The 2022 NFL regular season has hit the final stretch.
Week 15 got off to a historic start. The Minnesota Vikings overcame a 33-point halftime deficit to win 39-36 over the Indianapolis Colts. The Vikings also clinched the NFC North and secured their playoff spot. The Buffalo Bills handled business and will head to the postseason as well.
The Kansas City Chiefs also clinched a playoff spot on Sunday. They wrapped up the AFC West, winning their seventh straight title by defeating the Houston Texans in overtime.
The Baltimore Ravens weren’t as lucky. The Ravens faltered against the Cleveland Browns and fell a half-game behind the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC North. It was the second win for Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson with the organization.
The action is set to be a pivotal juncture for more teams in playoff contention. The New York Giants and Washington Commanders headline the weekend slate on Sunday night.
Both teams need a victory to keep pace within a tight NFC wild card race. The Giants currently occupy the final wild card spot while the Commanders are the sixth seed.
The Cincinnati Bengals rallied for a comeback against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to extend their lead in the AFC North. The Buccaneers remain in a tight race with the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons in a weakened NFC South.
NFL WEEK 15 PICKS: Can Vikings, Cowboys, Chiefs clinch playoff spots?
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REPLAY REVIEW: Roughing the passer or not? Could be time to include cases on replay review
Here’s a rundown of all the Week 15 action around the NFL.
San Francisco 49ers 21, Seattle Seahawks 13
Briefly: The 49ers clinched the NFC West with a road victory over the Seahawks. Niners quarterback Brock Purdy continued his magical season with another two-touchdown performance. He completed 17 of 26 passes for 217 yards. Purdy connected with six different receivers and extended a key fourth-quarter drive to seal the victory. The 49ers defense also turned in a signature performance. The unit held the Seahawks to 70 rushing yards and forced two fumbles. The Seahawks struggled to find an offensive rhythm and went 4-for-13 on third down. Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith threw for 238 yards on 44 attempts and tight end Noah Fant registered the lone touchdown.
One highlight to know: Niners tight end George Kittle hauled in a 54-yard touchdown that extended the 49ers lead in the third quarter. He was left wide open and rushed past two defenders to score his second touchdown of the game.
Next up: The 49ers host the Washington Commanders in Week 16. The Seahawks travel to Arrowhead Stadium to play the Kansas City Chiefs.
Minnesota Vikings 39, Indianapolis Colts 36
Briefly: The Vikings started Saturday’s game in the worst possible way. Minnesota fell behind early and faced a 33-point halftime deficit. The hometown faithful let the Vikings hear it with a loud chorus of boos. In the second half, the Vikings completely flipped the script. Minnesota outscored Indianapolis 39-3 to win the NFC North division. Vikings receivers KJ Osborn and Justin Jefferson came up big. The duo combined for 22 receptions, 280 yards and two touchdowns. Vikings running back Dalvin Cook turned a 64-yard reception into a touchdown. In overtime, Vikings kicker Greg Joesph nailed a 40-yard field goal to secure the victory. The Colts dropped to 4-9-1 and have now lost four consecutive games.
One highlight to know: Vikings running back Dalvin Cook raced past multiple defenders with a late fourth-quarter touchdown. He received a short pass and took it 64 yards to the house.
Next up: The Vikings host the New York Giants in Week 16. The Colts play the Los Angeles Chargers.
Cleveland Browns 13, Baltimore Ravens 3
Briefly: The Browns pulled out a tough AFC North victory on Saturday. Weather impacted the overall output as points were at a premium. Browns receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones scored the lone touchdown in the third quarter. It was enough as the Browns defense shut down the Ravens offense. Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley completed 17 of 30 passes for 138 yards. He also tossed an interception and was sacked three times. It was also an uncharacteristic day for both kickers. Ravens star Justin Tucker missed two crucial field goals. Meanwhile, the Browns left some points on the table as kicker Cade York missed twice. The Ravens fell to 9-5 this season and are now half-game back of the Cincinnati Bengals in the division.
One highlight to know: The Browns blocked a 50-yard field goal attempt early in the fourth quarter. It resulted in a key moment as the Ravens were held in check at a pivotal point in the game.
Next up: The Ravens host the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16. The Browns face the New Orleans Saints.
Buffalo Bills 32, Miami Dolphins 29
Briefly: The Bills clinched a playoff spot on Saturday night. However, it wasn’t an easy task. Both teams battled the wintry weather and turned up the heat during a dramatic fourth quarter. The Bills held on late behind star quarterback Josh Allen. The talented signal-caller orchestrated a 15-play, 86-yard drive that concluded with Bills kicker Tyler Bass nailing a 25-yard field goal to win the game. Allen finished with 304 passing yards and four touchdowns. He also added 77 yards on the ground. The Dolphins hung tough all night. Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle had three receptions for 114 yards and a long 67-yard touchdown. Miami looked strong after a disappointing Week 14 performance, but Buffalo was too much in the end.
One highlight to know: Josh Allen scrambled for 44 yards to set up a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dawson Knox in the fourth quarter.
Next up: The Bills face the Chicago Bears on Christmas Eve. The Dolphins play the Green Bay Packers on Christmas Day.
Detroit Lions 20, New York Jets 17
Briefly: Dan Campbell and the Lions kept their playoff hopes alive with a closely fought battle in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets had a chance to tie the game as time expired with a 58-yard field goal, but kicker Greg Zuerlein’s kick was wide. Second-year quarterback Zach Wilson had flashes of good play to go along with costly mistakes in his return to the starting lineup.
One highlight to know: Kalif Raymond converted the first score of the game with a 47-yard punt return for a touchdown with 6 minutes left in the first quarter.
Next up: The Lions travel to take on the Carolina Panthers in Week 16. The Jets host the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Kansas City Chiefs 30, Houston Texans 24 (OT)
Briefly: The Kansas City Chiefs clinched their seventh straight AFC West title after battling with the Houston Texans all the way through overtime. Harrison Butker missed a 51-yard field goal with eight seconds left in regulation to send the game into the extra period and Jerick McKinnon scored the winning touchdown after two changes in possession. Patrick Mahomes finished 36-of-41 for 336 yards and two touchdowns. Davis Mills scored three total touchdowns, but Houston’s run game was held to 98 yards among four rushers without Dameon Pierce.
One highlight to know: After being forced to punt on their first possession of overtime, the Chiefs defense got the ball back on the first play of the Texans’ ensuing drive. Davis Mills threw an awkward shovel pass forward as he was being sacked and Kansas City’s Willie Gay snagged the ball out from under a pile of players to give Patrick Mahomes and company the opportunity for the go-ahead score.
Next up: The Chiefs host the Seattle Seahawks at Arrowhead Stadium. The Texans travel east to take on the Tennessee Titans. Both games are on Christmas Eve.
Pittsburgh Steelers 24, Carolina Panthers 16
Briefly: The Panthers took a significant hit to their fleeting hopes at winning the NFC South as backup quarterback Mitchell Trubisky led the Steelers to a victory. Trubisky, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren all recorded rushing touchdowns for Pittsburgh.
One highlight to know: Mitchell Trubisky filled in for Kenny Pickett after the rookie was ruled out of the game with a concussion. He scored the third of the Steelers’ three rushing touchdowns with a one-yard dash in the third quarter.
Next up: The Steelers host the Las Vegas Raiders on Christmas Eve. The Panthers also host the Lions.
Philadelphia Eagles 25, Chicago Bears 20
Briefly: After a slow start, the Philadelphia Eagles managed to notch their thirteenth win of the season against the lowly Chicago Bears. MVP candidate Jalen Hurts relied on his legs to lead his team to victory, going 22-of-37 for 315 yards and two interceptions through the air, but racking up 61 rushing yards and scoring all three of the Eagles’ touchdowns on the ground. Justin Fields was 14-of-21 for 152 yards and two touchdowns through the air and added 95 rushing yards. He was sacked six times.
One highlight to know: With his first rushing touchdown of the game, Jalen Hurts set the Eagles’ single-season rushing touchdown record by a quarterback. His eleventh ground score of the season came late in the second quarter when he sprinted up the field untouched for a 22-yard touchdown.
Next up: The Eagles travel to face the Dallas Cowboys in an NFC East rivalry game. The Bears cap off a three-game home stand by hosting the Buffalo Bills. Both games are on Christmas Eve.
New Orleans Saints 21, Atlanta Falcons 18
Briefly: Andy Dalton and Taysom Hill combined for three passing touchdowns to pace the Saint over the Falcons in a pivotal NFC South matchup. Meanwhile, rookie QB Desmond Ridder struggled in his first career start, completing just 13 of 26 passes for 97 yards and a puny 59.3 quarterback rating. Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier carried the Atlanta offense with 139 yards rushing on 17 attempts.
One highlight to know: Hill and WR Rashid Shaheed connected on a 68-yard touchdown with 8:17 left in the first quarter.
Next up: The Saints will hit the road for a matchup against the Cleveland Browns in Week 16. The Falcons will visit the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Eve.
Jacksonville Jaguars 40, Dallas Cowboys 34 (OT)
Briefly: Trevor Lawrence was 27-of-42 for 318 yards, four touchdowns and an interception as he led the Jacksonville Jaguars to a comeback win over the Dallas Cowboys. The second-year player now has seven touchdowns in two weeks. The Jaguars were down by 17 points in the third quarter as the Cowboys offense was firing on all cylinders with a touchdown from Ezekiel Elliott and two through the air from Dak Prescott. But Lawrence threw for three straight scores to keep his team in playoff contention in the AFC South.
One highlight to know: After Trevor Lawrence put his team in position to compete, safety Rayshawn Jenkins secured the victory for the Jaguars. On third-and-four, Dak Prescott threw a pass across the middle of the field for wide receiver Noah Brown, who dropped the ball and, before it touched the ground, Jenkins scooped it up. The former Miami Hurricane star sprinted 52 yards for the pick six and the win.
Next up: The Cowboys host NFC East rival the Philadelphia Eagles as they seek revenge for a Week 6 loss. The Jaguars take a two-game win streak and travel to face the New York Jets in a Thursday night game.
Denver Broncos 24, Arizona Cardinals 15
Briefly: Backup quarterback Brett Rypien led the Denver Broncos to a victory that snapped its five-game losing streak. The Arizona Cardinals lost their own backup quarterback, Colt McCoy, to injury in the third quarter, giving Trace McSorley the reins. The two of them combined for three interceptions, two of which were snagged by Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons. Rypien finished 21-of-26 for 197 yards, one touchdown and one interception of his own and was boosted by running back Latavius Murray, who had 130 yards and a score of his own. The 24 points is the second-most scored by the Broncos all season, who are last in the league in points per game.
One highlight to know: Justin Simmons grabbed his second interception of the day in the fourth quarter and ran it back for a 23-yard return. With the two picks, Simmons now has 26 total interceptions in his career, passing Hall of Fame defensive back Steve Atwater and tying Louis Wright for eighth in franchise history.
Next up: The Broncos have a road game against the Los Angeles Rams. The Cardinals host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both games are on Christmas Day.
Las Vegas Raiders 30, New England Patriots 24
Briefly: The Las Vegas Raiders have won four of their last five games and made it harder for the New England Patriots to get into the playoffs with a victory. Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow returned from injured reserve and Waller’s first catch back was a 25-yard touchdown. His 48 receiving yards on the day gives him the second-most for a tight end in franchise history. Derek Carr finished 20-of-38 for 231 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. The Patriots’ offense was bolstered by running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who had 19 carries for 172 yard and a touchdown.
One highlight to know: The end of the game was a play you had to see to believe. Instead of going to overtime with the game tied at 24, the Patriots attempted to score on third-and-ten from their own 45. Mac Jones handed the ball off to Rhamondre Stevenson, who sprinted upfield to the Raiders’ 30-yard line when he tossed a lateral to Jakobi Meyers. The wide receiver then ran backwards to get out of traffic when he attempted another lateral that landed in the hands of Las Vegas defensive end Chandler Jones. The former Syracuse standout stiff-armed Jones and had a clear lane to the end zone.
Next up: The Raiders travel east to face the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Patriots host the Cincinnati Bengals. Both games are on Christmas Eve.
Los Angeles Chargers 17, Tennessee Titans 14
Briefly: The Los Angeles Chargers keep their playoff hopes alive with a win over the Tennessee Titans, who are now on a four-game losing streak. Justin Herbert marched the Bolts 52 yards downfield to give Cameron Dicker the opportunity to kick the game-winning 43-yard field goal. All four touchdowns in the game came on the ground as both Herbert, despite 313 passing yards, and Ryan Tannehill failed to score through the air and combined for three interceptions. Titans’ running back Derrick Henry had 163 combined yards on the day and one of those scores.
One highlight to know: Justin Herbert found Mike Williams downfield on the last drive of the game. The quarterback rolled all the way right and Williams leaped to make the 35-yard catch that put the Chargers in field goal range.
Next up: The Chargers travel to face the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night. The Titans host the Houston Texans on Christmas Eve.
Cincinnati Bengals 34, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23
Briefly: Tom Brady got a taste of his own medicine as Joe Burrow rallied the Cincinnati Bengals to overcome a 17-0 deficit and get a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brady finished 30-of-44 for 312 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He was also responsible for two lost fumbles while Burrow went 27-of-39 for 200 yards, four touchdowns and an interception as he carried his team to their sixth straight win. All four of his scores went to a different receiver, including one to Ja’Marr Chase.
One highlight to know: Joe Burrow sealed the victory with a 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Mitchell Wilcox in the fourth quarter. The play was Wilcox’s first NFL touchdown.
Next up: The Bengals travel to face the New England Patriots. The Buccaneers travel to face the Arizona Cardinals.
New York Giants at Washington Commanders
Kickoff: 8:20 p.m. ET, Sunday
TV: NBC
Betting info: Odds, moneyline and more
What to know: This is essentially an elimination game for both teams. Fans will be treated to a rematch that follows their Week 13 tie. Both teams are in playoff contention, but one false step can reshape the entire playoff picture. The Commanders are coming off a bye week while the Giants were defeated by the Eagles. A key to this game is whether the Commanders can contain Giants running back Saquon Barkley. The dynamic star rushed for 63 yards and a touchdown in the last matchup.
Los Angeles Rams at Green Bay Packers
Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET, Monday
TV: ESPN
Betting info: Odds, moneyline and more
What to know: The Packers and Rams are experiencing disappointing campaigns. The Rams found a spark with quarterback Baker Mayfield last week. Can he keep it going against the Packers? Green Bay is trying to figure out its identity. The offense has sputtered but key playmakers have emerged in running back AJ Dillon and receiver Christian Watson. Both teams will look to finish out the 2022 season on a high note under the lights on Monday night.
