Week 14 was one other week of contending groups separating themselves from the remainder of the sphere with the playoffs on the horizon. And with just a few video games left within the common season, some NFL groups are beginning to be formally eradicated from playoff rivalry.
How a lot concern ought to exist from Buffalo’s loss in Los Angeles throughout a historic efficiency by Josn Allen? Will a loss in his Minnesota homecoming spell the tip for Kirk Cousins as Atlanta’s starter earlier than his first full season is even over? Are the Jets simply going by the motions? Did Baker Mayfield show a degree?
These are simply a number of the questions on the minds of NFL followers after one other action-packed week.
Final week: W 34-31 (vs. Inexperienced Bay)
The Lions have earned the best to be considered the NFL’s No. 1 team till they lose it. Detroit’s Thursday night time win over Inexperienced Bay solely solidified their place because the NFL’s greatest much more.
Detroit confronted a divisional rival that’s additionally headed for the playoffs and did what they needed to do to safe the win. Whereas the Packers grew to become the primary crew to attain 30 factors on Detroit’s protection, Jared Goff accomplished 78% of his passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns within the win.
So long as Goff retains enjoying at such a excessive stage and their offense stays balanced – three working backs and Goff mixed to whole 111 yards on the bottom – the Lions will likely be robust be anybody to beat.
Week 15: vs. Buffalo (Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET) | CBS
Whereas I thought-about dropping the Payments for a loss to a median Rams crew, a number of circumstances warrant Buffalo remaining at No. 2.
Josh Allen performed like an MVP regardless of the loss, scoring six whole touchdowns, throwing for 342 yards and working for 82 extra. If he performs like that, Buffalo is successful most video games. The loss additionally befell throughout the nation.
Total, the Payments are nonetheless an elite crew that may beat anybody. Giving up 44 factors is a priority, but it surely’s solely the second time the Buffalo protection has even allowed greater than 30, so could possibly be argued as an aberration.
Week 15: at Detroit (Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET) | CBS
Final week: W 22-16 (vs. Carolina)
It’s robust to learn an excessive amount of right into a 22-16 win over the lowly Carolina Panthers, however a win is a win and the Eagles scorching steak rolls on.
Saquon Barkley has already made his first season in Philadelphia a particular one, setting a brand new franchise file for most rushing yards in a season at 1,623. He ran for 124 yards in Sunday’s win, his ninth recreation with over 100 yards on the yr. The Eagles are merely going to go so far as their stud working again can take them.
Week 15: vs. Pittsburgh (Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET) | FOX
Dec 8, 2024; Kansas Metropolis, Missouri, USA; Kansas Metropolis Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is sacked by Los Angeles Chargers security Derwin James Jr. (3) throughout the first half at GEHA Area at Arrowhead Stadium.
Denny Medley-Imagn Photographs
One other week means one other shut win for the Chiefs. Simply when it looks like Kansas Metropolis’s struggles are lastly going to catch as much as them, they do what they do greatest – discover a solution to win. Kansas Metropolis received once more regardless of Patrick Mahomes throwing for less than 210 yards and Travis Kelce main all receivers with 5 receptions for simply 45 yards.
If the Chiefs don’t flip it on quickly, something that might not even be possible this year for the back-to-back Tremendous Bowl champions, they may drop even when they maintain successful.
Week 15: at Cleveland (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) | CBS
Final week: W 42-21 (vs. Atlanta)
Sam Darnold outplayed his predecessor in Kirk Cousins’ return to Minnesota. Few predicted the Vikings can be among the many greatest groups in your entire NFL earlier than the season, however there’s simply no solution to deny them now.
Darnold performed like an All-Professional – he accomplished 78.6% of his passes for 347 yards with 5 touchdowns within the win over the Falcons. Justin Jefferson’s huge day of catching seven balls for 132 yards and a pair of touchdowns was solely to be outdone by Jordan Addison making eight receptions for 133 yards and three scores of his personal.
The protection additionally picked off their former teammate twice. Minnesota has firmly established themselves as among the finest tales of the season.
Week 15: vs. Chicago (Monday at 8:00 p.m. ET) | ABC
Final week: W 27-14 (vs. Cleveland)
The Steelers obtained their revenge on the Browns for his or her loss in Cleveland, forcing Jameis Winston into making errors after which taking benefit sufficient to regulate many of the recreation.
Winston’s two pricey interceptions made it so Pittsburgh didn’t want huge numbers from its offensive stars, one thing additionally hampered by the absence of George Pickens, who was a last-minute scratch from the lineup with an damage.
Russell Wilson solely threw for 158 yards, granted he did toss two landing passes, and Najee Harris solely ran for 53 yards.
Subsequent week, when Pittsburgh battles the Eagles for Pennsylvania state bragging rights, we are going to study much more about its probabilities of making a run this yr.
Week 15: at Philadelphia (Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET) | FOX
Final week: L 34-31 (at Detroit)
It wouldn’t appear proper to drop the Packers after a detailed loss on the street to the NFL’s prime crew. Jordan Love solely threw 20 move makes an attempt of their loss to the Lions, finishing 12 for 206 yards. It was Christian Watson who stepped up with 4 receptions for 114 yards, though he did lose a fumble.
Regardless of how they do it, the Packers’ offense is scoring factors. Inexperienced Bay now has surpassed 30 factors in three straight video games.
Week 15: at Seattle (Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET) | NBC
Final week: Bye
Dec 1, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) warms up prior the sport towards the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Financial institution Stadium.
Mitch Stringer-Imagn Photographs
Coming off a bye, the Ravens will look to bounce again from their Dec. 1 loss to the Eagles in a really favorable matchup towards the Giants.
Lamar Jackson has 3,290 passing yards and 678 dashing yards by 13 video games, placing him on tempo to exceed his 2023 manufacturing when he was named NFL MVP for a second time.
Week 15: at New York Giants (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) | CBS
9. Los Angeles Chargers (8-5)
Final week: L 19-17 (at Kansas Metropolis)
The Chargers needed to watch the ball hit the goalposts after which undergo the uprights as they suffered a devastating loss to the Chiefs on Sunday Evening Soccer.
A crew already with out JK Dobbins additionally watched Justin Herbert exit the sport briefly following a brutal hit from Nick Bolton. And despite the fact that the Chargers nearly received regardless of all of it, they didn’t they usually additionally struggled to maneuver the ball persistently and keep balanced on offense.
Week 15: vs. Tampa Bay (Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET) | FOX
Final week: Bye
Washington loved the week off after stopping a three-game dropping streak by dominating the Titans 42-19 in Week 13.
Whereas the Commanders have been cold and hot in latest weeks, Jayden Daniels has supplied Washington followers with a spark they haven’t skilled for the reason that days of Robert Griffin III. Daniels has 2,819 passing yards and 590 on the bottom as he makes his case for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Yr.
Week 15: at New Orleans (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) | FOX
Final week: Bye
The Texans haven’t been practically pretty much as good as some thought they’d be this yr, however thankfully for Houston, not a lot is required to win the AFC South.
This was the case final week and remains to be very a lot the case now because the Texans return to play after a bye.
Week 15: vs. Miami (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) | CBS
Final week: Bye
Dec 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) prepares to move the ball within the second quarter towards the Cleveland Browns at Empower Area at Mile Excessive.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Photographs
It’s robust to completely purchase right into a crew led by a rookie quarterback, particularly when their newest wins are towards Cleveland, Las Vegas and Atlanta, with two of these groups already eradicated from playoff rivalry and the Falcons leaning in that course.
Week 15: vs. Indianapolis (Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET) | CBS
Final week: W 30-18 (at Arizona
For the primary time shortly, Geno Smith and the Seattle offense appeared in management all through a recreation. Smith threw for 233 yards whereas finishing precisely 80% of his passes. He didn’t achieve something on the bottom, however he didn’t must both. Zach Charbonnet ran for 134 yards on 22 touches, permitting the Seahawks to win the time-of-possession battle 33:02 to 26:58.
Finishing the sweep of the Cardinals permits Seattle to separate itself from Arizona so far as divisional opponents. With already one loss to the Rams, a season finale in Los Angeles might determine the entire thing. Seattle nonetheless must be constant to be any larger on this record.
Week 15: vs. Inexperienced Bay (Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET) | NBC
Final week: W 28-13 (vs. Las Vegas)
Arizona’s loss and the Buccaneers beating the Raiders known as for a flip-flop of these groups this week.
Tampa Bay did win regardless of a less-than-stellar recreation for Baker Mayfield, who accomplished 18-of-29 passes for 295 yards but additionally threw two picks. The Buccaneers offense being balanced with Rachaad White working for 90 yards and a landing makes Tampa very harmful going ahead.
Week 15: at Los Angeles Chargers (Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET) | FOX
15. Los Angeles Rams (7-6)
Final week: W 44-42 (vs. Buffalo)
The largest leap of the week goes to the Rams, who transfer up 4 spots after a shootout win over the Payments.
Despite the fact that the Rams’ protection remains to be a giant concern, Matthew Stafford and the offense confirmed they’ll nonetheless put up factors towards anybody. Stafford threw for 320 yards, with 162 going to Puka Nacua. It’s very doable Los Angeles can win the NFC West with their offense alone at this level.
Week 15: at San Francisco (Thursday at 8:15 p.m. ET) Amazon Prime Video
Final week: L 30-18 (vs. Seattle)
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) is pressured by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) throughout the second quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Dec. 8, 2024.
Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK by way of Imagn Photographs
A Cardinals protection that sacked Geno Smith 5 instances of their final assembly did not carry down the two-time Professional Bowl quarterback on Sunday.
Arizona’s offense totaled 356 yards, however a few Kyler Murray interceptions helped result in the 30-18 loss.
Week 15: vs. New England (Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET) | CBS
Final week: Bye
Anthony Richardson’s return because the beginning quarterback supplied a spark to the Colts, however they’re nonetheless a flawed crew with none huge wins in latest weeks.
Whereas the Colts might nonetheless get into the AFC South race, they may additionally simply fade as properly.
Week 15: at Denver (Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET) | CBS
Beating the Jets is nothing to brag about as of late, however Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill and even Jaylen Waddle put their abilities on show anyway. Tagovailoa threw for 331 yards, Hill posted 115 and Waddle 99.
With a comparatively straightforward schedule arising as Houston, Cleveland and San Francisco are on deck, the Dolphins offensive stars could possibly be sufficient on their very own within the instant future.
Week 15: at Houston (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) | CBS
Final week: W 27-20 (at Dallas)
Cincinnati lastly benefited from some luck due to a blunder on a late punt and grabbed a win that regarded prefer it was going to be one other devastating loss. Joe Burrow threw for 369 yards and three touchdowns whereas Ja’Marr Chase totaled 177 yards on 14 receptions and two scores, together with the game-winner with beneath a minute left within the recreation.
The protection was additionally adequate because the Bengals stopped the bleeding of a three-game dropping streak.
Week 15: at Tennessee (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) | FOX
Final week: L 27-20 (vs. Cincinnati)
Dec 9, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) rolls out to move towards the Cincinnati Bengals within the first quarter at AT&T Stadium.
Tim Heitman-Imagn Photographs
It’s been clear 2024 would go down as a misplaced season for Dallas for weeks, however Monday night time’s loss to the Bengals simply additional embodies this disastrous yr for the Cowboys.
Cooper Rush performed just like the backup he usually is, finishing solely 51.6% of his passes for 183 yards.
Week 15: at Carolina (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) | FOX
Final week: W 38-13 (vs. Chicago)
2024 has been a troublesome season for a 49ers franchise seeking to get again to the Tremendous Bowl. Nevertheless, the Bears had been simply what the physician ordered on Sunday, as Brock Purdy threw for 325 yards with two touchdowns and the 49ers had been in a position to transfer the ball with ease.
Week 15: vs. Los Angeles Rams (Thursday at 8:15 p.m. ET) | Amazon Prime Video
Final week: L 42-21 (at Minnesota)
With two extra interceptions on Sunday in his return to Minnesota, Kirk Cousins now has thrown six picks in his final two video games. There’s simply no approach the Falcons can win if Cousins goes to show the ball over that a lot.
Atlanta appears to be like headed for a really disappointing finish to a season that opened with expectations.
Week 15: at Las Vegas (Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET) | ESPN
Final week: W 14-11 (at New York Giants)
The Saints had been winners of the least entertaining video games of the week, beating the Giants 14-11. Neither crew performed all that properly, however a win and a extremely dangerous Bears loss led to the 2 groups switching locations this week.
Week 15: vs. Washington (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) FOX
Final week: L 38-13 (at San Francisco)
Dec 8, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws a move towards the San Francisco 49ers within the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium.
Cary Edmondson-Imagn Photographs
Caleb Williams threw two interceptions and was sacked seven instances because the 49ers had considered one of their greatest days of an in any other case disappointing season. Chicago has now endured seven straight losses after a promising begin to the yr.
Week 15: at Minnesota (Monday at 8:00 p.m. ET) | ABC
Final week: L 27-14 (at Pittsburgh)
Jameis Winston didn’t carry any magic to this version of Steelers-Browns. Winston’s two interceptions ruined a number of drives for Cleveland and any probability the Browns had at sweeping Pittsburgh in a season for the primary time since 1988.
The loss formally eradicated the Browns from playoff rivalry.
Week 15: vs. Kansas Metropolis (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) CBS
26. Carolina Panthers (3-10)
Final week: L 22-16 (at Philadelphia)
Adam Thielen caught 9 balls for 102 yards and Chuba Hubbard ran for 92 yards as Carolina saved the rating shut earlier than ultimately falling to the Eagles.
Week 15: vs. Dallas (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) | FOX
Final week: W 10-6 (at Tennessee)
Jacksonville wasn’t spectacular in any respect, however an unpleasant win over the Titans does earn them somewhat climb up the rankings. Pressured to show to Mac Jones with Trevor Lawrence on injured reserve, he accomplished 23-of-31 for 220 yards but additionally threw two interceptions. The Jaguars had been simply lucky to be dealing with an excellent worse crew in Tennessee.
Week 15: vs. New York Jets (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET)
Final week: L 10-6 (vs. Jacksonville)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) is sacked by Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones (22) throughout the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024.
Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK by way of Imagn Photographs
Will Levis endured extra rookie rising pains, throwing for less than 168 yards and failing to guide the Titans into the tip zone of their 10-6 loss to a Jaguars crew compelled to show to Mac Jones at quarterback.
Tennessee seems to be the worst crew in a weak AFC South division.
Week 15: vs. Cincinnati (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) | FOX
29. New York Jets (3-10)
Final week: L 32-26 (at Miami)
New York’s loss to Miami locked up the 2024 Jets eternally happening as one of the vital disappointing groups in NFL historical past. The Jets have now been eradicated from an opportunity on the playoffs, resulting in the query if Aaron Rodgers ought to even proceed to play the remainder of the season.
Week 15: at Jacksonville (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) | FOX
Final week: Bye
New England couldn’t lose in Week 14, granted not enjoying helped their trigger. Drake Maye did present indicators of progressing – he accomplished 24-of-30 for 238 yards in a one-point loss to the Colts of their final recreation.
Week 15: at Arizona (Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET) | CBS
31. New York Giants (2-11)
Final week: L 14-11 (vs. New Orleans)
Drew Lock’s second begin was worse than his first one. Lock threw 49 move makes an attempt, solely finishing 21 of them for 227 yards with a choose.
The one approach the Giants can attempt to seize one other win is that if they’ll management the clock on the bottom and restrict the strain on Lock. The precise reverse of that occurred on Sunday, handing New York their eighth consecutive loss.
Week 15: vs. Baltimore (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) | CBS
Final week: L 28-13 (at Tampa Bay)
Dec 8, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Las Vegas Raiders vast receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) runs with the ball towards the Tampa Bay Buccaneers within the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium.
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Photographs
Any momentum Las Vegas gained from nearly beating the Chiefs rapidly vanished when the Buccaneers dominated the sport from the opening kickoff.
After being surprisingly aggressive final season, the Raiders simply appear like 2024’s worst crew. The Raiders have now misplaced 9 video games in a row.
Week 15: vs. Atlanta (Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET) | ESPN
