WEEK 15 SEES a number of key divisional matchups while three teams, Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars can clinch playoff spots with victory this weekend.

Key games

New Orleans Saints (10-3) @ Baltimore Ravens (9-4)

While it is likely that these two teams will finish runners up in their divisions, both still harbour ambitions of meeting again in the Super Bowl come February.

The defending champion New Orleans Saints had a mixed start to the season but, in recent weeks, the brilliance of Drew Brees and Chris Ivory – not discounting a fit-again Reggie Bush – has seen the Saints march towards the playoffs, winning seven in row.

The Ravens, however, will be tough to beat at home. While Ravens fans believe that the number of narrow victories they’ve had this year makes them realistic contenders, the fact remains, when you live on the edge, sometimes you’re going to fall off.

Prediction: The Ravens will do enough to win this by a touchdown or more but don’t be surprised if they follow it up with a loss to the Cleveland Browns the following week.

Jacksonville Jaguars (8-5) @ Indianapolis Colts (7-6)

While a win for the Jaguars in this AFC South clash will see them clinch the division, they also know a loss would most likely hand the Colts the title and, with it, a playoff spot.

Having done just enough at home against the Oakland Raiders last week, the Jags will be looking at running back Maurice Jones-Drew to turn in another sparkling performance against a Colts defence ranked 4th worst against the run in the NFL.

While QB Peyton Manning has looked decidedly human recently, the Colts still lead the league in passing – mostly because they can’t actually run the ball – and, with a future hall-of-famer calling the plays, they always represent a threat.

Prediction: As good as Manning is, you can’t win too many NFL games on your own. The Jags, exceptional in the fourth quarter this season, should win by 3-6 points.

New York Jets (9-4) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3)

While the world wonders what innovative new ways to cheat the Jets will come up with this week there’s definitely something rotten in the state of New York.

After a promising start to the season, including a big win against the New England Patriots, it’s all gone wrong for QB Mark Sanchez and company.

The Steelers on the other hand are timing their playoff run perfectly. While it’s difficult for neutrals to like the Steelers, there can be no doubting their talent on both sides of the football and they will use this game let the Patriots know that they won’t have everything their own way in the AFC.

Prediction: The Steelers are unbeaten at home against the Jets (6-0). That run will continue as they win this one by double figures.

Other Games and predicted winners:

San Francisco 49ers (5-8) @ San Diego Chargers (7-6) – Chargers

Buffalo Bills (3-10) @ Miami Dolphins (7-6) – Bills

Arizona Cardinals (4-9) @ Carolina Panthers (1-12) – Cardinals

Detroit Lions (3-10) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-5) – Buccaneers

Philadelphia Eagles (9-4) @ New York Giants (9-4) – Giants

Kansas City Chiefs (8-5) @ St Louis Rams (6-7) – Chiefs

Washington Redskins (5-8) @ Dallas Cowboys (4-9) – Cowboys

Cleveland Browns (5-8) @ Cincinnati Bengals (2-11) – Bengals

Houston Texans (5-8) @ Tennessee Titans (5-8) – Texans

Atlanta Falcons (11-2) @ Seattle Seahawks (6-7) – Falcons

Denver Broncos (3-10) @ Oakland Raiders (6-7) – Raiders

Green Bay Packers (8-5) @ New England Patriots (11-2) – Patriots

Chicago Bears (9-4) @ Minnesota Vikings (5-8) – Bears

While an accumulator on the above could net you over €4,000, my own personal bet is on the Chargers, Buccaneers, Ravens, Falcons, Steelers and Raiders to win at about 50/1.

Steven O’Rourke is the offensive coordinator of Tullamore Phoenix American Football Club. When not obsessing with football he can be found at 4fortyfour.