Updated Dec. 11, 2025, 11:12 a.m. ET
- A loss to the Bolts would be just about fatal to the defending AFC champs.
- Three teams can clinch playoff berths Sunday.
- A potential Super Bowl preview features the Packers and Broncos, both vying for a No. 1 playoff seed.
- Colts QB Philip Rivers could potentially return to the field after a five-year absence.
All hands on deck.
The NFL‘s bye weeks have been exhausted as the 2025 season rolls into Week 15 − which is chock full of gripping matchups … even if Thursday night’s NFC South pairing of the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers isn’t one of them.
Sunday gets started with the New England Patriots attempting to sweep the Buffalo Bills, which would clinch the Pats’ first AFC East title in six years. Conversely, as they host the Los Angeles Chargers, the Kansas City Chiefs will not only be fighting for their playoff lives but trying to avoid elimination this weekend − though losing to the Bolts wouldn’t finish them outright.
The late afternoon window looks even better. The Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos will face off in a potential Super Bowl 60 preview, both teams currently scrapping for their respective conference’s No. 1 seed. As they attempt to break back into the projected playoff field, the Detroit Lions will attempt to knock off the NFC-leading Los Angeles Rams on the road. (The Rams and Broncos can both clinch postseason spots with wins.) And while the Seattle Seahawks will be prohibitive favorites to beat the Indianapolis Colts, their game could mark the return of newly signed Colts QB Philip Rivers after a five-year hiatus.
The final two prime-time games feature national brands, even if they don’t project as great games. The Dallas Cowboys, trying to remain postseason-relevant, will host the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night, while the Pittsburgh Steelers will hold first place in the AFC North on Monday if they can knock off the surging Miami Dolphins.
How does the 16-game lineup shake out? Here are the picks from USA TODAY Sports’ panel of NFL experts:
Week 15 picks, predictions, odds
All NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY’s 4th and Monday newsletter.
Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose. While we do our utmost to offer good advice and information we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling. We do our best to make sure all the information that we provide on this site is correct. However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable. Please check any stats or information if you are unsure how accurate they are. No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain. All forms of betting carry financial risk and it is up to the individual to make bets with or without the assistance of information provided on this site and we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of following the betting tips provided on this site. Past performances do not guarantee success in the future and betting odds fluctuate from one minute to the next. The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. It is your sole responsibility to act in accordance with your local laws.
Leave a Reply