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NFL Week 15 Preview: Your Complete Guide to This Weekend's Action

From Falcons-Bucs on Thursday to Dolphins-Steelers on Monday, every kickoff carries playoff weight. Here?s the full slate with key stakes, storylines and what to watch.

Marcus DeWittDec 13, 20254 min readPhoto: Photo via Unsplash

We?re in the final stretch. Week 15 features a full slate of high-stakes football, from an NFC South thriller on Thursday night to a Monday showdown at Acrisure Stadium. Here?s everything you need to know.

Thursday Night Football

Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Thursday, December 11 | 8:15 PM ET | Prime Video

The chaos in the NFC South continues. Tampa Bay has lost five of its last seven games and desperately needs a win to regain stability, while Atlanta aims to take control of the division. Watch how Tampa?s defense responds to Atlanta?s passing game in this short-week matchup.

Sunday Early Games (1:00 PM ET)

Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots

CBS

New England can clinch the AFC East with a victory, while Buffalo seeks to keep its playoff hopes alive. This rivalry rarely disappoints and this matchup carries significant seeding implications, featuring key battles between Buffalo?s offensive weapons and New England?s elite defense.

Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals

CBS

Joe Burrow and the Bengals find themselves in must-win territory, while Baltimore fights to maintain its lead in the AFC North. Expect a high-scoring affair as Burrow?s hot streak faces off against a Ravens offense capable of matching him score for score.

New York Jets @ Jacksonville Jaguars

CBS

Rookie quarterback Brady Cook may make his first start for New York, adding intrigue to a matchup between two teams assessing their futures. Jacksonville has the opportunity to play spoiler at home and will test how Cook handles the pressure of his first NFL start.

Las Vegas Raiders @ Philadelphia Eagles

FOX

The Eagles are on a roll, while the Raiders aim to keep things respectable. Philadelphia may choose to rest some banged-up starters, but with rhythm and a top seed at stake, expect the home team to come out strong.

Cleveland Browns @ Chicago Bears

FOX

Neither team is headed for January football, but pride is on the line. Shedeur Sanders looks to bounce back after Cleveland?s heartbreaking loss to Tennessee, while Chicago aims to build a positive foundation for the future.

Arizona Cardinals @ Houston Texans

FOX

Houston recently stunned Kansas City, handing the Chiefs their seventh loss and now hosts an Arizona team fighting to remain relevant in the division. The Texans? defense is on the rise; this could be a statement win for a young roster eyeing the postseason.

Washington Commanders @ New York Giants

FOX

Washington is looking to secure its playoff spot, while the Giants are evaluating talent for the upcoming season. Division games are always tough and the Giants would love to spoil a rival?s momentum in December.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

CBS

This is the marquee matchup of the early window. The Chargers haven?t swept Kansas City since 2013, but the Chiefs? season is on shaky ground after a 1-6 record in one-score games. A win for the Chargers would nearly extinguish Kansas City?s playoff hopes.

Sunday Late Games (4:25 PM ET)

Indianapolis Colts @ Seattle Seahawks

CBS

Reports suggest that 44-year-old Philip Rivers could make a surprising start for Indianapolis with Daniel Jones sidelined. Even if he doesn?t, this storyline adds intrigue to a game Seattle needs to stay competitive in the NFC West.

Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos

CBS

Two elite defenses go head-to-head. Denver holds a two-game lead in the AFC West, while Green Bay needs a win to remain in contention. Expect a physical battle where special teams, turnovers and field position will be crucial.

Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints

FOX

Bryce Young is trying to keep pace in the NFC South, but this matchup is all about rookies. Tyler Shough makes his home debut for New Orleans after back-to-back road victories and Devin Neal provides balance out of the backfield.

Tennessee Titans @ San Francisco 49ers

FOX

Tennessee carries momentum following Shedeur Sanders? heroics against Cleveland. San Francisco has been inconsistent but remains talented. This game will determine whether the Titans can maintain their hot streak or if the 49ers can salvage a late-season run.

Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams

FOX

Potential shootout alert. Detroit?s offense travels well, but the Rams are always a threat at home and need a win to stay in the NFC playoff picture. Expect fireworks and aggressive play-calling from both teams.

Sunday Night Football

Minnesota Vikings @ Dallas Cowboys

8:20 PM ET | NBC

Prime time in Dallas with playoff implications on the line. Minnesota aims to protect its NFC wild card spot, while Dallas needs victories to remain relevant in both the East and the wild-card race. The matchup between Dak Prescott and the Vikings defense will be pivotal.

Monday Night Football

Miami Dolphins @ Pittsburgh Steelers

8:15 PM ET | ESPN

Miami has won four straight after a 2-7 start, while Pittsburgh is clinging to first place in the AFC North. Monday night in Pittsburgh promises playoff-level intensity to cap off an exciting week.


The Bottom Line: Week 15 is packed with meaningful games and compelling storylines. By Monday night, the playoff picture will look significantly different, so clear your calendar and enjoy one of the best weekends of football this season.

MD

Marcus DeWitt

NFL Writer

NFL writer covering game-level breakdowns, cap strategy, and playoff races. He follows every snap of the season to bring readers the full picture.

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