Week 15 wrap-up: Rams, Broncos clinch playoff spots; Garrett closes in on history; Chiefs eliminated

Just when it started to feel like the 2025 NFL playoff picture was beginning to take shape, Week 15 came along to remind us to take nothing for granted.

There's lots to unpack in a drama-filled slate that delivered everything from major upsets, demolition jobs, incredible comebacks, and a grandfather almost leading his team to an improbable win - even with the MNF game still to go.

These are the headline storylines that have defined Week 15.

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Broncos, Rams secure playoff spots

The field got smaller on Sunday, as the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams became the first teams to punch their ticket to the playoffs.

The Broncos sealed their spot with a statement 34-26 win over the Packers, overcoming a nine-point deficit in the third quarter with the help of a pivotal Patrick Surtain interception that totally flipped momentum in Denver's favour.

With a defense that keeps delivering, QB Bo Nix finding his groove (four touchdowns), and the grip on the AFC No.1 seed tightening following the Patriots' loss to the Bills, the Broncos have the Super Bowl in their sights.

The Rams followed suit, grinding out a hard-earned 41-34 victory over the Detroit Lions on the back of an incredible second-half performance from MVP favourite Matthew Stafford.

A huge Thursday Night Football with the Seattle Seahawks awaits Sean McVay's side, in a game that may decide the NFC's top seed.

Carolina stumbles, Texans erupt, Bills storm back

The rest of the playoff picture looks very different after Sunday.

The Carolina Panthers squandered a chance to take advantage of the Bucs' TNF defeat, losing 20-17 to the New Orleans Saints by virtue of a late field goal from Irish kicker Charlie Smyth.

Houston went in the other direction, making it six straight with a comfortable 40-20 win over the Cardinals. The Texans are still a game back from the Jaguars, but the division lead and a Wild Card spot are there for the taking.

Then came Buffalo. Down 24-7 at halftime, on the road, and wobbling, the Bills rallied for a comeback win that may end up being the swing result of the AFC race.

The win didn’t just keep them alive. It keeps the AFC East battle alive and sends a strong message to every other contender that, despite their flaws, they must be taken seriously come January.

Major injuries to Mahomes, Parsons

Week 15 came with a cost for some. Patrick Mahomes exited the Kansas City Chiefs' 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers with a torn ACL. It was the final, unfortunate chapter in a season Andy Reid would rather forget.

And Micah Parsons, so vital a cog in the Packers' defense, is suspected to have torn his ACL in the defeat to the Broncos. It's a cruel blow for a team with ambitions to make a deep playoff run.

Rivers’ effort goes unrewarded in Colts' loss

There was to be no fairytale ending to Philip Rivers' comeback on Sunday, as the Colts fell 18-16 to the Seattle Seahawks.

Rivers' performance, however, was far better than the cynics imagined, as the 44-year-old dragged Indianapolis to within a whisker of beating a strong Seattle team.

Going close will be of little consolation to the Colts, who lost ground in the division after the Texans and Jaguars both won.

Chiefs eliminated

It was unthinkable before the season started. Even a month ago, it seemed unrealistic. Now it’s official. Kansas City’s defeat and wins for other teams mean they are officially ousted from playoff contention.

Going only two years without a Vince Lombardi seems like an unfair measure to determine whether the dynasty has collapsed, but with an ageing Kelce and a star quarterback who faces a long road to recovery, it's fair to at least ask the question of where the Chiefs go from here.

Garrett on verge of making history

With 1.5 sacks in the Cleveland Browns' 31-3 loss to the Bears, DPOY frontrunner Myles Garrett pushed his season total to 21.5 - just one shy of the single-season mark jointly held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt.

With three games left, and considering how unblockable Garrett has been this year, it's surely a foregone conclusion that he'll end the year with the record, right?