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NFL Week 15: Trends which will decide each game

By Russell S. Baxter

CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 14: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens rushes the ball during the third quarter in the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 14, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 14: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens rushes the ball during the third quarter in the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 14, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 13: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears rolls out to pass against the Houston Texans at Soldier Field on December 13, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Texans 36-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 13: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears rolls out to pass against the Houston Texans at Soldier Field on December 13, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Texans 36-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

New England Patriots (6-7) at Miami Dolphins (8-5), 1:00 pm

Patriots: The team usually struggles in South Florida but a year ago, the Patriots did win at Miami, 43-0, in Week 2. And in Week 1 at Foxborough, Bill Belichick’s club came away with a 21-11 win over the Dolphins. The team has to win out to clinch a 20th straight winning season – tying the NFL record owned by the Dallas Cowboys (1966-85).

Dolphins: Miami’s defense gave Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes fits last week at time, picking him off twice in the first quarter and three times in the game. All told, Brian Flores’ team forced four turnovers in a losing effort. The Dolphins are tied for the NFL lead with 25 takeaways after forcing just 16 turnovers in as many games in ’19.

Chicago Bears (6-7) at Minnesota Vikings (6-7), 1:00 pm

Bears: Back in Week 10 at Soldier Field, the Bears’ offense failed to score a touchdown in a 19-13 Monday night loss. Mitch Trubisky has found his touch since returning to the starting lineup. While the team has dropped two of their last three games, the four-year pro has thrown seven TD passes and just two interceptions over that span.

Vikings: It was a long day for kicker Dan Bailey at Tampa last Sunday – missing a PAT and three field goal attempts. But it’s been an even longer season for Minnesota’s defense. The slide began in 2019 as Mike Zimmer’s team was more reliant on the offense. This season, the Vikings have totaled just 21 sacks and allowed 26 touchdown passes.

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