Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season was a week of non-stop chaos, and the result is that the race to the Super Bowl is completely wide open. The modern-day dynasty of the Kansas City Chiefs appears to have met its end with the Chiefs being eliminated from the playoffs, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes leaving the game with a torn ACL. While injuries have been at an all-time high this season, the catastrophic injuries to Mahomes and Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons are alarming. The only teams that have clinched playoff spots so far are the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Rams. In addition, the race for a division championship in the AFC East, AFC South, and NFC South is once again wide open.
Arizona Cardinals = -2 Turnover Margin
The Arizona Cardinals have been plagued by inconsistent execution, partially due to injuries to most of their top offensive playmakers. Despite the absence of playmakers like wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona has still put up impressive offensive numbers with backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett. However, those stats have not consistently translated into wins because of the Cardinals’ bad habit of turning the ball over. During their Week 15 matchup against the Houston Texans, the Cardinals continued the trend of turning the ball over with one interception and one lost fumble.
Atlanta Falcons = 11 Receptions for 166 Yards
While the Atlanta Falcons are not playing for a chance to make the playoffs, they are fighting to keep their head coach, Raheem Morris, on the job at the end of the season. Nearly every week this season, the Falcons have specialized in sabotaging their own success. Atlanta has struggled this season with a large number of penalties, and this week, they had 19 penalties called against them. However, the Falcons were able to overcome those penalties while on offense, and Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts took over Atlanta’s offense. This week against the Buccaneers, Pitts caught 11 passes for 166 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Baltimore Ravens = 2 Forced Turnovers
The Baltimore Ravens came into Cincinnati in Week 15 looking to avenge their embarrassing loss to the Bengals on Thanksgiving. Last time the Ravens and Bengals played, the Ravens’ offense was riddled with turnovers, including interceptions by Lamar Jackson and multiple fumbles. This time, the Ravens were focused on correcting those errors, and as a result, they took control of the game against the Bengals, refusing to loosen their grips. In addition, the Ravens’ defense flipped the script on Cincinnati, forcing the Bengals to turn the ball over. Ravens defender Kyle Van Noy intercepted a Joe Burrow pass, resulting in a 95-yard return for a defensive touchdown by Van Noy and Alohi Gilman.
Buffalo Bills = 5 Consecutive TD Drives
During the first half of the Buffalo Bills’ matchup against the New England Patriots, it looked like the Patriots were going to sweep their division rival for the first time since 2019. Despite being down by 21 points, the Bills and Josh Allen kept fighting, scoring a touchdown at the end of the 1st half to get on the scoreboard. That touchdown ended up being the first of five consecutive scoring drives for the Bills’ offense. Buffalo scored two touchdowns in the 3rd quarter and two touchdowns in the 4th. That surge in points by Buffalo was enough to secure a win on the road in Foxboro and get themselves back into the race for the top spot in the AFC East division.
Carolina Panthers = Only 1 Trip to the Red Zone
The Carolina Panthers found themselves in the best position to win the NFC South than they have been in several years. Their challenge was to win two more games this week against the New Orleans Saints and next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That combination would have allowed the Panthers to clinch the NFC South and return to the playoffs. However, similar to the Buccaneers, the Panthers came up short against a scrappy New Orleans Saints team. Carolina’s offense failed to move the ball effectively against the Saints, getting into the red zone only once. They did score on the time they got into the red zone, but the Saints’ offense was much more effective at putting together drives.
Chicago Bears = +3 Turnover Margin
One week after being knocked off the top of the NFC North standings by the Green Bay Packers the Bears had a great opportunity to take back the top spot. The first part of getting back to the top was defeating the Cleveland Browns. Chicago successfully defeated the Browns behind the joint efforts of their offense and defense. Defensively, the Bears intercepted 3 of Shedeur Sanders passes, and in turn the Bears offensive scored 17 points off of those turnovers. In addition, the Packers lost to the Broncos which allowed the Bears to replace them at 1st place in the division.
Cincinnati Bengals = 20% 3rd Down Rate
The Cincinnati Bengals knew that they needed to win the rest of their games this season to have any hope of making the playoffs by winning the AFC North. That means that they needed to defeat the Baltimore Ravens for a second time this season, and this time at home. However, the Bengals were unable to replicate the effort that led to their Thanksgiving win over the Ravens. The Bengals’ offense was shut down by the Ravens’ defense, and Joe Burrow threw two interceptions. One of those interceptions was returned 95 yards by the Ravens defense for a defensive touchdown.
Cleveland Browns = -3 Turnover Margin
Last week, the Cleveland Browns suffered a bad loss to the Tennessee Titans, making a series of poor decisions on two-point conversions at the end of the game. This week, the Browns lost once again, but Cleveland did not keep the game close against the Bears, which prevented head coach Kevin Stefanski from sabotaging his offense. However, the game was not close because Shedeur Sanders threw three interceptions against a Bears defense hungry for turnovers.
Dallas Cowboys = 33% Red Zone TD Rate
The Dallas Cowboys needed to get a win at home against the Minnesota Vikings to keep their playoff hopes alive. However, the Cowboys failed to get that win because they struggled to score touchdowns in the red zone. Dallas went to the red zone six times against the Vikings’ defense, but scored only two touchdowns and settled for four field goals. Minnesota took advantage of the Cowboys’ red zone failures to get the win. Now, if the Cowboys want to make the playoffs, they have to win their last three games and win the NFC East, and at the same time, the Eagles must lose all three of their remaining games.
Denver Broncos = 100% Red Zone TD Rate
The Denver Broncos have had one of the best defenses in the NFL all season. But this week, the Broncos’ offense and quarterback Bo Nix had to put on one of their best performances this season to defeat the Green Bay Packers. What won the game for Denver was their performance in the red zone. Denver’s offense got into the red zone four times against the Packers, and they were able to convert all four of those red zone trips into touchdowns. That effort, along with a great defensive performance, allowed Denver to win a battle of division leaders and clinch their playoff spot.
Detroit Lions = Allowed 517 Total Yards
The Detroit Lions desperately needed a win on the road against the Los Angeles Rams if they wanted to have a chance to keep pace with the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers at the top of the NFC North. Offensively, Jared Goff and his Lions playmakers came in ready to move the ball and put points on the scoreboard. However, on defense, the Lions were unable to stop the Los Angeles Rams’ high-powered offense. By the end of the game, the Lions’ defense had allowed the Rams to gain 517 total yards.
Green Bay Packers = 25% Red Zone TD Rate
Coming into Week 15, the Green Bay Packers were one of the top teams in the NFL when it came to red zone touchdown rates and 3rd down conversion rates. For the Packers to win a road game against the Denver Broncos, their offense needed to excel in both areas. However, the Packers’ offense struggled against the elite Broncos defense in the red zone, scoring only one touchdown on four trips. The failure to score touchdowns on 75% of their red zone opportunities made it impossible for the Packers’ offense to keep pace with a Broncos offense that was hitting on all cylinders.
Houston Texans = +2 Turnover Differential
The Houston Texans have put together a six-game winning streak since having a bad start to the 2025 NFL season. However, the Texans’ defense has been a constant for a Houston team that now finds itself favored to earn a playoff spot this season. The Texans’ defense continued to lead Houston against an Arizona Cardinals team that has struggled with turnovers. Houston forced two turnovers against the Cardinals, including an interception and a fumble recovery. In addition, the Texans’ offense and quarterback C.J. Stroud consistently moved the ball without turning the ball over.
Indianapolis Colts = 215 Total Yards Gained
This week, the Indianapolis Colts found themselves in a precarious position with quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones on the injured reserve list. In addition, third-string quarterback Riley Leonard was struggling with a knee injury suffered last week against the Jaguars. For the Colts, the solution was to look to their past and bring back quarterback Philip Rivers, who retired after the 2020 season. Rivers was chosen due to his prior relationship with Colts head coach Shane Steichen and his deep knowledge of Steichen’s offensive scheme. Bringing back a quarterback that has not played in the NFL for five seasons was a recipe for disaster, but Rivers was able to dink and dunk, allowing him to stay out of trouble against the Seahawks. While Rivers played better than expected, the Colts’ offense totaled only 215 yards and 16 points.
Jacksonville Jaguars = 6 Total Touchdowns
Last week, the Jacksonville Jaguars officially took control of the AFC South by blowing out the Indianapolis Colts. However, the Jaguars still have work to do as they work to stay ahead of the surging Houston Texans. This week, the Jaguars and quarterback Trevor Lawrence did everything needed and more to pick up a big win against the New York Jets. Early in the game, the Jaguars’ offense ran through a struggling Jets defense, and Lawrence scored 6 touchdowns without turning the ball over. By the end of the game, Lawrence had five passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown.
Kansas City Chiefs = -2 Turnover Margin
The Kansas City Chiefs came into Week 15 knowing that they would have to win the rest of their remaining games to return to the playoffs for another season. Unfortunately, the Chiefs’ opponents, the Los Angeles Chargers, were also fighting for their playoff lives this season. With both teams needing to win, the atmosphere was similar to a playoff game. While both teams fought hard and tried to grind out scoring drives, the Chiefs were the first to blink, throwing two interceptions in the 4th quarter. The first of those interceptions was by Patrick Mahomes at the Chargers’ 1-yard line, resulting in a turnover and no points on that drive. The second occurred after Gardner Minshew came into the game for the injured Mahomes. Minshew was moving the Chiefs’ offense into Chargers territory, but with 14 seconds left, he threw an interception that ended the game.
Las Vegas Raiders = 75 Yards of Total Offense
Ever since Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll made the decision to fire offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, the Raiders’ offense has gotten progressively worse. This week, the Raiders started backup quarterback Kenny Pickett against his previous team, the Philadelphia Eagles. The result was an anemic Raiders offense that failed to convert on 9 of 12 during 3rd-down situations and produced only 75 total yards on the road in Philadelphia.
Los Angeles Chargers = 2 INT in the 4th Quarter
During Week 14 of the NFL season, the Los Angeles Chargers picked up a big win against the Philadelphia Eagles on primetime. The Chargers defeated the Eagles after intercepting four of Jalen Hurts’ passes and forcing Hurts to fumble the ball at the end of the game. This week, the Chargers faced another big test on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs. While the environment changed in Los Angeles, the result did not, as the Chargers’ defense intercepted two of Patrick Mahomes’ passes in the 4th quarter to knock the Chiefs out of the playoffs this season.
Los Angeles Rams = 17 Unanswered Points
This week, the Los Angeles Rams faced a hungry Detroit Lions team that needed a win. The game ended up a shootout between the Lions and Rams, but in the 3rd quarter, the Rams took over. At halftime, the Rams were losing to the Lions 17-24, but in the 3rd quarter, the Rams’ offense and Matthew Stafford took over, scoring 17 unanswered points. That explosion of points was enough for the Rams to outlast the Lions’ offense in the 4th quarter to pick up the win and clinch their playoff spot for the post-season.
Miami Dolphins = -20 Offensive Yards
The Miami Dolphins are officially eliminated from the playoffs for the 2025 season after a 2nd half collapse against the Pittsburgh Steelers. While the Dolphins’ defense had a strong start against Pittsburgh, offensively, the Dolphins struggled to get into a rhythm. In the first quarter, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw his 15th interception of the season, and in the 3rd quarter, Miami’s offense got completely shut down. Coming out of halftime, the Dolphins’ offense failed to gain positive net yards with a -20 offensive yard performance in the 3rd quarter. In addition to their offensive struggles, the Steelers scored two touchdowns in the 3rd.
Minnesota Vikings = 80% Red Zone TD Rate
The Minnesota Vikings traveled to Dallas to fight for their last shred of hope to stay in the race for a playoff spot this season. Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has had a season defined by inconsistency, but this week was a high point for McCarthy, especially in the red zone. During five trips to the red zone, the Vikings scored touchdowns on four of those trips, giving them an 80% red zone touchdown rate. Those touchdowns included three touchdown passes for J.J. McCarthy.
New England Patriots = 28 Points Allowed
The New England Patriots were in position to win their first AFC East division championship in five seasons. All they had to do was win a home game against their rival, the Buffalo Bills. New England jumped out to a 21-point lead in the 1st half, but in the 2nd half, the Patriots’ defense collapsed against Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense. In the 3rd and 4th quarters, the Patriots allowed the Bills to score 28 points on four consecutive possessions, giving the Bills their first lead of the game late in the 4th quarter. The Patriots’ failure to stop the Bills’ offense cost them a chance to win the AFC East this week and allowed the Bills to get back into the race for the top of the division.
New Orleans Saints = 17 Play Drive for 95 Yards
While the New Orleans Saints struggled to get traction early in the season, they have played outstanding football as spoilers. Last week, the Saints went on the road and upset the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, putting the Carolina Panthers in first place in the NFC South. In addition, this week the Saints upset that same Panthers team, putting the Buccaneers back into contention to win their fifth straight division championship. The defining moment for the Saints against Carolina was a 17-play, 95-yard drive in the 2nd quarter of the game.
New York Giants = 17% 3rd Down Rate
This week, the New York Giants came into Week 15 in the awkward position of fighting to defeat their division rival, the Washington Commanders, while also benefiting from losing, as they are the leaders to earn the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. While the Giants had a chance to pick up a comeback win at the end of the game, they struggled to consistently produce on offense. The Giants’ biggest issue was their failure to convert on 3rd down, where they picked up first downs on only 3 of 18 opportunities. The 17% 3rd-down conversion rate was not helpful in allowing the Giants to sustain drives against the Commanders’ defense.
New York Jets = Allowed Points on 8 Drives
Coming into the 2025 NFL season, the New York Jets’ strength was their talented defense. However, as the Jets failed to pick up wins during the first half of the season, they decided to start dumping their most expensive defensive players, Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, in exchange for draft capital at the trade deadline. While the Jets’ wins and losses have improved slightly since the deadline, the overall play of their defense has been on a downward trajectory. This week, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Jets’ defense allowed the Jaguars to score on 8 of their first 9 possessions, allowing 6 touchdowns and two field goals. This led to a blowout loss for the Jets, and that has also motivated Jets head coach Aaron Glenn to fire defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.
Philadelphia Eagles = 0 Points Allowed
Coming into Week 15, the Philadelphia Eagles were riding a three-game losing streak, which had allowed the Dallas Cowboys to get as close as they have been to joining the Eagles at the top of the NFC East standings. In order to protect their spot in the standings and control their playoff destiny, the Eagles needed to pick up a win this week against the struggling Las Vegas Raiders. Facing the Raiders was exactly what the Eagles needed to end their losing streak. Philadelphia dominated on offense, and the Eagles got their first shutout since blanking Washington in 2018.
Pittsburgh Steelers = 85% Completion Rate
The Pittsburgh Steelers held onto the top spot in the AFC North by picking up a primetime win against the Miami Dolphins. For the second game in a row, Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers played an outstanding game, completing 23 out of 27 passes for 241 yards with 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Despite cold temperatures, Rodgers completed 85% of his passes and had a quarterback rating of 129.9. Rodgers’ precise execution enabled the Steelers to score touchdowns on four consecutive drives, sealing the win against Miami.
San Francisco 49ers = 60% 3rd Down Rate
The San Francisco 49ers have been one of the most consistent teams in the NFL this season. So it is not surprising that the 49ers continued to grind out first downs and touchdowns against the Tennessee Titans. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy had an outstanding game with three passing touchdowns and a quarterback rating of 140.3. Purdy’s outstanding play contributed to the 49ers’ ability to convert 3rd downs 9 out of 15 times for a 60% 3rd down conversion rate.
Seattle Seahawks = 6 Made Field Goals
The San Francisco 49ers have been one of the most consistent teams in the NFL this season. So it is not surprising that the 49ers continued to grind out first downs and touchdowns against the Tennessee Titans. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy had an outstanding game with three passing touchdowns and a quarterback rating of 140.3. Purdy’s outstanding play contributed to the 49ers’ ability to convert 3rd downs 9 out of 15 times for a 60% 3rd down conversion rate.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers = 14 Point Lead Blown
This week, the Buccaneers were able to pull away from the Falcons in the 3rd quarter of Week 15’s Thursday Night Football game. That was until Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield threw an interception to Falcons defender Dee Alford in the 4th quarter. Alford’s interception gave the Falcons the boost that they needed to close the gap on the scoreboard, which allowed Atlanta to set up a game-winning field goal to steal the game from the Buccaneers.
Tennessee Titans = 14 Unanswered Points
The Tennessee Titans had a chance to win back-to-back for the first time this season when they traveled to the West Coast to face the San Francisco 49ers. In the first half, the Titans kept pace with the 49ers’ offense. However, in the 3rd quarter, the Titans’ defense broke down, allowing the 49ers to score 14 unanswered points. That burst of points after halftime allowed the 49ers to take a lead over the Titans that Tennessee could not overcome.
Washington Commanders = 63-Yard Punt Return
The Washington Commanders traveled to New York, motivated to pick up a win against their division rivals, the New York Giants. Early in the game, the Commanders jumped out to a significant lead over the Giants due to a sequence of plays that included a 63-yard punt return for a touchdown and an interception that led to a field goal. That 10-point gave the Commanders the cushion they needed to survive a late push by the Giants’ offense in the 4th quarter. Washington snapped their eight-game losing streak with their win over the Giants.
