2024 NFL Season, Week 15: What We Learned from Sunday’s Games
Week 15 of the 2024 NFL season provided plenty of excitement and drama, with several key matchups and playoff implications on the line. Here’s a breakdown of what we learned from Sunday’s games:
The Kansas City Chiefs Clinch the AFC West
The Kansas City Chiefs secured their seventh consecutive AFC West title with a dominant 38-10 victory over the Denver Broncos. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw for 325 yards and three touchdowns, while running back Isiah Pacheco rushed for 128 yards and two scores. The Chiefs’ defense held Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson to just 151 passing yards and intercepted him once.
The Philadelphia Eagles Maintain Their Lead in the NFC East
The Philadelphia Eagles held on to their slim lead in the NFC East with a hard-fought 27-24 win against the New York Giants. Quarterback Jalen Hurts led the Eagles’ offense with 243 passing yards and one touchdown, while running back Miles Sanders added 120 rushing yards. The Giants’ Daniel Jones threw for 279 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted twice.
The Cincinnati Bengals Fall to the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Cincinnati Bengals’ playoff hopes took a hit with a surprising 24-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Najee Harris rushed for 112 yards and a touchdown. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was held to just 202 passing yards and one touchdown, while star receiver Ja’Marr Chase was limited to 70 receiving yards.
The San Francisco 49ers Remain in Control of the NFC West
The San Francisco 49ers tightened their grip on the NFC West with a 31-17 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Quarterback Brock Purdy continued his impressive play, throwing for 265 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Christian McCaffrey rushed for 119 yards and a touchdown, while tight end George Kittle caught six passes for 102 yards and a touchdown.
The Buffalo Bills Lose Ground in the AFC East
The Buffalo Bills suffered a setback in their quest for the AFC East title with a disappointing 24-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw for 234 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Jeff Wilson Jr. rushed for 112 yards and a touchdown. Bills quarterback Josh Allen was intercepted twice and sacked six times.
The New England Patriots Keep Their Playoff Hopes Alive
The New England Patriots kept their playoff hopes alive with a 30-24 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Quarterback Mac Jones threw for 290 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown. Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray threw for 270 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted twice.
The Dallas Cowboys Stay in Contention for the NFC East
The Dallas Cowboys moved to within one game of the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East with a 28-23 win over the Tennessee Titans. Quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 280 yards and three touchdowns, while running back Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 122 yards and a touchdown. Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted twice.
The Los Angeles Chargers Clinch a Playoff Berth
The Los Angeles Chargers clinched a playoff berth with a 34-28 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Quarterback Justin Herbert threw for 356 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Austin Ekeler rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown. Colts quarterback Nick Foles threw for 243 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted twice.
As the NFL season enters its final stretch, the playoff picture is starting to take shape. Several teams have already clinched playoff berths, while others are still fighting for their postseason lives. The remaining games of the regular season promise to be filled with excitement and drama.