Week 15 in the NFL delivers several playoff-shifting matchups, but the one drawing the most intrigue is the showdown between the Rams and Lions — the latest chapter in the Matthew Stafford–Jared Goff trade legacy. Stafford has Los Angeles sitting atop the NFC standings, while Detroit fights to stay in the postseason chase behind Goff. Stafford has gone 1–2 against the Lions since the trade (including the playoffs), averaging 339.3 passing yards with six touchdowns and just one pick. Goff’s numbers in those meetings are more modest — 254 yards per game, three TDs and four INTs. The home team has won each contest so far, putting even more pressure on Detroit and raising the stakes as the Rams push for home-field advantage. Another deep postseason run for Stafford isn’t out of the question.

Buffalo and New England square off again in a game that could define the AFC East race. Green Bay also heads to Denver in a matchup between two teams in solid playoff contention. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, hopes to avoid dropping a third straight game at home. Baker Mayfield hasn’t been sharp since his shoulder injury — completing just 55.2% of his passes over the past two weeks — yet Atlanta’s defense has been giving up 32 points per game during its recent skid. It may be the ideal rebound opportunity for the Bucs.

Chicago faces a tricky “look-ahead” scenario with Green Bay looming in Week 16. Cleveland’s defense has been leaky lately, giving up 28.5 points per game over its last two defeats. Shedeur Sanders just threw for 364 yards and three touchdowns, offering hope that the Bears’ offense can keep rolling. His past college shootouts with Caleb Williams won’t be replicated here — but Chicago has covered the spread in three of the four games where they’ve been favored.

In the AFC North, Joe Burrow seems back in rhythm after a toe injury, averaging 272.5 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions since returning. Baltimore’s pass defense ranks 26th; Cincinnati’s sits at 31st. Expect fireworks between Burrow and Lamar Jackson, but the Ravens are positioned to edge out a win that keeps their playoff ambitions intact.

Kansas City enters near desperation territory. The Chargers arrive on a short week, and although the Chiefs have taken the last three home matchups in the series, their early-season aura has faded. Patrick Mahomes needs a bounce-back game, and Travis Kelce could be the catalyst if the Chiefs are to steady their playoff chances.

Buffalo gets a shot at payback after the Patriots stunned them 23–20 back in Week 5. Josh Allen is still performing at an MVP level, and rookie Drake Maye has exceeded expectations for New England. The Bills committed eleven penalties the first time around — something they can’t afford to repeat.

The Commanders’ season continues to spiral with eight straight losses, committing two or more turnovers in most of them. The Giants have dropped seven in a row themselves but have both of their wins at home. Washington’s 21–6 triumph in their first meeting feels like ancient history now.

Las Vegas’ offensive struggles continue as they enter Week 15 averaging just 12.8 points over the past five contests. Kenny Pickett is expected to start for Seattle after Geno Smith injured his shoulder. The Eagles, coming off a short week, haven’t covered the spread in any game where they were favored by seven or more — but this matchup should allow them to snap that trend.

The Jets have lost four of five road games this season, and Jacksonville poses another difficult test. The Jaguars have won four straight while holding opponents below 300 yards in three of those games. If Tyrod Taylor can’t go, New York may turn to Brady Cook, which only adds to the challenge.

Houston continues its surge behind a defense that has generated a plus-6 turnover margin during a five-game winning streak. Arizona has dropped five straight but has been surprisingly strong against the spread on the road at 5–1.

Green Bay rarely leaves Denver with good memories — holding only one win there in eight tries, an overtime thriller in 2007. Expect another defense-centric matchup, and the Broncos, undefeated at home this year (6–0), should defend their turf again. If these teams somehow meet again in February, it wouldn’t be shocking based on how their defenses have played.

Rookie Riley Leonard steps in for the Giants with Daniel Jones sidelined by an Achilles injury. Leonard threw for 145 yards and a pick last week and now faces a Seahawks team that has outscored its last two opponents 63–9 while forcing eight turnovers. Avoiding mistakes is his biggest obstacle.

Running backs should heavily influence the Lions-R