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The Seattle Seahawks and the Philadelphia Eagles will cap off Week 15 of the NFL regular season on Monday night. The game entails massive playoff implications for both competitors and even certain teams that will be watching from home, looking at you, Detroit Lions. However, the rest of Week 15 gave fans plenty to talk about as they wait for the Monday night matchup. Here are the five biggest headlines from Week 15.
5. Chicago Heartbreak
BEARS ALMOST WON ON THIS HAIL MARY ATTEMPT 🤯
WOW. BROWNS SURVIVE.
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/IfdDrlqdYC
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 17, 2023
The Chicago Bears were riding high after their victory over the Lions in Week 14. However, Week 15 brought the fanbase back down a whole octave as the team lost an absolute heartbreaker to the Cleveland Browns. On the last play of the game, Bears QB Justin Fields heaved a beautiful Hail Mary attempt that bounced perfectly into the hands of Chicago receiver Darnell Mooney but couldn’t hang on. The dream of running the table is dead for Bears fans, while Browns fans continue to be surprised that their battered Brownies are moving up in the playoff picture.
4. Jagaurs Play To Lose The Game
Average Jaguars clock management pic.twitter.com/aGNQbcpx3A
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 18, 2023
On paper, the Sunday night matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars seemed like a classic primetime matchup between two heavyweight challengers. However, the Ravens had this game won by halftime, and the 23-7 final score wasn’t what anyone expected. First half miscues by the Jaguars all but put the nail in the coffin early for the team, which included a massive fumble by Trevor Lawerence and some of the most head-scratching clock management that resulted in the Jaguars being shut out in the first half. The AFC South title is still a three-team race, and the Jaguars are not showing the urgency one would like to see.
3. The Browning Revenge Game
“YOU SHOULD HAVE NEVER F—KING CUT ME”
OKAY JAKE BROWNING TELL EM
pic.twitter.com/8GVpDNRzeE— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) December 17, 2023
This season, finding a healthy starting quarterback has been a rarity. The Cincinnati Bengals lost star QB Joe Burrow, and the fanbase’s hopes of a playoff spot seemed dashed. However, Cincinnati backup Jake Browning is proving just how vital the backup role truly is. Browning has led the Bengals to three straight dubs, including a massive win over a team that cut him, the Minnesota Vikings. Saturday’s 27-24 comeback victory keeps the Bengals in a Wild Card position with an absolutely massive matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers facing them this coming week. Don’t count out this Bengals team.
2. Baker Cooks Perfection
My goodness.
Baker Mayfield becomes the first visiting QB EVER with a PERFECT Passer Rating (158.3) at Lambeau Field.
*min. 5 attempts pic.twitter.com/HbFcWXolIl
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 17, 2023
How could you not be emotional about what Baker Mayfield is doing down in Tampa Bay? The former number-one overall pick has found a career resurgence with the Buccaneers, as Mayfield has helped the team get to the top of the NFC South. On Sunday, Mayfield played the perfect game, leading the Bucs to a 34-20 win over the Green Bay Packers. The win was great, but it was Mayfield’s performance that has everyone talking. The Tampa QB is the first quarterback ever to visit Lambeau Field and live with a perfect Passer Rating. Good for Baker.
1. Circling The Wagons?
BILLS WIN!!!!#DALvsBUF | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/AMokjDmfvi
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 18, 2023
If this were college football, the NFL would put the Buffalo Bills in a Wild Card spot due to the Colts not having their starting quarterback. Luckily, the entire season matters in the big leagues. However, the Bills rough start to the season seems like ancient history with the way the team is currently playing. The Bills annihilated the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. The 31-10 victory has many already picking Buffalo to go all the way to the big game. But getting to the playoffs is still a work in progress. The wagons seem to be circling. It just stinks that head coach Sean McDermott is human garbage now.
