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With NFL Week 14 officially in the books, we adjust our power ratings and look forward to a new slate of games for NFL Week 15. As with every week, to determine a power-rated line, take the difference between the teams' power rating and factor in home field advantage. Remember, power ratings are the start of the handicap and should be a foundation to build upon. These values represent what a team is on any given week. It will certainly fluctuate as the year progresses.
BIGGEST UPGRADE: Detroit Lions
Is it really possible that Detroit is my biggest upgrade two weeks in a row? After a 5 game losing streak, they now have won 5 of 6 and their one loss was a 3 point defeat to Buffalo. They have a long way to go to make the playoffs, but they are playing with a ton of confidence. With a remaining schedule where they won’t be worse than a 1-point dog the rest of the way, they have a shot to win out. Campbell is suddenly getting some Coach of the Year love a few months after I predicted he would be on the hot seat. We were on them last week in a teaser and if we coach some points against the Jets, I wouldn’t be opposed to doing the same in this one.
BIGGEST DOWNGRADE: ARIZONA CARDINALS
The Cardinals habitually choke as the year progresses and they are keeping up with tradition this season. Now with Kyler gone and a seriously disappointing second half Monday Night, you have to think the organization is moving forward to next year. The Cardinals had playoff expectations in the preseason. To only have four wins at this stage is concerning. Add in that this team is traveling to Denver to play in the low 40s this weekend, you have to wonder if Kingsbury’s on the hot seat even in winter. I don’t think Colt McCoy is much of a downgrade from Kyler, but the overall disappointment of the season and his departure should finally put the nail in their coffin.
SOMETHING OF NOTE:
Unless it is a two way market, I generally avoid futures markets altogether. But the MVP pool caught my eye this week. After a dominating performance against the Giants, Jalen Hurts stock skyrocketed to the point where he is now the favorite to win the award. The Eagles claiming the league’s best record is certainly helping his case, as is his absurd 10 rushing touchdowns. But are we sure he is better than Patrick Mahomes. The KC gunslinger has 6 more passing touchdowns and nearly 500 more passing yards than the 2nd best. That is 11 more passing touchdowns and over 1,000 yards more than Jalen Hurts accumulated. Add in the fact that KC’s D is ranked 25th according to football outsiders and PHI’s is 7th, Mahomes simply has to do more with a worse team. I’m not advocating for 2-1 Mahomes ticket, but I have no problem declaring you should absolutely avoid Hurts at this price.
Week 15 Power Ratings
Week 15 Power Ratings vs. Lines
By Steve Rieder
@AvoidTheVig
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