NFL Week 15 Winners and Losers: Eagles Pass Offense Rebounds; Patrick Mahomes Injury a Big Concern?
Week 15 of the NFL season delivered plenty of excitement and drama, with several teams making significant strides towards their playoff goals while others saw their hopes fade away. Here’s a closer look at the biggest winners and losers from the weekend’s action:
Winners
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles bounced back from their disappointing loss to the Saints in Week 14 with a convincing 38-10 victory over the Chicago Bears. Quarterback Jalen Hurts had a breakout performance, throwing for 315 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. The Eagles’ pass offense, which had struggled in recent weeks, looked much more dynamic and efficient, with Hurts spreading the ball around to a variety of receivers. Running back Miles Sanders also had a strong game, rushing for 94 yards and a touchdown.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers continued their impressive run with a 21-13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Quarterback Brock Purdy has now won four straight starts since taking over for the injured Trey Lance, and he looked comfortable and efficient against the Seahawks. Running back Christian McCaffrey had another big game, rushing for 108 yards and a touchdown. The 49ers’ defense also played well, limiting the Seahawks to just 13 points and forcing two turnovers.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs escaped with a 24-10 victory over the Houston Texans, but the game was marred by an injury to quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes suffered a high ankle sprain in the first quarter and did not return to the game. The severity of Mahomes’ injury is not yet known, but it is a major concern for the Chiefs, who are fighting for the AFC West division title.
Losers
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals suffered a major setback in their playoff hopes with a 22-18 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Quarterback Joe Burrow threw for 335 yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw two interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown. The Bengals’ defense struggled to contain Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, who threw for 201 yards and two touchdowns. The loss dropped the Bengals to 8-6 on the season and put their playoff chances in jeopardy.
New York Jets
The Jets’ playoff hopes took a major hit with a 20-12 loss to the Detroit Lions. Quarterback Zach Wilson had another disappointing performance, completing just 18 of 35 passes for 185 yards and one touchdown. The Jets’ offense was unable to generate any consistent rhythm, and they were held to just 278 yards of total offense. The defense also struggled, allowing Lions quarterback Jared Goff to throw for 257 yards and two touchdowns.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders’ season continued to spiral downward with a 30-24 loss to the New England Patriots. Quarterback Derek Carr threw for 231 yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw two interceptions. The Raiders’ defense was unable to stop Patriots quarterback Mac Jones, who threw for 240 yards and two touchdowns. The loss dropped the Raiders to 5-9 on the season and virtually eliminated them from playoff contention.
Patrick Mahomes Injury Update
The severity of Patrick Mahomes’ high ankle sprain is still unknown, but the Chiefs are hopeful that he will be able to return to action for Week 16. Mahomes is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the injury. If Mahomes is unable to play, the Chiefs will likely turn to backup quarterback Chad Henne, who has started two games this season.
Mahomes’ injury is a major concern for the Chiefs, who are fighting for the AFC West division title. The Chiefs are currently tied with the Chargers at 9-5, and they have a difficult remaining schedule, including games against the Broncos, Bengals, and Raiders. If Mahomes is unable to return, the Chiefs’ playoff hopes could be in jeopardy.