This could be the turning point in a litany of playoff races in the 2024 NFL season.
On Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens (9–5) crushed the New York Giants (2–12) to keep themselves in the mix for the AFC North, while the Kansas City Chiefs (13–1) handled the Cleveland Browns (3–11), although Patrick Mahomes was forced to leave early with an ankle injury.
In the late window, the Detroit Lions (12–1) are hosting the Buffalo Bills (10–3), who are hoping to avoid their second two-game losing streak of the year. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles (11–2) welcome the Pittsburgh Steelers (10–3). And, in a huge AFC tilt, the Denver Broncos (8–5) and Indianapolis Colts (6–7) are doing battle in the Mile High City.
Finally, Sunday night has the Green Bay Packers (8–5) visiting the Seattle Seahawks (8–5), who must keep winning to stay ahead in the NFC West race.
Ravens 35, Giants 14
My take: Out of its bye week, Baltimore (9–5) looked like a team capable of making a run at the AFC North title. Entering the day two games out of first place, the Ravens hammered a hapless New York (2–12) team yet to win at MetLife Stadium this year. Lamar Jackson amassed 357 total yards while Rashod Bateman had three receptions for 80 yards and two scores. All told, Baltimore kept itself in the race to host a playoff game or two, as the Giants keep sinking to depths almost unthinkable during the Tom Coughlin era only a decade ago.
Stock up: Jackson probably isn’t going to win his second consecutive MVP and third overall, but his numbers are elite. For the year, Jackson has thrown for 34 touchdowns against three interceptions while totaling 4,325 yards.
Stock down: Brian Daboll’s job security. It seems a foregone conclusion that owner John Mara will move on from general manager Joe Schoen this offseason, but will Daboll survive? With every ugly loss, especially at home, it will be tougher for Mara to stay the proverbial course.
Up Next: Steelers at Ravens, 4:30 p.m. ET Dec. 21; Giants at Falcons, 1 p.m. ET Dec. 22
Texans 20, Dolphins 12
My take: Houston emerged from its bye week and earned (9–5) a win over Miami (6–8), which is now all but eliminated from the AFC playoff picture. It wasn’t a great day for either quarterback, as Tua Tagovailoa had four turnovers and C.J. Stroud passed for 131 yards on 5.0 yards per attempt. Still, the Texans won to maintain a two-game lead in the AFC South, even if the Colts pull an upset in Denver later on.
Stock up: Danielle Hunter has been terrific this season in his first year with the Texans, and had another excellent afternoon. The veteran posted 1.5 sacks and two quarterback hits.
Stock down: Miami needed a great day from Tagovailoa, and instead got one of his worst. Not dealing with the elements or a great opponent, he suffered the four aforementioned turnovers and threw for just 196 yards on 40 attempts.
Up Next: 49ers at Dolphins, 4:25 p.m. ET Dec. 22; Texans at Chiefs, 1 p.m. ET Dec. 21
Commanders 20, Saints 19
My take: For Washington (9–5), the win means staying in firm control of its own destiny in the NFC playoff picture. Jayden Daniels threw for 226 yards, Terry McLaurin caught two touchdown passes and the Commanders held off New Orleans (5–9), who had quarterback Jake Haener making his first NFL start. For Washington, there’s still plenty to clean up including the offensive line, which allowed eight sacks, but the overall picture is rosy with one more win likely getting the Commanders into the playoffs.
Stock up: Daniels did a terrific job in a tough spot. The Saints are struggling, but it’s never easy playing in the Superdome, especially when you’re a local product after his Heisman days at LSU. Daniels didn’t miss the moment, totaling 292 yards and two touchdowns in a win.
Stock down: New Orleans needs to be better up front. Haener was making his initial start and had little chance, getting sacked three times before coming out of the game before the second half. The running attack also had no room, gaining just 69 yards on 4.3 yards per carry.
Up Next: Eagles at Commanders, 1 p.m. ET Dec. 22; Saints at Packers, 8:20 p.m. ET Dec. 23
This article was originally published on www.si.com as NFL Week 15 Recap: Who’s Up, Who’s Down, What’s Next for Every Team.