NFL Week 15 late games: Patriots rooting guide, how to watch, open thread

With the New England Patriots playing an early game against the Cincinnati Bengals today, their fans can sit back and relax during the late slate of games. There are six total on the menu, so let’s quickly go through the contests to find out who will face off today, and who Patriots fans should be rooting for.

4:05 pm ET

Cleveland Browns (6-7) at Arizona Cardinals (3-9-1): CBS

Go good game! Cleveland is still in contention for a playoff spot, but the Patriots actually do not have a rooting interest in their game against the Cardinals.

Minnesota Vikings (9-4) at Los Angeles Chargers (5-8): CBS

Go good game! As is the case with the Cleveland-Arizona game, New England also has no team to root for in this contest. So let’s hope for an entertaining, injury-free game.

Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9) at Oakland Raiders (6-7): CBS

Go good game! Once more, the Patriots do not have a rooting interest in this game, even though Oakland could in theory still sneak into the AFC’s playoff picture.

4:25 pm ET

Atlanta Falcons (4-9) at San Francisco 49ers (11-2): FOX

Go 49ers! With the Patriots owning the Falcons’ seventh-round draft pick next year, the team should root for San Francisco to win — another Atlanta loss, after all, would help the selection come early.

Los Angeles Rams (8-5) at Dallas Cowboys (6-7): FOX

Go good game! Neither the Rams nor the Cowboys have any real impact on the AFC’s playoff picture, so Patriots fans can sit back and relax.

8:20 pm ET

Buffalo Bills (9-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5): NBC

Go Steelers! Buffalo travels to Pittsburgh in a game that could have major implications on the AFC’s wild card race, and also the Patriots’ division: a Bills loss would go a long way towards sealing the AFC East for the reigning world champions before next week’s matchup between the two teams.