NFL Week 15 insider observations: Will Philip Rivers experiment work?
- The Indianapolis Colts signed 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers out of retirement.
- Three teams, the Broncos, Patriots and Rams, can clinch playoff berths in Week 15.
- The Houston Texans are on a five-game winning streak and have the league’s top total defense.
- The Kansas City Chiefs’ playoff chances could drop to just 1% with a loss to the Chargers.
We are in the midst of the stretch run for the NFL season.
Week 15 features some compelling matchups, including the Denver Broncos vs. Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots.
There’s also the improbable return of 44-year-old Philip Rivers who came out of retirement to help the QB-depleted Indianapolis Colts.
Here are my observations for Week 15:
Colts signing Philip Rivers is an act of desperation
There are people around the league who believe Rivers could play as soon as this weekend against the Seattle Seahawks. I’m more pessimistic. It’s hard to imagine a 44-year-old Rivers, who’s five years removed from football, having much success in Indy. Granted, Rivers does know Shane Steichen’s offensive system from their days together with the Chargers. If Rivers does help keep Indy’s season afloat and lead them in the playoffs, it should boost his Hall of Fame candidacy.
The Colts’ final four games are against teams vying for the playoff – Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Colts lose their next four games and finish the year on a seven-game losing streak.
Seattle’s defense has the NFL’s second-highest pressure rate and ranks second in the league in QB hits. Houston leads the NFL in total defense and points allowed.
Good luck, Rivers.
Three teams can finally clinch playoffs in Week 15
The Denver Broncos, New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams can become the first teams to clinch a playoff spot this week. The 2025 season marks the third time since realignment in 2002 that no playoff berths have been clinched entering Week 15, per NFL Research.
Patriots part of growing worst-to-first trend
Speaking of the Patriots. New England has a chance to win the AFC East division with a win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. It would be the Patriots’ first AFC East title since 2019.
It’s been a remarkable turnaround for coach of the year candidate Mike Vrabel, MVP candidate Drake Maye and the Patriots. New England finished last in the division last year. At least one team finished in first place in its division the season after finishing in last or tied for last place in 19 of the past 22 seasons, via NFL Research.
Kyler Murray’s uncertain future in Arizona
However, Murray’s contract will complicate matters if Arizona decides to move on. Murray is owed $36.8 million fully guaranteed in 2026, per Over The Cap. He’ll also earn $19.5 million in guaranteed money in 2027. I can see Murray and the Cardinals choosing an amicable divorce this offseason despite money complications.
Surging Texans
The red-hot Texans are looking like the scariest team in the AFC. Houston’s won five straight games, has the NFL’s top total defense, and ranks No. 1 in points allowed.
The Texans are one game behind the Jacksonville Jaguars for first place in the AFC South. Don’t be surprised if Houston overtakes Jacksonville for first in the division – their playstyle travels. The Los Angeles Chargers and Indianapolis Colts are the only clubs on Houston’s schedule with a winning record. The Texans can become the fifth team since 1990 to begin 0-3 and make the playoffs.
Optimism despite Eagles’ three-game losing streak
The Eagles are in danger of having another late-season collapse similar to their 2023 meltdown.
There are three reasons to still believe in the Eagles despite their tough stretch. I don’t expect Jalen Hurts to replicate a career-worst five turnovers (four interceptions, one lost fumble) the rest of the way. Hurts had just two interceptions before his nightmare Week 14 performance.
The Eagles are at their best when they are a run-oriented team. Saquon Barkley had his second 100-yard rushing performance of the season last week.
Lastly, three of Philly’s final four regular-season games are against teams with losing records, including a potential get-right game versus the lowly Las Vegas Raiders at home this week.
Bucs, Panthers fight for NFC South title
Bryce Young hasn’t received enough credit for Carolina’s surprising turnaround. Young’s on pace to have career highs in every major quarterback statistical category. He’s already tossed a single-season best 18 touchdown passes.
The 7-6 Panthers have a chance to take the NFC South lead with a win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Carolina and the 7-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers meet twice in the final three weeks.
Carolina hasn’t won an NFC South crown since 2015 and hasn’t earned a playoff berth since 2017.
Matthew Stafford, Jared Goff face former teams
It’s poetic the Stafford-led Rams can clinch a playoff spot if they beat the quarterback’s former team this week.
The MVP candidate Stafford leads the NFL in touchdown passes (35) and passer rating (113.1). Stafford and the Rams have lost their two most recent meetings against Goff and the Detroit Lions, including the playoffs.
Chiefs on brink of being eliminated from playoffs
The 6-7 Chiefs are currently 10th in the AFC playoff race. Kansas City currently has 12% chance to reach the postseason. The Chiefs’ playoff probability drops to just 1% if they lose to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, per Next Gen Stats.
The Chargers beat the Chiefs in Week 1. The last time the Chargers completed a season sweep of the Chiefs was in 2013 when Philip Rivers was the Chargers’ QB. Patrick Mahomes was in high school.
Way-too-early NFL draft observations
If the season ended today, the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders and Tennessee Titans would own the top three picks in the 2026 NFL draft. Only one of those teams – the Raiders, presumably, need a quarterback.
We could see some trades at the top of the draft if the order remains the same.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
