NFL Weekly Preview Week 15: Key Injuries, Player Statistical Projections & Possible Upsets

The 15th week of the National Football League regular season is now upon us. For many it is the start of the Fantasy Football Playoffs.

Key Injuries

Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are continuing in the NFL. This past weekend three more NFL players had season ending ACL injuries that will force them to miss the rest of the 2022 NFL season, and possibly part of the 2023 NFL season too.

The players with the ACL injuries are Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Terence Steele and San Francisco 49ers defensive back Dontae Johnson. While the Cardinals are not headed to the postseason, the Cowboys and 49ers are, and any loss to their roster at this time is significant.

Player Statistical Projections

Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs is the top rated quarterback this week. He is projected to get 316 passing yards, 23 rushing yards and three touchdowns against the Houston Texans. But remember, the Texans pass defense is the strongest part of their team. They have only given up 11 touchdown passes (least in the NFL) and 241 completions (second least in the NFL).

At wide receiver, Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings is first on the list. His early projection is eight completions for 110 yards and one touchdown. Remember, the Vikings play the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday.

Finally, at running back, Chistian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers is number one on the list.  The 49ers are up against a poor Seahawks defense and rookie quarterback Brock Purdy is questionable for San Francisco, so the 49ers might be relying on the run on Thursday night. McCaffrey’s projections are 107 total yards (71 rushing yards and 36 receiving yards) and one touchdown.

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Possible Upsets

The four underdogs I like this week are the Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans. We know what Purdy can do in San Francisco, but what can he do on the road and not at 100% needs to be questioned. The Seahawks meanwhile will have their electrifying rookie running back Kenneth Walker III in the lineup, which should give them a significant boost.

The Jets are hosting the red hot Lions. I know Detroit have had a great six weeks (five wins and one loss in their last six games), but the Jets are at home where they have beaten the Dolphins, Bills and Bears this season.

The Steelers are 5-8, and there are only two teams that have given them the beat down–the Eagles and Bills. The Panthers (5-8) have a solid D, but still have questions on their offense. I also like the Titans over the Chargers. This is a massive week for Tennessee who have been in disarray lately and trying to figure out their direction since firing general manager Jon Robinson. The Titans still have a great running back in Derrick Henry and lead AFC South at 7-6. Members Can View Hub Here

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