2025 NFL Week 15 Winners and Losers and Top Takeaways

Huge postseason implications permeated Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers both lost, leaving a tie atop the NFC South. The Buffalo Bills evened their series with the New England Patriots, keeping the AFC East race alive for at least another week.

The Los Angeles Rams placed the Detroit Lions in dire straits, while keeping pace atop the NFC. The Denver Broncos took control of the AFC's No. 1 seed. On Monday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers ended the Miami Dolphins' playoff hopes while maintaining their grip on the AFC North.

As always, Bleacher Report's team of NFL analysts provided the biggest takeaways, as well as winners and losers, from every single contest.

Miami Dolphins vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers

Score: Steelers 28, Dolphins 15

Steelers Takeaway: No Watt, No Problem

The Steelers didn't have star pass-rusher T.J. Watt on Monday night after he underwent a procedure to repair a partially collapsed lung. However, his absence didn't stop the Pittsburgh defense from having one of its best outings of the season.

Pittsburgh surrendered just three points through three quarters, recorded four sacks, and allowed only 16 first downs. The Steelers should feel positive about their chances of playing good defense down the stretch, even if Watt doesn't rush back to the field.

Winner: QB Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers had a mostly clean outing, and he continues to build a rapport with his current teammates—and a former one. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who was signed to the active roster on Monday, caught a touchdown pass on Monday.

Rodgers probably considers himself a winner, not necessarily because of his latest performance but because of where Pittsburgh stands. The Steelers remain in first place in the AFC North, and they just had one of their most convincing wins of the season.

After a disappointing final year with the Green Bay Packers and a two-year debacle in New York, Rodgers has to be happy playing meaningful football in mid-December.

Dolphins Takeaway: Miami Can't Keep Building Around Tua Tagovailoa

During Miami's four-game winning streak, Tua Tagovailoa largely managed games while the Dolphins leaned on their ground game and some aggressive defense.

Desperately needing the QB to make plays in order to keep pace with the Steelers, the Dolphins were disappointed.

Tagovailoa has largely disappointed since his 2023 Pro Bowl campaign. He leads the league in interceptions, and he just doesn't seem capable of elevating the talent around him.

He will have $99.2 million in dead money left on his contract after this season, but the Dolphins have to find a way to go in a new direction at quarterback.

Loser: Head Coach Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins

Mike McDaniel appeared to be coaching his way back into some job security, but getting blown out in prime time and missing the playoffs for the second straight season will have him trending back toward the hot seat.

The Dolphins didn't exactly quit during Monday's loss, but they had no sense of urgency down three scores late in the fourth quarter.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy

Score: Vikings 34, Cowboys 26

Vikings Takeaway: J.J. McCarthy Turning the Corner in His Early Development

At the beginning of the season, McCarthy looked like a rookie, which made sense since he missed his first year with a knee injury that required surgery. Compared to his Week 1 performance, which showed promising flashes, the second-year signal-caller has made strides.

Over the last two weeks, McCarthy has thrown for five touchdowns and an interception and rushed for 34 yards and a score. He threw for six touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his first six starts. 

Head coach Kevin O'Connell is molding McCarthy into a starting-caliber quarterback. Though the Vikings will miss the playoffs this year, they could have a strong bounce-back 2026 campaign if their 22-year-old signal-caller finishes the season on a strong note.

Winner: QB J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings

Two plays into the Vikings' first drive, McCarthy tried to bat down a pass, but the Cowboys came down with the tipped ball. He didn't seem rattled by that turnover and helped lead Minnesota to victory, throwing for 250 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

Without a robust ground attack, he showed he can lead an offense with his arm and improvisation in the pocket.

Cowboys Takeaway: Dallas Has Come Back to Reality, with Slim Playoff Hopes

After their Week 10 bye, the Cowboys won three consecutive games and seemed to have a shot to make a run for the playoffs with a 6-5-1 record. Now, they're coming off back-to-back losses, and the Philadelphia Eagles can eliminate them from playoff contention with a win over the Washington Commanders. 

A lot can change within a few weeks. Overall, though, this is a mediocre squad with a below-average defense that went on a short run, but will miss the playoffs.

Loser: Dallas Cowboys Offense

Brandon Aubrey uncharacteristically missed two field-goal kicks, but he misfired on a couple of 50-plus-yard attempts. The Cowboys offense sputtered in key moments, which put Aubrey in situations to kick long field goals. Dallas scored touchdowns on two of its five trips to the red zone and converted on two of 12 third-down situations. 

Giving up 34 points to the Vikings, the Cowboys needed touchdowns, not 50-plus-yard field-goal attempts.

Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Katie Chin

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua

Score: Rams 41, Lions 34

Rams Takeaway: Rams Are Clear Front-Runners to Win NFC

The Rams sputtered through a sloppy first half, but they rebounded with their offensive firepower after halftime. Also, defensive coordinator Chris Shula's unit slowed down the league's highest-scoring offense. Los Angeles outscored Detroit 24-10 in the second half.

With the Green Bay Packers' loss to the Denver Broncos, coupled with Micah Parsons' injury, and the Seattle Seahawks eking out a win over the Philip Rivers-led Indianapolis Colts, the Rams are the most trustworthy team to finish strong in the NFC. Ahead of a crucial divisional matchup with the Seahawks on Thursday, they belong atop the conference standings.

Winner: WR Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams

Nacua racked up a career-high 181 receiving yards. He routinely found holes in the Lions' pass coverage, trucked through defenders and picked up yards after the catch. With his strong hands and big frame, he continues to emerge as one of the league's best receivers. The Pro Bowler will likely sign a massive extension in the offseason.

Lions Takeaway: Injury-Riddled Secondary Puts Insurmountable Pressure on Offense

We often hear the cliche "next man up" in sports and watch unheralded players take advantage of opportunities, but in some cases, it's not enough to overcome injuries. The Lions are in that situation without key playmakers in their secondary.

Pro Bowl defensive back Brian Branch and 2024 first-rounder Terrion Arnold are out with season-ending injuries. All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph hasn't played since Week 6 because of a knee injury. Thomas Harper, who's started in seven games this season, missed Sunday's contest while in concussion protocol.

The Lions have allowed 30-plus points in three consecutive games. They can only win one way at this point, in high-scoring track meets.

Loser: Detroit Lions Secondary

Nacua torched the Lions' defensive backs from start to finish. Davante Adams and Colby Parkinson also hauled in passes for 20-plus yards on big plays.

Sure, Detroit fielded multiple backups in its secondary, but that's no excuse to give up big gains in a crucial matchup. Matthew Stafford averaged a little more than 15 yards per completion. 

If the Lions can't limit the explosive plays over the top, they'll struggle to make stops regardless of whom they face between the lines. 

Tennessee Titans vs. San Francisco 49ers

AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn

Score: 49ers 37, Titans 24

49ers Takeaway: Brock Purdy Must Carry San Francisco Offense Down the Stretch

Late in the week, running back Christian McCaffrey appeared on the injury report with a back issue. On 22 carries, he ran for 73 yards and a touchdown. Coming into Sunday's game, he averaged a career-low 3.6 yards per carry.

McCaffrey is still effective on the ground, but he lacks the explosiveness from his recent years. Purdy has to fuel the offense to the finish line with a hot hand, showing why the 49ers gave him a whopping five-year, $265 million extension this past offseason.

Winner: QB Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers

Statistically, Purdy put together his best performance since returning from a toe injury, throwing for 295 yards and three touchdowns. Yes, the 49ers went up and down the field against the Titans' 29th-ranked scoring defense, but the Pro Bowl quarterback showed he's back in rhythm under center.

Titans Takeaway: Tennessee Needs Full Roster Reset

The Titans lost multiple defensive backs in Sunday's contest, which allowed Purdy to carve them up through the air. Tennessee lacks the depth to overcome cluster injuries at one position.

Offensively, the Titans don't have a go-to pass-catcher among their rookies. Fourth-rounders Elic Ayomanor, Chimere Dike and Gunnar Helm have all made contributions to the passing game, but none of them are consistent enough to put pressure on the opposing secondary. Even when healthy, Calvin Ridley struggled in the offense. Tennessee needs a full roster overhaul.

Loser: Tennessee Titans Secondary

Versatile rookie third-round defensive back Kevin Winston Jr. and safeties Xavier Woods and Mike Brown suffered injuries that sidelined them for much of the game. So, it's no surprise that the 49ers feasted on Tennessee's pass defense. 

With an offense scoring the second-fewest points per game and a decimated secondary, the Titans had little chance to stay competitive in this matchup.

Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos

AP Photo/Jack Dempsey

Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix

Score: Broncos 34, Packers 26

Broncos Takeaway: Denver Suddenly Looks Like Scariest Team in the AFC

The Denver Broncos took control of the AFC's No. 1 seed by beating a very good Green Bay Packers squad on Sunday. Once again, Denver's championship-caliber defense was the headliner, though it's worth noting its offense finally seemed to find a rhythm.

Against a Packers defense that came in ranked fifth overall, the Broncos tallied almost 400 yards of offense and their second-highest point total of the season.

The Broncos looked like a complete team while climbing a full game ahead of the New England Patriots in the conference race. If the AFC's road to Super Bowl LX does run through Denver, the Broncos will be an extremely tough out.

Winner: QB Bo Nix, Denver Broncos

Denver's offense has felt like an inconsistent, boom-or-bust experiment for most of the season. However, the Broncos found their groove against Green Bay, thanks in large part to the play of Bo Nix.

He threw for 302 yards and four touchdowns, but his performance was even more impressive than the numbers might suggest. He repeatedly used his mobility to buy time before delivering accurate strikes down the field. If the Broncos can get this sort of play out of the second-year quarterback consistently, they may be holding the Lombardi in a couple of months.

Packers Takeaway: Injuries Threaten What Was a Promising Season

A week ago, the Packers took over the NFC North with a huge win over the Chicago Bears. They can retake the division by beating the same opponent next week. However, getting back in front of the Bears in the standings may not be enough to overcome Sunday's loss.

Christian Watson, who had reestablished himself as Green Bay's No. 1 receiver after returning from last year's torn ACL, exited Sunday's loss with a shoulder injury. Not long after that, star pass-rusher Micah Parsons went down with a non-contact leg injury. Offensive tackle Zach Tom also left with a knee injury.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Parsons is believed to have suffered a torn ACL.

Green Bay could still win its division, but injuries may prevent it from being a true championship threat.

Loser: QB Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers

Injuries will be the story of Green Bay's disappointing day, but Jordan Love's second-half struggles shouldn't go unmentioned.

After throwing for 215 yards and a touchdown before intermission, he finished with just 276 passing yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. His two second-half picks allowed Denver to climb back from a 23-14 deficit, and he rarely found answers for the Broncos' relentless pressure after the break.

Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints

AP Photo/Ella Hall

New Orleans Saints QB Tyler Shough

Score: Saints 20, Panthers 17

Saints Takeaway: It Finally Feels Like the Saints are Building Something

For over half the season, it felt like the New Orleans Saints were stuck in neutral with one of the league's worst teams. Over the past six weeks, though, there seems to have been a shift.

New head coach Kellen Moore has his squad looking like the most motivated team in the NFC South, and rookie quarterback Tyler Shough is playing his way into a 2026 starting opportunity.

The Saints just won their second straight game against a division rival vying for the playoffs while completing a season sweep of the Carolina Panthers. With games against the New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, and Atlanta Falcons on deck, New Orleans has a chance to end 2025 with some real momentum.

Winner: QB Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints

There's no guarantee the Saints won't at least target a quarterback to push Shough in the 2026 draft. However, the second-round rookie looked like a future NFL star on Sunday.

He threw for 272 yards, ran for 32 more, and led a 47-yard game-winning field-goal drive with less than a minute remaining in regulation. He largely outplayed 2023 first overall pick Bryce Young and got a huge win on a day that saw fellow rookies Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart and Shedeur Sanders all lose.

Panthers Takeaway: Carolina Blow a Golden Opportunity

Tampa's collapse on Thursday night opened the door for Carolina to take hold of the NFC South. Unfortunately, the Panthers made too many mistakes—including a turnover and 11 penalties—to take advantage.

The Panthers and Bucs will face off twice in the final three weeks, and those games will likely determine who wins the division. However, Carolina had a chance to host Tampa with a one-game lead next week.

Loser: Head Coach Dave Canales, Carolina Panthers

The Panthers still have a chance to win the NFC South, and even if they fall short, they may have shown enough growth this season to keep Dave Canales off the hot seat. However, games like Sunday's won't help.

The Panthers looked flat coming out of their bye, and they had almost as many penalty yards (103) as passing yards (154). That falls on Canales, who shouldn't have any trouble getting his team ready for a pivotal divisional showdown

Indianapolis Colts vs. Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Score: Seahawks 18, Colts 16

Seahawks Takeaway: Seattle Needs to Find a Way to Spark Its Ground Game

A week ago, the Seattle Seahawks looked like sure-fire Super Bowl contenders. On Sunday, they struggled to put away a slumping Indianapolis Colts team that was starting a 44-year-old quarterback off the couch.

Seattle's inability to sustain drives and generate big plays on the ground was a big part of the problem. Indy has a stout run defense, but the Seahawks came in averaging just 4.0 yards per carry and averaged far less than that on Sunday.

The Seahawks got just enough out of Sam Darnold and the passing game late to steal a win, but they should hope to avoid putting every game on his shoulders in the postseason.

Winner: K Jason Myers, Seattle Seahawks

Darnold didn't make any game-killing mistakes, which is how Seattle escaped with a win. However, Jason Myers was the hero of Seattle's day.

Myers made all six of his field-goal attempts, including a 56-yarder that gave Seattle the lead late in regulation. That critical kick was his answer to a Blake Grupe 60-yarder that put Indianapolis on top with less than a minute remaining.

Colts Takeaway: Calling Philip Rivers Wasn't the Worst Idea After All

Rivers last played in 2020, and calling him out of semi-retirement to save Indy's season seemed like the ultimate desperation move by head coach Shane Steichen. However, the QB was far from a complete disaster.

While Rivers' late-game interception sealed the Colts' loss, he looked comfortable, showed a command of the offense and gave Indianapolis every opportunity to pull off the road upset.

With Daniel Jones done for the year, Steichen needed a quarterback and turned to one he's known since his first stint with the San Diego Chargers began in 2011. Rivers may not be able to carry Indy into the postseason, but he won't be the reason the Colts miss the playoffs if they do.

Loser: The Colts' Playoff Hopes

Rivers can operate Steichen's offense, so the Colts will at least have a chance over the final five weeks. Unfortunately, their remaining slate includes games against the San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans.

The Colts had a chance to steal one and fell short on a day that saw both Jacksonville and Houston win. They've now lost four straight and are watching that postseason door rapidly close.

Washington Commanders vs. New York Giants

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

Score: Commanders 29, Giants 21

Commanders Takeaway: Meaningless Win Doesn't Help a Lost Season in D.C.

NFL players are incredibly competitive—it's the reason why the idea of "tanking" is laughable. And the Commanders showed some heart in taking down the Giants.

But this victory accomplished nothing bar costing Washington draft position. It doesn't erase Jayden Daniels' injury-marred mess of a year. Or fix a run game that has struggled much of the year. Or remedy a non-existent pass-rush.

The Commanders went all-in on competing in 2025 after last year's surprising playoff run, assembling the oldest roster in the NFL. It backfired.

Nothing that happened in Week 15 changes that.

Winner: RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders

After opening the season as Washington's lead back, Croskey-Merritt saw his carries decrease in recent weeks after a midseason slump. But with Chris Rodriguez sidelined Sunday, Croskey-Merritt was back in the lead role and posted one of his better efforts of the season, carrying the ball 18 times for 96 yards and a touchdown.

Giants Takeaway: Jaxson Dart Offers a Sliver of Hope

It's getting harder by the week to find a takeaway for the Giants that isn't some permutation of "this is a terrible football team."

So, in the interest of some holiday positivity, we'll focus on rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.

He wasn't great Sunday—his passer rating in the game was a so-so 83.8. But the Ole Miss product threw for 46 yards and two scores with a pick and added 63 rushing yards on nine carries.

Once this woeful campaign is completed, the offseason focus in New York will be building around the promising young signal-caller.

Loser: Edge Brian Burns, New York Giants

The good news for Giants edge-rusher Brian Burns is that he entered Week 15 second in the NFL with 13 sacks and recovered a fumble against the Commanders.

The bad news is he has had those 13 sacks for about a month. Sunday's loss was the third straight contest in which the seventh-year veteran failed to get to the quarterback.

Arizona Cardinals vs. Houston Texans

AP Photo/Ashley Landis

Texans QB C.J. Stroud

Score: Texans 40, Cardinals 20

Texans Takeaway: Look Out AFC South, the Texans are Rolling

After watching the Texans dismantle an overmatched Arizona Cardinals team, it's hard to imagine they started the season 0-3. Because right now, Houston is playing as well as any team in the AFC.

Sunday's sixth consecutive win was a well-rounded effort. The offense flirted with 400 total yards, didn't turn the ball over and converted over half their third downs. Houston's No. 1-ranked defense allowed yards, but stiffened, made plays and took the ball away when it mattered.

With an awful Raiders team next on the slate, a seventh straight win should be coming in Week 16—and these Texans have the makings of a tough out come the playoffs.

Winner: QB C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans

The Houston defense has been dominant most of the season, but earlier in the year the Texans offense was erratic at best and stuck in the mud at worst.

However, quarterback C.J. Stroud is rounding into form at the optimal time. Just seven of his 29 pass attempts fell incomplete Sunday, and he threw three touchdown passes with a passer rating of 137.1.

Cardinals Takeaway: Blow Up the Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals have been poor most of the season. But they aren't getting any better, and that means it's time for a reset.

Yes, injuries have played a part—both Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. have missed a big chunk of the season. Given his roughly $46 million‑per‑year deal, Murray's contract places a heavy strain on the franchise's salary cap relative to his recent level of play, and Harrison has been a major disappointment over his first two seasons.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon needs to go. So does Murray, although that's going to be tricky given his contract. Arizona has holes at running back, on the offensive line and at every level of the defense.

It's full-on rebuild time in the desert—again.

Loser: Edge Josh Sweat, Arizona Cardinals

Sweat has had a solid first season in the desert—he has tied a career high with 11 sacks. But the past two weeks, the eight-year veteran has been invisible.

In Sunday's loss to the Texans, he managed just a single assist. That was an improvement over Week 14, where he didn't log a single stat.

New York Jets vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

Score: Jaguars 48, Jets 20

Jaguars Takeaway: The Jaguars Peaking at the Right Time

Granted, taking a three-win Jets team behind the woodshed isn't the most difficult of achievements. But one week after blasting the Colts to assume first place in the AFC South, they did what they needed to do in Week 15 and pummeled a bad team.

It was a well-rounded performance. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence had the best game of his career. Running back Travis Etienne Jr. amassed 105 total yards and found the end zone three times. Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. had another solid game. And the Jacksonville defense forced three turnovers and logged three sacks.

It was quite the show. And the Jaguars have a nice head of steam headed into a big AFC matchup next week in Denver.

Winner: QB Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars

Trevor Lawrence entered Sunday's matchup with the Jets on a nice little rip. Since a three-interception effort against the Arizona Cardinals, he had played back-to-back mistake-free games.

Sunday, Lawrence exploded.

Against the Jets, he completed 20 of 32 passes for 330 yards and a career-high five touchdowns. He added a rushing score and was the first player in NFL history to log five passing scores, a rushing score and 50 rushing yards in a game.

Jets Takeaway: What is There Really Left to Say About the Jets?

It has been a long first season for first-year head coach Aaron Glenn and the Jets. And it just keeps getting longer.

Sunday's loss to Jacksonville was New York's season in a nutshell. Undrafted rookie quarterback Brady Cook played like an undrafted rookie, throwing three interceptions. The Jets' ground game was inept most of the game, and the defense was roasted to the tune of 438 yards and 48 points.

There's going to be a lot of work to be done in New York in the offseason.

Loser: RB Breece Hall, New York Jets

One of those offseason decisions the Jets face is the future of running back Breece Hall. And if Week 15 was indication, his future probably lies somewhere else.

The Jacksonville Jaguars entered Sunday's contest with the NFL's best run defense. But it's hard to justify giving an extension to a back who gained just 23 yards on 12 carries in Week 15.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann

Score: Chargers 16, Chiefs 13

Chargers Takeaway: Wild-Card Leader

The Los Angeles Chargers may not win the AFC West since they're still trailing the Denver Broncos. However, Jim Harbaugh's squad had to take immense pleasure in knocking the rival Kansas City Chiefs out of the postseason, while being in a strong position to earn the top wild-card playoff spot. 

At 10-4, the Chargers currently own the tiebreaker over the Buffalo Bills for the AFC's No. 5 seed because of a better conference record. 

Los Angeles is in a great spot, but it'll need to play its best to retain the current position with upcoming games against the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and Broncos. 

Winner: Edge Odafe Oweh, Los Angeles Chargers

Oweh has found a home with the Chargers. Since being acquired from the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 7, the 26-year-old defender has generated seven sacks, including two Sunday against the Chiefs. 

He didn't have a single sack during his five appearances earlier this season with the Ravens. He's been a wrecking ball at times for the Chargers. On top of Sunday's two sacks, he contributed three tackles for loss and two more quarterback hits. 

In total, the Chargers defense held the Chiefs to 239 total yards. 

Chiefs Takeaway: Playoff Streak Snapped

Kansas City won't participate in the NFL playoffs for the first time since the 2014 campaign. 

The Chiefs had won nine straight division titles. They hadn't even experienced a three-game losing streak since Patrick Mahomes became the starting quarterback. Neither is the case any longer. 

General manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid must reassess where adjustments are needed after playing in the Super Bowl during the previous three seasons. 

Loser: Chiefs' Run Game

Without Mahomes running for 15 yards and a score, the Chiefs managed all of 34 yards on 19 carries against the Chargers. 

For those counting, that's 1.8 yards per carry. 

Kansas City struggled to establish the run throughout most of the season. Some of it is due to injuries. Constant fluctuations among the offensive line didn't help matters. Something still needs to improve. Otherwise, Mahomes being beat up by the end of the campaign will happen again in 2026. 

Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots

AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty

Score: Bills 35, Patriots 31

Bills Takeaway: Buffalo Coming For Another AFC East Title

The New England Patriots couldn't provide the knockout blow and knock out the beast of the AFC East. Instead, the Bills showed their resiliency by coming back from a 21-point deficit. In doing so, New England lost for the first time since September and learned it's not quite ready to be anointed the AFC's best squad.  

As of now, Buffalo remains one game behind the Patriots within the division. But the two teams split their meetings this season, and the Bills have one more win among conference opponents. 

An argument can be made that the Bills have an easier remaining schedule with the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets among their final three contests. Conversely, the Patriots still face the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins. 

Winner: TE Dawson Knox, Buffalo Bills

Knox became a father last week. Then, the tight end scored a pair of touchdowns Sunday against the New England Patriots. In doing so, he passed Pete Metzelaars with the most touchdown catches by a tight end in Bills franchise history. 

It'll be difficult to find anyone who had a better stretch than Knox just experienced.

Patriots Takeaway: Next Step Is Closing Against Quality Opponent

A 21-0 lead should have been enough for the Patriots to beat the Bills and officially stake their claim as the AFC East's best squad. It didn't happen. 

Instead, New England allowed the Bills to score five straight touchdowns, starting with Buffalo's final first-half possession. 

Keep in mind, New England features a top-10 scoring defense. Josh Allen is different, though, and the same will apply with other top quarterbacks once the postseason begins. 

Loser: Patriots' Wide Receivers

Quarterback Drake Maye is special. Running back TreVeyon Henderson provided 148 rushing yards and two scores. Where were the the wide receivers to help the offense?

Mack Hollins led the team with four catches for 41 yards. No one else had more than three catches for 30 receiving yards. 

New England lacks the talent on the outside to truly threaten opposing defenses. 

Cleveland Browns vs. Chicago Bears

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Bears QB Caleb Williams

Score: Bears 31, Browns 3

Bears Takeaway: Bears Have the Potential to be Dangerous in the Postseason

By virtue of Sunday's blowout win over the hapless Browns, the Bears are 10-4. It's the first time the team has won double-digit games since Chicago's last NFC North title in 2018.

Chicago may not win the division again this season, but barring an epic collapse, the Bears are headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

And this is a team no one wants to see in the first round.

Quarterback Caleb Williams has made massive strides in his second professional season. In D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, the Bears have an excellent two-headed rushing attack. There's no shortage of weapons in the passing game. And Chicago's defense, while not great, is solid.

First-year head coach Ben Johnson is in the conversation for Coach of the Year honors, and the Bears aren't going to be an easy out in the postseason.

Winner: Bears Defense

That Bears defense has been a bit up-and-down this season, but the Browns haven't exactly been an offensive juggernaut this year. However, Chicago's defensive performance at Soldier Field was still impressive.

In Week 15, the Bears surrendered just 192 yards of total offense. The team turned the Browns over three times. You could count Cleveland's first downs on both hands, and the team was woeful on third down.

It's the kind of defensive performance the Bears will need come January.

Browns Takeaway: So Much for Shedeur Sanders

After rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders topped 350 passing yards and threw three touchdown passes in last week's loss to the Tennessee Titans, there was some hope that the Browns might have something in the fifth-round pick.

Like most hope in Cleveland, that was obliterated Sunday in Chicago.

Sanders was poor in Sunday's blowout loss—his 18 completions in 35 attempts for 177 yards were numbers actually amplified by one garbage-time drive. He threw three interceptions and was sacked five times.

The Browns will be shopping for a quarterback in April.

Loser: Edge Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns

In no way, shape or form is Cleveland edge-rusher Myles Garrett a "loser." But it's a shame that his historic 2025 season is being wasted on a terrible team.

Against the Bears, he logged another 1.5 sacks to move to 21.5 on the season. The 29-year-old is just one sack shy of tying the single-season record. He has three games left to ply, and given his last game without a sack came on October 12, odds are good a new sack king is about to be crowned.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals

AP Photo/Jeff Dean

Score: Ravens 24, Bengals 0 

Ravens Takeaway: Baltimore's Playoff Hopes Remain Alive

The Baltimore Ravens were well-positioned to earn a postseason berth coming out of their bye, as well as Lamar Jackson's return to the lineup, thanks to a favorable schedule. Things didn't go exactly as planned, though. 

Baltimore lost its last two games prior to meeting the Cincinnati Bengals. However, a dominant victory Sunday keeps the Ravens in the postseason mix and within striking distance of an AFC North title. 

Winner: QB Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

Jackson desperately needed a bounce-back game and provided one against the rival Bengals. After completing less than 60 percent of his passes in five straight games, he snapped the career-long streak with a 66.7 percent outing. 

Granted, Baltimore didn't need to lean heavily on its quarterback. Jackson attempted only 12 passes, but an efficient performance is far better than the alternative and could start him on a roll. 

The two-time NFL MVP did throw an interception. However, wide receiver Zay Flowers dropped a catchable pass, which deflected to a defender. 

Bengals Takeaway: Massive Changes Are Needed

An apathetic franchise quarterback can be the downfall of an NFL organization. Joe Burrow was clearly frustrated in his comments last week. He's been beaten down, both physically and mentally. 

The Bengals' front office must change its approach by drastically improving Burrow's protection, while fixing a defense that's broken, so the offense doesn't feel like it has to win every single game. 

Loser: QB Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals

Burrow didn't respond well after putting the franchise on notice. He threw a pair of interceptions against the Ravens, including a pick-six that secured the Bengals getting shut out for the first time since he has been the starting quarterback. 

As a result, Cincinnati was eliminated from the postseason. Everything from this point forward is about making Burrow happy and building around him properly. 

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Chris Szagola

Score: Eagles 31, Raiders 0

Eagles Takeaway: Philadelphia Can Build Momentum Off Shutout Win

Philadelphia obliterated a poor Las Vegas squad, and this could be the start of a turnaround after a three-game losing streak. To get out of a funk, some teams just need a strong performance, even against a much weaker opponent.

Following a win over the Raiders, the Eagles could see two-time All-Pro Lane Johnson back from a Lisfranc injury. Initially, he targeted Sunday's game for his return, but he sat out for a fourth consecutive outing. With or without him, the Eagles can go on a run with two games against the Washington Commanders in their last three for the season.

Winner: Philadelphia Eagles Offense

For at least a week, Philadelphia found the cure for its offensive woes, racking up 387 total yards. Jalen Hurts bounced back from his turnover-ridden outing last Monday, throwing for 175 yards and three touchdowns. The Eagles racked up 183 yards on the ground. 

For the first time since Week 8, Philadelphia scored more than 21 points in a much-needed positive sign for the offense.

Raiders Takeaway: The Pete Carroll-Patrick Graham Defensive Partnership Isn't Working

The Raiders have allowed more than 340 total yards in four of their last five games, giving up 31-plus points in three of those contests.

Under defensive head coach Pete Carroll and coordinator Patrick Graham, Las Vegas' defense is regressing in the final weeks of the season, which will likely lead to a coaching staff shakeup in the offseason.

Former Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels hired Graham as his defensive coordinator in 2022.

Graham's fourth season with the team looks like his worst, with Carroll bringing his influence to that side of the ball. Even if Las Vegas retains Carroll as head coach, the DC may need to find work elsewhere.

Loser: CB Darien Porter, Las Vegas Raiders

The Eagles picked on Porter early and often in this contest. He struggled to match up against DeVonta Smith on the perimeter and also committed a penalty that helped set up Philadelphia for a touchdown near the goal line. 

The rookie third-rounder should have better days with his talent and potential, but he was clearly outmatched in Sunday's shutout loss.

Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

AP Photo/Chris O'Meara

Score: Falcons 29, Buccaneers 28

Falcons Takeaway: Atlanta Continues to Fight

Entering Thursday's contest, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank planned to "evaluate the entire football operation at the end of the year."

With the Falcons already eliminated from playoff contention, the team still went out and played with pride, as well as individual jobs.

Obviously, Blank can still decide to move on from general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris. However, a strong finish starting with Thursday's comeback victory has a chance to keep this current setup intact.

Clearly, any squad that plays spoiler against a division rival still shows some promise even during a down campaign.

Winner: TE Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons

The version of Pitts that everyone expected when he became the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft finally showed up in Year 5.

He emerged as a near-unstoppable weapon against the Buccaneers, with a career-high 11 catches, 166 yards and three touchdown receptions. He became the first tight end with 150 or more receiving yards and three scoring grabs since Shannon Sharpe in 1996, according to ESPN.

The moment couldn't have come at a better time since Atlanta didn't have top wide receiver Drake London in the lineup due to injury.

Buccaneers Takeaway: Tampa Bay Continues Downward Spiral

Does everyone remember when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were finding ways to win each week and Baker Mayfield was a leading MVP candidate? Yeah, those days now seem so far in the past that they don't even feel like they happened during the current campaign.

The Bucs lost five of their six contests since the team's Week 9 bye. More importantly, Tampa no longer sits atop the NFC South rankings. The Carolina Panthers have taken control without even playing.

Fortunately, Tampa does meet Carolina twice over the final three weeks. But Todd Bowles' squad must play significantly better in order to make the playoffs for a sixth straight season.


Loser: QB Baker Mayfield, Tampa Buccaneers

No more excuses exist for Mayfield. Tampa Bay's lineup had all of its stars back on the field. The quarterback still didn't play well.

Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan both returned Thursday to give the Bucs a full complement of wide receivers and provided the offense with a boost. Still, Mayfield's ball placement was erratic. He completed under 60 percent of his passes for the fourth time in the last five games.

Furthermore, two of his last three passes resulted in an interception and a ball thrown slightly behind Emeka Egbuka. Those failed drives were followed by 10 straight points from the Falcons, which won them the contest.