 New York Giants in Week 16 before wrapping things up with the 11-2 Dallas Cowboys in Week 17.
If they’re to win, they’ll have to take some pressure off of rookie quarterback Carson Wentz. He’s currently on pace for 613 pass attempts, and that would be the second-most pass attempts by a rookie in NFL history.
Will the Jacksonville Jaguars Finish the Regular Season Having Lost their Last 11 Games?
The Jaguars have been lifeless since mid-October. After losing eight straight games, people are questioning whether they can muster a win before the end of the season. The Jags’ three remaining games are against division opponents. They’ll play in Houston and Indianapolis, and host the Tennessee Titans. The Colts gave the Jags one of their two wins this season when they faced off in London, but the Jaguars have been dropping in the standings since. The Houston Texans are laying six points for Jacksonville this week.
Eli Manning Total Passing Yards in Week 15: 240.5
The New York Giants have won seven of their last eight games, and they’ve mainly done it by running the ball. Interestingly enough, Manning averaged 277 passing yards per game over their first five contests, resulting in a 2-3 record for the Giants. He’s averaged just 238.1 over his last eight games and 194 over his last three games, and the Giants have been winning.
This week, Manning’s offensive stats could increase further. The Detroit Lions are on tap, and they’re allowing opposing quarterbacks to compile a 101.3 quarterback rating. Look for Manning to take advantage of the Lions’ poor pass defense on Sunday.