Well, that was a Sunday. December 15, 2025, brought some wild NFL action, and let me tell you, things are really shaking up as we get closer to the playoffs. We saw some teams lock up spots, others get eliminated, and a few really surprising comebacks. Plus, some tough injury news that could change everything. If you missed any of the games, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with the NFL news from results of games on 12/15/2025.
Key Takeaways
- The Bills pulled off an incredible comeback against the Patriots, erasing a big deficit to win and keeping their AFC East hopes alive. Josh Allen really showed up in the second half.
- The Chiefs are officially out of the playoff picture, and to make matters worse, Patrick Mahomes suffered what looks like a season-ending knee injury. Big questions for Kansas City now.
- The Rams and Broncos are the first teams to punch their ticket to the postseason. They both secured wins and clinched their playoff spots, with the Rams looking like the top team in the NFC.
- There were some dominant wins, too. The Texans and Jaguars put up a ton of points, and the Eagles pitched a shutout against the Raiders. The Bears also hit double-digit wins for the first time in a while.
- Injuries are a major storyline. Besides Mahomes, Micah Parsons and Davante Adams both left their games with injuries. This could really impact some top teams down the stretch.
AFC Playoff Picture Reshaped By Week 15 Results
Wow, Week 15 really shook things up in the AFC. It felt like a lot of teams were on the edge, and the results this weekend definitely changed who’s looking good for the postseason.
Bills Mount Epic Comeback Against Patriots
This was a wild one. The New England Patriots looked like they had it in the bag, jumping out to a huge 21-0 lead against the Buffalo Bills. Seriously, it felt like the game was over early. But then, Josh Allen and the Bills offense just decided to wake up. They chipped away, scoring touchdowns on five straight drives to snatch the lead back. It was a stunning turnaround, and the final score of 35-31 shows just how much momentum can shift in a game. This win keeps Buffalo’s AFC East hopes alive and really puts a damper on New England’s earlier dominance. It’s a tough loss for the Patriots, who were looking to secure their spot.
Ravens Secure Crucial Victory
The Baltimore Ravens also had a big day, shutting out the Cincinnati Bengals 24-0. This was a statement win for Baltimore. They completely stifled Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ offense, showing off their defensive strength. Securing a shutout like that against a division rival is no small feat and really solidifies their position as a team to watch in the AFC. It’s a tough blow for Cincinnati, who needed this one to keep pace in a crowded playoff race.
Chiefs Eliminated After Mahomes Injury
This is the tough news. The Kansas City Chiefs are officially out of the playoff picture for the first time in a long time. To make matters worse, Patrick Mahomes went down with a knee injury late in their game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The severity is still being assessed, but it looked bad. Losing their star quarterback, especially at this point in the season, is a massive blow. The Chargers managed to pull off a close 16-13 win, adding to the Chiefs’ woes. It’s a somber end to the season for Kansas City, and questions will surely be asked about their performance leading up to this point. The AFC playoff picture is definitely different without them, and the loss of Mahomes is a huge story heading into the final weeks. You can check out the current AFC standings to see how things look now.
NFC Teams Clinch Playoff Berths
Rams Secure Top Seed
The Los Angeles Rams have officially punched their ticket to the postseason, securing the top seed in the NFC with their hard-fought victory over the Detroit Lions. While the win was crucial, it wasn’t without its drama. The Rams saw key players, including wide receiver Davante Adams, leave the game with injuries. Adams’ hamstring issue, in particular, raises questions about the team’s readiness for the playoffs, especially with a quick turnaround against the Seahawks. Despite these concerns, the Rams’ offense has shown resilience, with their running game stepping up in recent weeks.
Broncos Earn Postseason Spot
Denver also clinched a playoff spot this week, marking a significant achievement for the team. Their win against the Green Bay Packers was enough to guarantee them a place in the postseason. This marks a return to the playoffs for the Broncos, who will look to build on this momentum as the regular season winds down.
Dominant Performances Highlight Week 15
This past weekend in the NFL was something else, with several teams really showing up and putting on a clinic. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about how they won, with some teams absolutely dominating their opponents. Let’s break down a few of those standout performances.
Texans and Jaguars Score Big
The Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars both put up massive offensive numbers on Sunday. The Texans, in particular, seemed to have an answer for everything the Arizona Cardinals threw at them, ultimately winning with a score of 40-20. Meanwhile, the Jaguars offense was firing on all cylinders, putting up a staggering 48 points against the New York Jets, who could only manage 20. It was a clear statement from both AFC South teams that they mean business this season.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Texans | Cardinals | 40-20 |
| Jaguars | Jets | 48-20 |
Bears Achieve Double-Digit Wins
The Chicago Bears delivered one of the most one-sided results of the week, absolutely crushing the Cleveland Browns with a final score of 31-3. This wasn’t just a win; it was a complete performance on both sides of the ball. The defense was stifling, holding the Browns to a mere three points, while the offense moved the ball effectively and put points on the board. It was a much-needed victory that pushed them back into a strong position.
Here’s a look at how the Bears’ win stacked up:
- Offensive Firepower: The Bears’ offense managed to score 31 points, showing good execution.
- Defensive Dominance: Holding Cleveland to just 3 points is a significant achievement, highlighting the defense’s effectiveness.
- Control of the Game: Chicago controlled the tempo from start to finish, never letting the Browns get into a rhythm.
Eagles Shut Out Raiders
In another impressive display, the Philadelphia Eagles completely shut down the Las Vegas Raiders, winning the game 31-0. This was a shutout, folks. Not a single point allowed by the Eagles defense, which is a tough feat in the NFL. The offense did its part, scoring 31 points, but the defense was the real story here, making it a long day for the Raiders.
Shutting out an opponent in the modern NFL is incredibly difficult. It speaks volumes about the defensive scheme, the players’ execution, and the overall intensity brought to the field. The Eagles showed up and played a complete game, leaving no doubt about who was the better team on Sunday.
Key Injuries Impact Contenders
This past weekend was a tough one for several teams, with some significant injuries shaking up the playoff picture. It’s always hard to watch players go down, especially when the stakes are this high.
Mahomes Suffers Season-Ending Knee Injury
The biggest news, and frankly the most devastating, came out of Kansas City. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered what has been confirmed as a season-ending torn ACL in the Chiefs’ loss to the Chargers. This injury not only eliminates the Chiefs from playoff contention but also casts a shadow over their future, raising questions about when their star player will be healthy enough to return. It’s a brutal blow for a team that has defined an era.
Parsons and Adams Leave Games With Injuries
Beyond Mahomes, other key players also exited their games prematurely. Micah Parsons, a defensive force for the Packers, is also believed to have torn his ACL. This is a massive loss for Green Bay’s defense, which relied heavily on his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Meanwhile, Davante Adams of the Rams aggravated a hamstring issue, forcing him out of their game. For an offense that’s been firing on all cylinders, losing a top receiver like Adams at this stage is a serious concern.
Here’s a quick look at the players and their potential impact:
- Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs QB): Season-ending torn ACL. This is the most impactful injury, ending the Chiefs’ playoff hopes and creating uncertainty for next season.
- Micah Parsons (Packers LB): Believed to have a torn ACL. A huge blow to the Packers’ defense, impacting their pass rush and overall defensive scheme.
- Davante Adams (Rams WR): Aggravated hamstring injury. While not season-ending, it’s a worry for the Rams’ potent offense heading into the postseason.
The timing of these injuries couldn’t be worse. With playoff races tightening and teams fighting for seeding, losing key players at this point can completely alter a team’s trajectory. It forces coaches to make difficult adjustments and rely on depth players who may not have the same impact.
Close Contests and Upset Victories
Chargers Edge Chiefs in Tight Battle
This was a game that had everything, and then some. The Los Angeles Chargers managed to pull out a nail-biter against the Kansas City Chiefs, winning by a slim margin. It was a back-and-forth affair that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last whistle. The Chargers’ defense made a critical interception in the final minutes to seal the victory. This win is huge for their playoff hopes, while the loss, coupled with a significant injury to Patrick Mahomes, spells trouble for Kansas City.
Seahawks Spoil Rivers’ Return
Philip Rivers made his return to the field, and while he showed flashes of his old self, the Seattle Seahawks ultimately spoiled his comeback. It was a tough outing for the veteran quarterback, who hadn’t played in years. The Seahawks managed to secure a win thanks to a late field goal, leaving Rivers and his team with a bitter taste in their mouths. It’s a testament to Rivers’ grit that he could even compete at this level after such a long layoff, but Seattle proved too much on this day.
Saints Upset Panthers in NFC South Showdown
In what was a massive game for the NFC South, the New Orleans Saints pulled off a significant upset against the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers had a lot riding on this game, with playoff implications looming large. However, the Saints played with a fire that couldn’t be matched, securing a win that shakes up the division standings. This loss is a tough one for Carolina, who missed a golden opportunity to solidify their position.
Notable Individual Performances
Josh Allen Leads Bills’ Comeback
Talk about a turnaround! The Buffalo Bills, down 21-0 against the Patriots, looked like they were heading for a tough loss. But Josh Allen wasn’t having it. He really rallied his team, making some big plays when it mattered most. It was a performance that reminded everyone why the Bills are still a force in the AFC East. He finished the game with some impressive numbers, showing off that dual-threat ability that makes him so dangerous. This kind of comeback win, led by your quarterback, really builds momentum.
Brock Purdy Shines for 49ers
Brock Purdy had another solid outing for the 49ers. He was slinging the ball around, connecting with his receivers and keeping the chains moving. While the game might not have been the most dramatic, Purdy’s consistent play is a huge reason why the 49ers are looking like serious contenders. He’s really showing that he can manage a game and make the necessary throws, even under pressure. It’s not always about flashy stats, but about efficient play, and Purdy is doing just that.
Philip Rivers’ Return to the Field
It was certainly interesting to see Philip Rivers back under center for the Seahawks. At 44 years old, he stepped in and showed he still has some arm talent. While the game didn’t end in a win for his team, Rivers managed to move the offense and even connected on some nice passes. It’s always a bit of a spectacle when a veteran like him gets another shot, and he gave the fans something to talk about.
The league saw a mix of veteran grit and rising stars this week. While some established quarterbacks showed they still have what it takes, others are solidifying their status as future leaders of their franchises. It’s this blend of experience and new talent that makes the NFL so captivating week after week.
Here’s a quick look at some other standout players:
- Derrick Henry (Titans): Rushed for over 100 yards and a touchdown, carrying the Titans’ offense.
- Justin Jefferson (Vikings): Had a monster game with multiple touchdown catches, proving he’s still one of the league’s top receivers.
- Myles Garrett (Browns): Recorded 1.5 sacks, continuing his impressive pass-rushing season and inching closer to a record.
Wrapping It Up
Well, that was Week 15, and boy, did it pack a punch. We saw some teams really step up and grab playoff spots, while others got a harsh reminder that the season isn’t over yet. Injuries popped up, some big ones too, which always makes things interesting as we head into the final stretch. It’s getting pretty wild out there, and honestly, it feels like anything could happen from here on out. We’ll just have to keep watching to see how it all shakes out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which teams clinched playoff spots in Week 15?
The Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Rams were the first teams to secure their spots in the playoffs. They both earned victories that guaranteed them a place in the postseason.
What happened to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15?
The Chiefs lost a close game to the Chargers, which officially knocked them out of playoff contention. To make matters worse, their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, suffered a knee injury that will end his season.
Did any teams have dominant wins in Week 15?
Yes, several teams had impressive wins. The Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars both scored over 40 points. The Chicago Bears also had a big win, reaching 10 wins for the season, and the Philadelphia Eagles achieved a shutout victory.
Were there any major injuries to key players?
Unfortunately, yes. Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs suffered a season-ending knee injury. Additionally, Micah Parsons of the Packers and Davante Adams of the Rams both left their games with injuries that could impact their teams.
How did the Buffalo Bills perform against the Patriots?
The Bills staged an incredible comeback against the Patriots. They were down by 21 points but managed to score touchdowns on five straight drives to win the game, keeping their own playoff hopes alive.
Which games were particularly close or surprising?
The Chargers edged out the Chiefs in a tight contest. The Seahawks managed to spoil Philip Rivers’ return to the field with a last-second field goal. The New Orleans Saints also pulled off an upset win against the Carolina Panthers in a key NFC South matchup.