The NFL season is heating up as we head towards the playoffs, and Week 15 delivered its share of excitement both on and off the field. From impressive individual performances to key injuries and coaching decisions, the league landscape is constantly shifting. This week's recap dives into the biggest stories, including a look at who's leading the race for individual awards, major injury updates, and some surprising offseason developments. Let's get caught up!
Week 15 Individual Awards
- QB Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills): 23 of 34 passes for 362 yards, 2 passing touchdowns, no interceptions, 2 rushing touchdowns.
- QB Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay): 81.5% completion rate, 288 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, 135.3 passer rating.
- CB Derek Stingley Jr. (Houston): 2 interceptions, 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss.
- LB Quay Walker (Green Bay): 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 passes defended, 1 sack, and 1 interception.
- WR Marvin Mims (Denver): 97 total punt return yards, including a 61-yard return in the 4th quarter.
- WR KhaDarel Hodge (Atlanta): Blocked one punt and deflected another.
Mahomes' Status Uncertain for Week 16
Patrick Mahomes participated in full practices on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, the Chiefs' practices are lighter on a short week. Mahomes won't rush his return to the field but will try to get himself in the best physical condition possible. Coach Andy Reid will ultimately decide which quarterback plays against Houston on Saturday.
Cousins Accepts Benching, Ready to Support Penix Jr.
Kirk Cousins said he agrees with the Atlanta coaching staff's decision to bench him and will do everything he can to help rookie Michael Penix Jr. perform well for the rest of the season. However, Cousins noted that he "hasn't forgotten how to play." A detailed post about Cousins' problems and prospects will be on "Tailgate" today.
Rodgers Willing to Mentor Potential Jets Draft Pick
Aaron Rodgers said he will be ready to help any rookie quarterback the Jets might draft. Rodgers still wants to stay with the team, although he noted that he will, as always, weigh and consider everything after the season.
Lawrence and Engram Undergo Successful Shoulder Surgeries
Two Jacksonville offensive leaders, quarterback Trevor Lawrence and tight end Evan Engram, underwent shoulder surgery. In both cases, everything went well, and the players should participate in spring training.
Giants Continue Quarterback Carousel with Drew Lock
The quarterback carousel continues for the Giants - now it's Drew Lock's turn to take the field.
Edwards-Helaire Finds New Home in New Orleans
Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who was released by the Chiefs, has joined the Saints. It is unknown if Alvin Kamara will be able to play in the next game.
Positive Developments for Commanders' New Stadium Plan
The Commanders received good news regarding their potential new stadium. The land where the old RFK Stadium (where the team played from 1961 to 1996) is located may be transferred from federal government control to the District of Columbia. This will allow the club to work more quickly on a plan to build a new arena there by around 2030. The old RFK Stadium is located literally 3 km from the Capitol.
Related: NFL News Roundup, Dec 21, 2024: Roster Moves, Injury Updates, and Contract Talks
NFL.com Conducts Informal Awards Poll
An informal poll for individual awards was conducted by NFL.com. Journalist Tom Pelissero interviewed executives from 27 NFL teams (including 17 general managers). This does not mean that these players will receive the awards - after all, journalists vote, not executives - but certain trends can be understood. Here's how many votes each received in each category:
- MVP: Josh Allen - 22; Lamar Jackson and Saquon Barkley - 2 each; Joe Burrow - 1.
- Offensive Player of the Year: Saquon Barkley - 19; Josh Allen - 4; Lamar Jackson - 3; Joe Burrow - 1.
- Defensive Player of the Year: T.J. Watt - 13.5; Pat Surtain II - 3.5; Xavier McKinney and Myles Garrett - 3 each; Jeffery Simmons, Andrew Van Ginkel, Danielle Hunter, Aidan Hutchinson - 1 each.
- Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jayden Daniels - 13; Brock Bowers - 9; Bijan Robinson - 3; Brian Branch and Bryce Young - 1 each.
- Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jared Verse - 15; Quinyon Mitchell - 6; Braden Fiske - 3; Mickey Sainristil and Keion White - 1 each.
- Coach of the Year: Kevin O'Connell - 16.5; Mike Tomlin - 3; Dan Campbell and Andy Reid - 2 each; Sean McVay - 1.5; Sean McDermott - 1.