In one of the most exciting games of the season, theBillsoutscored theLionson the road to end Detroits 11-game winning streak. And since the Lions were my No. 1 team entering Week 15, you would think that the Bills should claim the top spot.
Not so fast. Yes, the Bills have scored 90 points the past two weeks, but theyve also given up 86, forcingJosh Allento be Superman. So after an aerial display against theSteelerson Sunday, its theEagleswho jump to the top spot. The Bills are a close No. 2, and the Lions, dealing with a rash of injuries on defense, drop to No. 5. The Chiefs andVikings, meanwhile, keep chugging along.
Heres my top 10 for Week 15 of the 2024 season.
Dont look now, but the bickeringEaglesare rounding into form as title contenders. Despite their star playmakers griping over touches and offensive philosophy, the Eagles continue to knock off league heavyweights with a blue-collar offense that can overwhelm foes on the ground or through the air. With Nick Sirianni and Kellen Moore placing a greater emphasis on the passing game in Week 15, Phillys WR1a A.J. Brown, eight catches, 110 yards and a score and WR1b DeVonta Smith, 11 catches, 109 yards and a score responded with 100-yard games that showcased their individual and collective impact on the perimeter.
Josh Allens MVP campaign is gaining momentum like a runaway freight train after the seventh-year pro put on a show against theLionswith 300-plus passing yards and four total touchdowns. As an unstoppable force with the ball in his hands, Allen can single-handedly carry Buffalos offense through the postseason tournament, utilizing his superior arm talent and athleticism to light up scoreboards. Though the Bills will need better defense to advance through an AFC bracket loaded with juggernauts, No. 17 gives them a punchers chance to knock out any heavyweight on the schedule.
Andy Reids squad is inching closer to locking up the AFCs No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Although theChiefsare not the dominant force that rolled through the playoff field a few years ago, the 2024 version is a gritty collection of playmakers who know how to close out games in the fourth quarter. Given the Chiefs unprecedented 15-game winning streak in one-score games, dismissing the defending champs as viable options in a single-elimination tournament would be foolish.
Kevin OConnell and Brian Flores have theVikingsrunning laps around the competition with their creative schemes. As exceptional tacticians and strategists, Minnesotas brain trust has tweaked the Xs and Os to elevateSam Darnoldand others to lead a playoff run that could result in a title game appearance.
Injuries could derail theLionstitle chances this season as the team loses blue-chip defenders to various season-ending ailments. The loss ofCarlton DavisandAlim McNeillfurther weakens a defensive unit already missingAidan HutchinsonAlex AnzaloneEnnis Rakestrawand others due to long-term injuries. With so many backups and inexperienced players forced into action, it was only a matter of time before the lack of talent and depth impacted Detroits performance. In the past two weeks, the Lions have given up 79 points.
After pummeling opponents with a punishing running game built aroundJosh Jacobsstrength as an inside runner, thePackersdefense suffocates opponents with a blitz-heavy game plan that overwhelms quarterbacks and playcallers. With Matt LaFleur intent on building a team that can win in various ways, the Packers personnel and schematic versatility create problems for teams unable to deal with Green Bays collective size, strength and athleticism.
Sometimes, a loss is the perfect wake-up call for a sleeping giant. If that is the case, Mike Tomlins squad should have gotten the message during a Week 15 setback against theEagles. The NFC heavyweight exposed some of theSteelersflaws, providing Tomlin with a to-do list to work on down the stretch. Given how championship-caliber teams improve steadily heading into the postseason, the Steelers can use their latest loss to absorb a few lessons that will help them in the playoffs.
Credit Sean Payton for building game plans that maximize theBroncosstrengths while minimizing their weaknesses. In Week 15, the mastermind was up to his old tricks, coaching around struggling rookie quarterbackBo Nixand trying to curb his turnover woes. If Payton can continue to control games with his superb clock management and execution, the Broncos can make a late surge up the charts as a legitimate playoff contender.
Despite owning one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the league, theRavensplay up or down to their level of competition. While John Harbaugh has the luxury of leaning onLamar Jacksonto erase his teams mistakes, the Ravens must get everyone on the same page to propel a roster capable of making a Super Bowl run.
Jayden Danielsreturn to full health gives theCommandersthe superstar who can close out tight games in the fourth quarter. Though the slender playmaker needs to avoid big hits as a dual threat, the Commanders need his improvisational skills to spark the offense against the leagues heavyweights. As an imperfect squad with a dynamic franchise quarterback, the Commanders might be the biggest boom-or-bust team in the playoff field.
Bucky Brooks is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports. He also breaks down the game for NFL Network and as a cohost of the Moving the Sticks podcast. Follow him on Twitter@BuckyBrooks.
[Want great stories delivered right to your inbox?Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.]
Get more from National Football League
Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
2024 NFL Week 16 action report: Patrick Mahomes injury causing chaos at books
No responses yet