There\u2019s also the improbable return of 44-year-old Philip Rivers<\/a> who came out of retirement to help the QB-depleted Indianapolis Colts<\/a>.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Three teams have a chance to stamp their tickets<\/a> into the postseason this week. Nine teams have already been eliminated from postseason contention, including a New York Jets team that extended their playoff drought to 15 years, the longest active postseason drought in North America’s major men’s professional sports leagues.<\/p>\n Here are my observations for Week 15:<\/p>\n Colts signing Philip Rivers is an act of desperation<\/p>\n There are people around the league who believe Rivers could play as soon as this weekend against the Seattle Seahawks<\/a>. I\u2019m more pessimistic. It\u2019s hard to imagine a 44-year-old Rivers, who\u2019s five years removed from football, having much success in Indy. Granted, Rivers does know Shane Steichen\u2019s offensive system from their days together with the Chargers. If Rivers does help keep Indy\u2019s season afloat and lead them in the playoffs, it should boost his Hall of Fame candidacy.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n The Colts\u2019 final four games are against teams vying for the playoff \u2013 Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans<\/a>. I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if the Colts lose their next four games and finish the year on a seven-game losing streak.<\/p>\n Seattle\u2019s defense has the NFL\u2019s second-highest pressure rate and ranks second in the league in QB hits. Houston leads the NFL in total defense and points allowed.<\/p>\n Good luck, Rivers.<\/p>\n Three teams can finally clinch playoffs in Week 15<\/p>\n The Denver Broncos<\/a>, New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams can become the first teams to clinch a playoff spot this week. The 2025 season marks the third time since realignment in 2002 that no playoff berths have been clinched entering Week 15, per NFL Research.<\/p>\n 1 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season<\/p>\n Week 6: Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the “Monday Night Football” game against the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium. The Commanders wore their all-black alternate uniforms for the game.<\/p>\n 1 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season<\/p>\n Week 6: Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the “Monday Night Football” game against the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium. The Commanders wore their all-black alternate uniforms for the game.<\/p>\n 2 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season<\/p>\n Week 6: Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) carries the ball for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons played the game while sporting throwback uniforms that harken back to the team’s inaugural season of 1966.<\/p>\n 3 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season<\/p>\n Week 6: Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen operates at the line of scrimmage before a play against the Atlanta Falcons during a “Monday Night Football” game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Bills wore throwback uniforms reminiscent of the team’s look from 1962-1973 during the game.<\/p>\n 4 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season<\/p>\n Week 6: Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young looks for a receiver against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers wore this uniform combination for the first time in the 30-27 win.<\/p>\n 5 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season 6 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season<\/p>\n Week 5: Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray makes a throw during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals wore their all-black uniforms, but were defeated 22-21.<\/p>\n 7 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season<\/p>\n Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield awaits the snap against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Both teams wore throwback uniforms in the Buccaneers’ 38-35 win. The Buccaneers and Seahawks entered the NFL together as expansion teams in 1976.<\/p>\n 8 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season<\/p>\n Week 5: Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) is congratulated by teammate AJ Barner (88) after catching a touchdown pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Lumen Field. The Seahawks wore throwback uniforms harkening back to the team’s original look from 1976-2001.<\/p>\n 9 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season<\/p>\n Week 5: Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (8) runs against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers wore monochrome powder blue uniform pants and jerseys for the first time.<\/p>\n 10 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season<\/p>\n Week 5: New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) is tackled by the Dallas Cowboys’ Trevon Diggs (7) and Juanyeh Thomas (2) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Cowboys wore their “Arctic White” uniforms for the 37-22 win.<\/p>\n 11 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season<\/p>\n Week 5: New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields stands in the pocket against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets wore their all-black uniforms in the 37-22 loss.<\/p>\n 12 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season<\/p>\n Week 4: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) hands the ball off to running back J.K. Dobbins during the “Monday Night Football”<\/a> game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their “Midnight Navy” uniforms for the 28-3 win<\/a>.<\/p>\n 13 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season 14 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season 15 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season<\/p>\n Week 3: Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (88) makes a catch during his team’s “Monday Night Football” game against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens wore their all-black uniforms for the game dubbed, “Darkness Falls.” Despite the fancy marketing moniker, the Ravens were defeated, 38-30.<\/p>\n 16 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season<\/p>\n Week 3: New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. The Saints wore their all-white uniform and helmet combo for the first time in the 44-13 loss.<\/p>\n 17 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season<\/p>\n Week 3: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers wore throwback jerseys – an homage to the team’s 1950s look, as well as its 1994 Super Bowl-winning season – in the 16-15 win against the Cardinals.<\/p>\n 18 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season<\/p>\n Week 3: New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium. New England brought out its iconic “Pat Patriot” throwback in the 21-14 defeat.<\/p>\n 19 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season<\/p>\n Week 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) runs with the ball as New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner attempts to make the tackle during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers wore their famous “Creamsicle” throwback uniforms in the 29-27 win.<\/p>\n 20 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season<\/p>\n Week 3: Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns debuted their “Alpha Dawg” alternate uniform for the 13-10 win.<\/p>\n 21 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season<\/p>\n Week 3: Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) celebrates after making an interception in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at EverBank Stadium. The Jaguars wore their “Prowler Throwbacks” – an homage to the team’s late-1990s heyday – for the 17-10 win.<\/p>\n 22 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season<\/p>\n Week 3: Carolina Panthers tight end JaTavion Saunders runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers wore their special black helmets in the 30-0 win.<\/p>\n 23 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season<\/p>\n Week 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sporting “The Vikings Classic” throwback uniform inspired by the team’s look during the 1960s and ’70s, Minnesota was defeated, 22-6.<\/p>\n 24 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season<\/p>\n Week 2: The Green Bay Packers’ Micah Parsons (1) reacts during a “Thursday Night Football” game against the Washington Commanders at Lambeau Field. The Packers wore their “Winter Warning” uniforms for the 27-18 win.<\/p>\n 25 \/ 25<\/p>\n Can’t-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season<\/p>\n Week 1: New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara scores a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at Caesars Superdome. The Saints wore their reimagined “Gameday Gold” uniforms for their season opener, marking the first time the team wore gold jerseys since the 2002 season. The Cardinals defeated the Saints, 20-13.<\/p>\n Patriots part of growing worst-to-first trend<\/p>\n Speaking of the Patriots. New England has a chance to win the AFC East division with a win over the Buffalo Bills<\/a> on Sunday. It would be the Patriots’ first AFC East title since 2019.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n It\u2019s been a remarkable turnaround for coach of the year candidate Mike Vrabel, MVP candidate Drake Maye and the Patriots. New England finished last in the division last year. At least one team finished in first place in its division the season after finishing in last or tied for last place in 19 of the past 22 seasons, via NFL Research.<\/p>\n Kyler Murray\u2019s uncertain future in Arizona<\/p>\n Cardinals<\/a> coach Jonathan Gannon announced last week quarterback Kyler Murray won\u2019t play again this season because of his foot injury. Murray faces uncertain future with the franchise. The current Cardinals regime inherited Murray, so they aren\u2019t tied to him.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n However, Murray\u2019s contract will complicate matters if Arizona decides to move on. Murray is owed $36.8 million fully guaranteed in 2026, per Over The Cap<\/a>. He\u2019ll also earn $19.5 million in guaranteed money in 2027. I can see Murray and the Cardinals choosing an amicable divorce this offseason despite money complications.<\/p>\n Surging Texans<\/p>\n The red-hot Texans are looking like the scariest team in the AFC. Houston\u2019s won five straight games, has the NFL\u2019s top total defense, and ranks No. 1 in points allowed.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n The Texans are one game behind the Jacksonville Jaguars for first place in the AFC South. Don\u2019t be surprised if Houston overtakes Jacksonville for first in the division \u2013 their playstyle travels. The Los Angeles Chargers and Indianapolis Colts are the only clubs on Houston\u2019s schedule with a winning record. The Texans can become the fifth team since 1990 to begin 0-3 and make the playoffs.<\/p>\n Optimism despite Eagles<\/a>\u2019 three-game losing streak<\/p>\n The Eagles are in danger of having another late-season collapse<\/a> similar to their 2023 meltdown.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n There are three reasons to still believe in the Eagles despite their tough stretch. I don\u2019t expect Jalen Hurts to replicate a career-worst five turnovers (four interceptions, one lost fumble) the rest of the way. Hurts had just two interceptions before his nightmare Week 14 performance. <\/p>\n The Eagles are at their best when they are a run-oriented team. Saquon Barkley had his second 100-yard rushing performance of the season last week.<\/p>\n Lastly, three of Philly\u2019s final four regular-season games are against teams with losing records, including a potential get-right game versus the lowly Las Vegas Raiders<\/a> at home this week.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Bucs, Panthers<\/a> fight for NFC South title<\/p>\n Bryce Young hasn\u2019t received enough credit for Carolina\u2019s surprising turnaround. Young\u2019s on pace to have career highs in every major quarterback statistical category. He\u2019s already tossed a single-season best 18 touchdown passes.<\/p>\n The 7-6 Panthers have a chance to take the NFC South lead with a win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Carolina and the 7-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers meet twice in the final three weeks.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Carolina hasn\u2019t won an NFC South crown since 2015 and hasn’t earned a playoff berth since 2017.<\/p>\n Matthew Stafford, Jared Goff face former teams<\/p>\n It\u2019s poetic the Stafford-led Rams can clinch a playoff spot if they beat the quarterback\u2019s former team this week.<\/p>\n The MVP candidate Stafford leads the NFL in touchdown passes (35) and passer rating (113.1). Stafford and the Rams have lost their two most recent meetings against Goff and the Detroit Lions, including the playoffs.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Chiefs on brink of being eliminated from playoffs<\/p>\n The 6-7 Chiefs are currently 10th in the AFC playoff race. Kansas City currently has 12% chance to reach the postseason. The Chiefs’ playoff probability drops to just 1% if they lose to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, per Next Gen Stats<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Chargers beat the Chiefs in Week 1. The last time the Chargers completed a season sweep of the Chiefs was in 2013 when Philip Rivers was the Chargers\u2019 QB. Patrick Mahomes was in high school.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Way-too-early NFL draft observations<\/p>\n If the season ended today, the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders and Tennessee Titans would own the top three picks in the 2026 NFL draft. Only one of those teams \u2013 the Raiders, presumably, need a quarterback.<\/p>\n We could see some trades at the top of the draft if the order remains the same.<\/p>\n Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X\u00a0@TheTylerDragon<\/a>.<\/p>\n This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL Week 15 storylines: Philip Rivers, playoff scenarios, Texans surge<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/e4756683ec9d02d77ae471e5a118f6a8.jpeg\"\/)
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