Featured Image: Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) reacts after play against the Buffalo Bills in an AFC Wild Card matchup at Highmark Stadium on Jan. 9, 2021. | (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

After the Washington Commanders made the NFC Championship game just last season, they have been eliminated from playoff contention with four weeks left to go. 

That sentence shows how much the NFL can change within a year. Two out of the five teams that picked top five in the 2025 NFL Draft now sit in the playoff picture–the 11-2 New England Patriots and the 9-4 Jacksonville Jaguars–while the defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs currently sit outside of the playoff picture and face elimination this week. 

In Week 15, things have heated up and every matchup has some sort of implication, whether that be for the playoff picture or the draft. The games covered this week include a former Los Angeles Rams quarterback making his return to the city for the first time since being traded–against the Rams at least–and a 44-year-old quarterback who has come out of retirement. The uniform matchup this week features not only a rare throwback versus throwback but also a color versus color matchup. 

Jared Goff makes his return to Hollywood against his former team, the Los Angeles Rams

On Jan. 30, 2021, the Detroit Lions agreed to send quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for quarterback Jared Goff, a 2021 third round pick–which was used in a trade to get tight end Sam LaPorta–and two first round picks in 2022 and 2023–which were used to draft wide receiver Jameson Williams and running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Now Goff makes his return against the Rams for the first time in Los Angeles. 

This season has been nothing short but interesting to say the least for the Detroit Lions. After a rough start against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, the team would proceed to win five out of their next six matchups. The team sat at 5-2 and had the struggling Minnesota Vikings in Week 9, what could go wrong?

Not only did they lose to the Vikings 27-24 but since that game the Lions have not won back to back games. On a brighter note to that, the team has yet to lose back to back games since and on the season as a whole. 

A lot of the struggles can be noted on the offense, more specifically offensive coordinator John Morton. As mentioned, the first half of the season seemed strong for the Lions and Morton and the offense did not look like they had skipped a beat, especially after the team went four straight games from Week 2 to 6 where they scored 30 plus points in each game, including 52 against the Chicago Bears in Week 2. The team’s offense felt off and inconsistent outside of that stretch though.

As of Week 10 against the Washington Commanders, head coach Dan Campbell took over play calling duties which ,while at times have felt the same, the consistency that the team has wanted is there. 

As mentioned though, not everything has been sunshine and rainbows for the Lions, one would say quite the opposite maybe. The injuries have piled up in the secondary and things do not look to get better anytime soon.

Standout safety Kerby Joseph has battled a knee injury since Week 6 against the Chiefs. In the cornerback room, second-year cornerback Terrion Arnold suffered a shoulder injury versus the Packers in Week 13 and is out for the season. On the other side of the safety group, Brian Branch recently tore his achilles versus the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14; he is also out for the season. 

On the offensive side of things, both of the starting tight ends LaPorta (back) and Brock Wright (neck) have been placed on injured reserve and their seasons are expected to be over. 

The Rams have had a not-so rough season compared to the Lions. 

Stafford and the offense have played at an elite level so far this season. This includes Stafford in the conversation–arguably the frontrunner–for most valuable player; wide receiver Davante Adams leading the league in receiving touchdowns by five and wide receiver Puka Nacua on pace for not only a career-year but also throwing his hat in for the best wide receiver in football.

Just when things could not get any better, the running game has been also elite for the Rams this season. Everyone knows the house-hold name of Kyren Williams. Williams has put up his normal and consistent rushing numbers of about five yards per carry, on pace for about 1,200 rushing yards and the usual between ten and 14 rushing touchdowns. Now add second year running back Blake Corum to the fold. Corum has been an elite running back too for the Rams this season and most recently rushed for 128 yards and two touchdowns on just 12 carries against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 14. 

Now let us move to a quiet, yet deadly part of team, the secondary. 

To kick things off somehow, the Rams have revived former Washington Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr.’s career. Forbes was taken by the Commanders No. 15 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft but could never get things to work from injuries, weight concerns to poor play, but he has found a nice home this year with the Rams and has recorded three interceptions on the season and just one game where he has allowed over 50 yards receiving when targeted. 

His partner-in-crime, Cobie Durant is a home-grown talent and also has three interceptions on the season–including a pick-six. In the safety room, both Kam Curls and Kamren Kinchens have put together nice seasons with two interceptions each as well as some dirty work done with Curls at two sacks and Kinchens at two forced fumbles. 

In a game where the Lions offense has been inconsistent and will face a defense of this level, Goff is not to be trusted. 

Final Score: Lions 20, Rams 31

Down goes Daniel Jones, in steps 44 year-old Philip Rivers

What a magical season it has been for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones, but sadly all great things do come to an end. 

In Week 12 or 13–the exact date is unknown–Jones suffered a fractured fibula in his left leg. Jones knew how much he meant to the team and their success and continued to push through the injury. In Week 14, things took a turn for the worse as Jones went down with a non-contact achilles injury. The Colts feared for the worst and unfortunately, it was true. Jones suffered a torn achilles against the Jacksonville Jaguars and has since been ruled out for the remainder of the season. 

The Colts have already begun to slide with three straight losses after their bye week–Week 12 against the Chiefs 23-20 in overtime, Week 13 against the Houston Texans 20-16 and Week 14 against the Jaguars 36-19. With major question marks at quarterback, where will the Colts turn?

Option one includes rookie quarterback Riley Leonard, the risk of course comes that a rookie this late in the season is doubtful to help you make the playoffs and add on top Leonard has battled a knee injury he suffered against the Jaguars.

Option two would be to roll with practice squad quarterback Brent Rypien, who while yes does have veteran experience has never shown he can play at the needed level for a potential playoff run. 

The Colts have basically said no to both of those options as they signed 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers to their practice squad. Rivers has not played football since 2020 and has since coached high school football at St. Michael Catholic in Fairhope, AL. Are Rivers’ best days behind him? Probably, but at the very least you now have a seasoned and future hall of famer quarterback to help mentor Leonard if you chose to go that route. All of that said, at 44, it is doubtful Rivers came out of retirement to simply sit on the bench.

On the more successful side of things sit the Seattle Seahawks. In their Week 14 matchup you may have not guessed it but it was tied up six to six at halftime against the Atlanta Falcons. That all changed when trade-deadline acquisition wide receiver Rashid Shaheed took the opening kickoff of the second half to the house. From there, the Seahawks made it look easy.

Quarterback Sam Darnold picked up where needed and found wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for not one but two touchdowns–one from 28 yards out and the other four yards out. On the veteran side of things, for the first time since Week 6 against the Jaguars, wide receiver Cooper Kupp found the endzone. 

The defense could not have had a better day either as they stopped the Falcons rushing and passing attack. Falcons running back Bijan Robinson was held to under 100 total yards in the game. Through the air, Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins was held to 50% completion, under 200 passing yards and intercepted twice. Just when you think the turnovers stopped, the team also forced and recovered a fumble.

Even though it will be fun to see Rivers back, the Seahawks defense is just too good.

Final Score: Colts 17, Seahawks 35

UMOTW: NFC South showdown of beautiful throwbacks on ‘Thursday Night Football’

This matchup feels like a dream come true for all sports uniform geeks and enthusiast. Not only will both teams wear elite throwback uniforms but it is a color against color matchup, what more could one ask for?

For the away team, the Falcons will wear their 1998 Era or Dirty Birds throwbacks. The uniform features a base color of black with accents of red, yellow and white. The helmets feature a base color of red with accents of black, white and yellow; they also feature the team’s throwback logo that they wore from 1966 to 1989.

On the home side, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will wear their Creamsicle throwbacks. The uniform features a base color of cream orange with accents of red and white. The helmets feature a base color of white with accents of red and orange; they also feature the team’s throwback logo that they wore from 1976 to 1996.

Remaining Games:

Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals: In a must-win bounce back game, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson shows out when needed most. Final Score: Ravens 24, Bengals 21

Las Vegas Raiders at Philadelphia Eagles: A much-needed ‘rest’ game for the Eagles as they easily beat the Raiders. Final Score: Raiders 14, Eagles 34

Arizona Cardinals at Houston Texans: In a game many expect the Texans defense to feast, so does the offense. Final Score: Cardinals 10, Texans 38

Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs: The struggles continue as the Chiefs lose their third straight and get swept by the Chargers. Final Score: Chargers 27, Chiefs 20

Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots: Though the Patriots will ultimately get the nod for the AFC East division, the Bills come out on top here. Final Score: Bills 30, Patriots 23

New York Jets at Jacksonville Jaguars: Horrible team versus great team, the expected happens. Final Score: Jets 7, Jaguars 31

Washington Commanders at New York Giants: In a battle for draft position, it is the Giants that come out on top for an NFC East win. Final Score: Commanders 17, Giants 20

Cleveland Browns at Chicago Bears: In what might be the coldest game of the week, the Bears rushing attack goes wild as the team dominates the Browns. Final Score: Browns 13, Bears 30

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints: For the first time since 2019, the Saints complete a sweep over the Panthers. Final Score: Panthers 20, Saints 30

Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos: The Broncos defense continues to cause problems in a low-scoring game. Final Score: Packers 13, Broncos 17

Tennessee Titans at San Francisco 49ers: While the 49ers do win, Titans quarterback Cam Ward continues to show promise. Final Score: Titans 24, 49ers 27

‘Sunday Night Football’ | Minnesota Vikings at Dallas Cowboys: After scoring 31 points the previous week, the Vikings come back down to Earth on the road. Final Score: Vikings 17, Cowboys 27

‘Monday Night Football’ | Miami Dolphins at Pittsburgh Steelers: The Dolphins continue to ride their hot streak and extend their win streak to five. Final Score: Dolphins 23, Steelers 20

Standings after Week 14: Conference | Overall | Divisional | Playoff Position

Key for Playoff Position:

• E = eliminated 
• X = playoff spot clinched
• Y = division clinched
• Z = first round bye clinched

AFC West

1 Broncos 11-2 | 3-1 

5 Chargers 9-4 | 4-0

10 Chiefs 6-7 | 1-2

15 Raiders 2-11 | 0-5 | E

AFC East

2 Patriots 11-2 | 3-0 

6 Bills 9-4 | 2-2

11 Dolphins 6-7 | 3-2

13 Jets 3-10 | 0-4 | E

AFC South

3 Jaguars 9-4 | 3-1

7 Texans 8-5 | 4-1

8 Colts 8-5 | 2-2

16 Titans 2-11 | 0-5 | E

AFC North

4 Steelers 7-6 | 3-1 

9 Ravens 6-7 | 2-2

12 Bengals 4-9 | 3-1

14 Browns 3-10 | 0-4 | E

NFC West

1 Rams 10-3 | 3-1

5 Seahawks 10-3 | 2-2

6 49ers 9-4 | 4-1

13 Cardinals 3-10 | 0-5 | E

NFC North

2 Packers 9-3-1 | 4-0

7 Bears 9-4 | 1-3

8 Lions 8-5 | 1-3

11 Vikings 5-8 | 2-2

NFC East

3 Eagles 8-5 | 2-2

10 Cowboys 6-6-1 | 3-1

15 Commanders 3-10 | 1-1 | E

16 Giants 2-11 | 1-3 | E

NFC South

4 Buccaneers 7-6 | 2-1

9 Panthers 7-6 | 2-1

12 Falcons 4-9 | 1-3 | E

14 Saints 3-10 | 2-2 | E

Teams that can clinch a playoff spot in Week 15

Broncos can clinch a wild card spot in the AFC with:

• Broncos win
• Broncos tie + Jaguars loss
• Broncos tie + Chargers loss 
• Broncos tie + Colts tie/loss
• Broncos tie + Texans tie/loss
• Colts tie/loss + Texans tie/loss *as long as one of the matchups does not end in a tie*

Patriots can clinch a AFC East title with:

• Patriots win

Patriots can clinch a wild card spot in the AFC with:

• Patriots tie + Jaguars loss
• Patriots tie + Chargers loss
• Patriots tie + Colts loss/tie
• Patriots tie + Texans loss/tie
• Colts tie/loss + Texans tie/loss *as long as one of the matchups does not end in a tie*

Rams can clinch a wild card spot in the NFC with:

• Rams win

Teams that face playoff elimination in Week 15

Vikings can be eliminated with:

• Vikings loss/tie
• Bears win/tie
• Lions win/tie

Bengals can be eliminated with:

• Bengals loss
• Bengals tie + Steelers win

Dolphins can be eliminated with:

• Dolphins loss + Bills win/tie + Texans win/tie
• Dolphins loss + Bills win/tie + Colts win/tie
• Dolphins loss + Texans win + Colts win
• Dolphins tie + Bills win + Jaguars win/tie + Chargers win/tie + Texans win + Colts win/tie
• Dolphins tie + Bills win + Jaguars win/tie + Chargers win/tie + Texans tie + Colts win

Chiefs can be eliminated with:

• Chiefs loss + Bills win/tie + Jaguars win/tie + Texans win
• Chiefs loss + Bills win/tie + Jaguars win/tie + Texans tie + Colts tie
• Chiefs loss + Bills win/tie + Jaguars win/tie + Colts win
• Chiefs loss + Bills win/tie + Texans win + Colts win/tie
• Chiefs loss + Bills win/tie + Texans win + 2.5 or more combined wins from Eagles, Packers, Panthers, 49ers, Rams and Bengals
• Chiefs loss + Bills win/tie + Texans win + Dolphins loss/tie + 1.5 or more combined wins from Eagles, Packers, Panthers, 49ers and Rams
• Chiefs loss + Bills win/tie + Texans win + Dolphins tie + Ravens loss + one or more combined wins from Eagles, Packers, Panthers, 49ers and Rams 

Power Rankings after Week 14

1. Patriots | N/C  9. Bills | N/C  17. Dolphins | +1  25. Falcons | N/C
2. Broncos | N/C  10. Jaguars | +2  18. Colts | -8  26. Giants | N/C
3. Rams | N/C  11. Chargers | +3  19. Chiefs | -2  27. Saints | +3
4. Seahawks | N/C  12. Lions | +4  20. Ravens | -1  28. Cardinals | -4
5. Packers | +2  13. Steelers | +8  21. Vikings | +8  29. Commanders | -2
6. 49ers | N/C  14. Eagles | -3  22. Buccaneers | -2  30. Titans | +2
7. Texans | +1  15. Panthers | N/C  23. Bengals | -1  31. Browns | -3
8. Bears | -3  16. Cowboys | -3  24. Jets | -1  32. Raiders | -1

N/C: No Change

Biggest risers: Steelers 21 → 13 | Vikings 29 → 21 | Lions 16 → 12

Biggest fallers: Colts 10 → 18 | Cardinals 24 → 28 | Bears 5 → 8 | Eagles 11 → 14 | Cowboys 13 → 16 | Browns 28 → 31