Mahomes ACL, Vikings Cover — Week 15 Shakeup

Vikings Cover, Cowboys Collapse

The Minnesota Vikings pulled out a 34-26 win on the road, covering the +5 spread and putting a serious dent in the Dallas Cowboys' playoff hopes. It was a game filled with missed opportunities for Dallas, especially from kicker Brandon Aubrey, who uncharacteristically missed two field goals. Mike McCarthy wasn’t terrible, but he wasn’t the savior either. Dallas' defense has improved, but it still gave up too many big plays and couldn't stop the Vikings when it counted. The Cowboys now find themselves outside the playoff picture, and while their offense still has fireworks, their record against the spread won’t save them. That said, they remain the league’s most reliable Over team at 10-4, so keep smashing that total line until the books catch up.

Mahomes Falls, Chiefs Era Ends?

The Kansas City Chiefs lost more than just a game against the Chargers. Patrick Mahomes went down with a torn ACL late in the fourth quarter, and just like that, this version of the Chiefs might be done. The Chargers came out swinging, aggressive and physical, and Mahomes couldn’t finish the game. Without him, the Chiefs' playoff chances are officially cooked. It’s been a rough year in KC, and the team may be looking at a full offseason reset. Expect hard salary cap decisions and maybe even a Travis Kelce insurance policy at tight end. With Mahomes out, the MVP race is wide open, and the AFC just got a lot weirder.

Bo Nix Boosts Broncos, Packers Plummet

Bo Nix played like a seasoned vet in Denver’s big win over the Packers. He shredded Green Bay’s defense on third and fourth downs and looked like a quarterback ready to lead a playoff run. Meanwhile, the Packers were hampered by injuries, including a significant one to Micah Parsons, who had been the core of their defensive identity. Green Bay’s future is suddenly murky, and with a short week coming up against the Bears, things don’t get any easier. Jordan Love’s MVP campaign likely fizzled out with this loss. If the Packers want to stay alive in the playoff race, they might have to go nuclear on offense. Keep an eye on that total in their next game—it has shootout potential.

Allen Powers Bills Past Patriots

The Bills completed a furious comeback against the Patriots, scoring five straight touchdowns and flexing their muscles in the red zone. Josh Allen looked every bit the MVP candidate with sharp throws on third and long, and James Cook helped establish a dominant ground game. Buffalo’s offense was firing on all cylinders with a 54% success rate on designed runs and a defense that stepped up late. The Patriots showed early promise but were completely outclassed in the second half. With Buffalo back in the playoff mix, Allen’s MVP odds are worth a revisit, especially if the Bills keep torching defenses like this.

Bears Blow Out Browns in Statement Win

Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears dropped a hammer on the Browns in a 31-3 beatdown. In freezing conditions, Williams still threw for 242 yards and a jaw-dropping touchdown to DJ Moore that might be a throw-of-the-year candidate. The Bears looked like a playoff team on both sides of the ball, executing a perfect play-action game while their defense harassed Shedeur Sanders into three interceptions. The Browns, meanwhile, looked like they were already in vacation mode. It might be the final straw for Kevin Stefanski, who could be coaching his last games in Cleveland. Chicago now sits atop the NFC North and is trending up fast.

Saints Steal One, Panthers Stumble

Tyler Shough might not be a household name yet, but he’s playing like a QB with ice in his veins. The Saints pulled off a 20-17 comeback win over the Panthers, thanks to a last-second field goal set up by a gutsy quarterback draw and a personal foul. Shough led two lightning-fast drives in the final minute, showing poise and control that belies his experience level. The Panthers had a chance to take control of the division, especially with the Bucs losing, but they folded under pressure. Meanwhile, the Saints suddenly look like a team that believes it can make a late push. This NFC South race is messy, but New Orleans is alive and kicking.

Texans Torch Cards, Stroud Surging

CJ Stroud continues to dazzle, leading the Texans to a 40-burger against the Cardinals. The offense was almost flawless, giving up only two QB hits and one sack. Stroud made tough throws, and the young weapons around him are stepping up. Defensively, Houston was aggressive, forcing turnovers and limiting Arizona's opportunities. They’re now a legitimate contender in the AFC and Stroud is very much in the Rookie of the Year and even dark-horse MVP conversation. Don’t be surprised if Houston sneaks into the playoffs and makes some noise.

Rams Rally, Stafford Shines

Matthew Stafford reminded the Lions what they’re missing with a vintage comeback win. Trailing by two scores in the second quarter, the Rams stormed back, thanks to efficient play-calling and some clutch throws to Puka Nacua and Colby Parkinson. The Lions defense, which had been feisty in the first half, completely unraveled down the stretch. With the win, the Rams have clinched a playoff spot and look like a team nobody wants to face in January. Stafford’s name is even floating around in MVP talks, and the offense is finally hitting its stride. For Detroit, it’s a crushing loss with seeding implications, and their defense needs a serious reset.

Quick Hits Around the League

The Jaguars looked sharp behind Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne, who had three receiving touchdowns against the Jets. The Eagles dominated the Raiders behind Jalen Hurts and a resurgent defense. Lamar Jackson only needed 12 passes to dismantle the Bengals, and the Ravens' pass rush completely shut down Joe Burrow. The Colts, led by a nostalgic performance from Philip Rivers, edged the Seahawks with a 60-yard field goal. And in a snowy, miserable game, the Bears embarrassed the Browns, possibly ending Stefanski’s tenure and confirming Caleb Williams as a rising star.

Takeaways

• The Chiefs are done for the year, and Mahomes' injury shakes up the entire AFC playoff picture.
• The Vikings are covering spreads and climbing the NFC ladder, while Dallas is fading fast.
• Josh Allen and Bo Nix are heating up at just the right time for their teams.
• Caleb Williams continues to impress, and the Bears might just be for real.
• Don’t sleep on the Saints or Texans, both are peaking with young QBs and strong finishes.