Catch up on NFL Week 15: Lingering Questions and Big Performances
The Los Angeles Rams kicked off Week 15 of the NFL season with a Thursday night win over the San Francisco 49ers. But that was just the beginning of a week filled with drama, standout performances, and some serious playoff implications. Let’s dive into the action and break down the biggest moments from Sunday’s games.
Ravens Soar Behind Lamar Jackson’s Five-Touchdown Day
On Sunday, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson delivered a jaw-dropping performance, throwing five touchdown passes in a dominant 35-14 win over the New York Giants. Jackson tied a career high with those five TDs, completing more touchdown passes than incompletions (four). This marked his sixth career game with five touchdown passes, tying him for fourth-most in NFL history. The Ravens’ defense also stepped up, holding the Giants to just 236 total yards, tying their season low.
Wide receiver Rashod Bateman had a breakout game, catching two touchdown passes, including a 49-yarder. With this win, the Ravens remain in the hunt for the AFC North title, but they’ll need to overcome their biggest rival, the Steelers, next week to keep their hopes alive.
Davante Adams Shines in Jets’ Victory
Wide receiver Davante Adams had his best game yet for the New York Jets, hauling in nine receptions for 198 yards and two touchdowns in a 32-25 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Adams and quarterback Aaron Rodgers looked like they were back in their Green Bay glory days, connecting on a 71-yard touchdown pass that electrified the crowd. Rodgers finished with 289 passing yards and three touchdowns, while also leading the team in rushing with 45 yards—an impressive feat for the 41-year-old quarterback.
Despite the win, the Jets’ playoff hopes are slim, as their season was effectively over weeks ago. However, this performance showed a glimpse of what could have been if the Rodgers-Adams connection had clicked earlier in the season.
Texans Grind Out a Win Over Dolphins
The Houston Texans kept their playoff hopes alive with a gritty 20-12 victory over the Miami Dolphins. The Texans’ defense was the star of the show, forcing multiple turnovers, including a key interception by rookie safety Calen Bullock that limited Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a passer rating of just 19 when targeting him. Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. sealed the win with his second interception of the game.
However, the Texans’ run game remains a concern. Running back Joe Mixon managed just 23 yards on the ground, and the team’s offensive line struggled to create running lanes. With a playoff spot within reach, the Texans will need to find consistency in their rushing attack to make a deep postseason run.
Chiefs’ Defense Dominates, But Mahomes Injured
The Kansas City Chiefs cruised to a 21-7 win over the Cleveland Browns, thanks to a suffocating defensive performance that forced five turnovers. However, the victory came at a cost, as quarterback Patrick Mahomes left the game in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury. Mahomes was visibly limping as he left the field, raising concerns about his availability for next week’s game against the Texans.
The Chiefs’ pass rush was relentless, sacking Browns quarterback Jameis Winston five times and pressuring him throughout the game. Despite the win, the Chiefs will need Mahomes healthy to maintain their Super Bowl aspirations.
Sloppy Play Costs Commanders and Saints
The Washington Commanders edged out the New Orleans Saints 20-19 in a game marred by penalties and missed opportunities. Washington committed nine penalties, extending drives for New Orleans and nullifying big plays. Quarterback Jayden Daniels showed flashes of brilliance but was sacked seven times, often due to holding the ball too long.
For the Saints, the quarterback carousel continued as Spencer Rattler replaced Jake Haener in the second half and nearly led a comeback. Rattler’s performance likely earned him another start next week, but the Saints’ playoff hopes are all but dashed.
Quick Hits from Around the League
- Bengals 37, Titans 27: Joe Burrow broke his own franchise record with his 36th touchdown pass of the season, solidifying his MVP candidacy.
- Rams 12, 49ers 6: The Rams’ defense shined in a low-scoring affair, keeping their playoff hopes alive with a third straight win.
- Cowboys 30, Panthers 14: Cooper Rush threw three touchdown passes as Dallas kept their faint playoff hopes alive.
Week 15 delivered plenty of excitement, and with just three weeks left in the regular season, the playoff picture is starting to take shape. Stay tuned for more drama as the NFL season heads into its final stretch!
Originally Written by: DJ Bien-Aime
