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2018 NFL Playoff Watch: Week 15 preview on 6 key games

By Ian Wharton

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 21: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings looks to pass against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 21, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Vikings defeated the Jets 37-17. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 21: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings looks to pass against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 21, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Vikings defeated the Jets 37-17. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 09: Amari Cooper #19 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with Blake Jarwin #89 after a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in overtime for a 29-23 win at AT&T Stadium on December 09, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 09: Amari Cooper #19 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with Blake Jarwin #89 after a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in overtime for a 29-23 win at AT&T Stadium on December 09, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Cowboys at Colts

There shouldn’t have been any doubt that Amari Cooper was still an impactful player but no one could say they’d foresee him leading the NFL in yards since going to Dallas. He, Dak Prescott, and Ezekiel Elliott have each been able to transcend a limited schematic situation and have re-emerged with tremendous performances.

They’re quite safe as they hit the final stretch of the season. Another win would cement their playoff spot, so they have the incentive to stay hot against the Colts.

But the Colts have their backs up against the wall and could benefit considerably from a win. With the Giants and Titans looming after this game, the Colts have the toughest schedule among the AFC “in the hunt” teams. They likely need to win out to get in.

The game plan against one of the top two defenses in the league isn’t an easy one to crack. Frank Reich should trust his offensive line once again and be prepared to ride Andrew Luck’s shoulder as far as it’ll take him. Running against this defense will only be a clock-killer.

Receivers T.Y. Hilton and Eric Ebron are all the Colts really have, and Ebron will face an extremely tough matchup against the Cowboys’ athletic linebackers. Hilton is unguardable, and the Colts can easily move him around to avoid Byron Jones. Jones has been great this year but has benefitted as teams haven’t tested him often due to other corners on Dallas being considerably less effective.

I expect the Cowboys to clamp down on the Colts as the Jaguars did, and for Dallas to get just enough on a quality Colts defense to lock-in their trip to January.

Prediction: Cowboys 20-14

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