NFL Week 15 Saturday (Dec. 15) Preview: Texans Vs. Jets, Browns Vs. Broncos – Time Start, Channel, Players To Watch

There are two big NFL games set for Saturday as we enter Week 15, and here is what you need to know.

Texans Visit Jets, Broncos Host Browns For Week 15

First, the Houston Texans (9-4) will visit the New York Jets (4-9) at 4:30 p.m. EST. This matchup will air on NFL Network.

The Texans, who are first in the AFC South, saw their nine-game winning streak snapped on Sunday after a 24-21 loss to the Indianapolis Colts (7-6), who are second in the division. Meanwhile, the Jets (fourth in AFC East) ended a six-game loss streak last week by defeating the 4-9 Buffalo Bills 27-23.

With a win this weekend, Houston — which lost its first three games of the season — could secure their division title and reach the playoffs. Given the Texans offense’s dominant play in recent weeks, they have been given a solid chance to advance to the postseason for quite some time as long as their strong playing continues.

In Saturday’s game, two of the most-watched players will likely be quarterbacks DeShaun Watson and Sam Darnold. Last week, Texans QB Watson finished with a more than 300-yard (267 passing, 35 rushing) performance against Indianapolis, his first such run since Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys. The former Clemson star has also not logged any turnovers in the past three games. Houston’s defense was also viewed as one of the best in the league going into the game against the Colts, although the secondary ultimately struggled Sunday against a dominant offense led by Andrew Luck. 

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Darnold wasn’t statistically outstanding against the Bills last week, although he did have some noteworthy moments. The Jets QB completed 66.7 percent of his passes, his best finish since Week 6. The Texans appear to be the heavy favorites to win this game.

Later on Saturday, the Cleveland Browns (5-7-1) will visit the Denver Broncos (6-7) at 8:20 p.m. EST, a contest that will also air on NFL Network. Cleveland is third in its division ahead of Cincinnati (5-8) and is coming off a 26-20 victory over the Carolina Panthers (6-7).

Meanwhile, Denver is third in the AFC West, well behind first-place Kansas City and the second-place Los Angeles Chargers, both of whom are 11-3. The Super Bowl 50 champion Broncos will more than likely not reach the playoffs this year, while the Browns also have a difficult path to the postseason ahead but may have a chance if they win their last three games.

The Broncos have boasted a powerful pass rush corps this year thanks to players like Von Miller and rookie Bradley Chubb. 

Browns rookie cornerback and first-round pick Denzel Ward has been ruled out of Saturday’s game against Denver with a concussion. Meanwhile, the Broncos have injuries at wide receiver and in their secondary. Linebacker Shaquil Barrett and cornerback Isaac Yiadom are both out.

Article by Pablo Mena