Playoffs squandered, a lot of risk, little reward or a new sign of life: our winners and losers of NFL Week 15.

Many teams disappointed on NFL Game Day 15 in 2024. One superstar may have even cost his team a playoff spot.

Others, however, seized the moment and played themselves into the spotlight. Two stars outdid each other in the remote duel.

Our winners and losers in Week 15.

Green Bay Packers (winner)

Dominated the important game against the Seattle Seahawks 30-13 to cement their status as one of the best teams in the league.

No one player stood out, but the team looked well-prepared in every way against a good opponent. This gives hope for more.

Spencer Rattler (winner)

When Spencer Rattler was substituted into the game against the Washington Commanders, the New Orleans Saints were already 0-17 behind. But the once highly praised talent played big and led the team very close to a possible comeback, which was only missed by one point (19-20).

With this performance, Rattler should be given preference over his disappointing competitor Jake Haener in the future.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (winner)

First place in the NFC South, the highly praised Chargers defense properly read the riot act and super-receiver Mike Evans back in top form and in top form: What a game day for Baker Mayfield and his Tampa Bay Buccaneers!

Evans alone caught 159 yards and two touchdowns in the 40-17 win over Los Angeles. The Buccaneers turned it up in the second half and made it clear that they are a force to be reckoned with this year despite major injury concerns.

MVP duel (winner)

Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) and Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) are the favorites in the battle for the MVP crown. Of course, a Saquon Barkley as a running back still has traditional outsider chances, but it will probably come down to one of the two quarterbacks.

And they are currently delivering a breathtaking duel week after week. While Jackson shone against the defenseless New York Giants with five touchdown passes, Allen almost single-handedly decided the top game against the Detroit Lions, scoring 48 points.

Las Vegas Raiders (winner)

Yes, it may be a bit smug to call the Las Vegas Raiders the winners – after all, they lost 9-15 to the Atlanta Falcons.

But: That makes them even worse than the Giants and gives them the first pick in the upcoming draft (for the complete draft order). This franchise couldn’t get anything more valuable than that right now. So it’s a secret victory.

Pittsburgh Steelers (losers)

T.J. Watt out injured and not a ghost of a chance in the top game against the Philadelphia Eagles: the Pittsburgh Steelers had a bad day of play.

George Pickens was missing as a receiver at every turn. But the run with Najee Harris was also virtually non-existent. That made quarterback Russell Wilson’s life difficult.

The 13-27 thrashing could be an indication that the Steelers might not be as strong as many thought.

Jonathan Taylor (loser)

Instead of increasing the lead to 20:7 against the Denver Broncos with a touchdown (and extra point), Jonathan Taylor, after a 40-yard run, let go of the ball just millimeters from the end zone – due to a lapse of concentration or exuberance.

A fatal – and simply unforgivable – mistake by the running back. Taylor may have often convinced, but this faux pas probably cost not only the game against the previously weak Broncos (13:31), but perhaps also the last hope of a possible playoff spot.

Seattle Seahawks (Loser)

It was their chance to attack at the top and take the next step towards the division title. But instead, disillusionment. The Seahawks lost Geno Smith due to injury, saw Sam Howell seeking help, and lost 13-30 to Green Bay.

The Seahawks may still make the playoffs in their first season under head coach Mike Macdonald, but they are not yet a top team.

Dan Campbell (loser)

Jared Goff threw for five touchdowns, didn’t throw an interception, scored 42 points with his offense – and still lost to the Bills.

Also because head coach Campbell again made some questionable decisions, such as trying an onside kick with more than ten minutes left on the clock.

Not only the numerous injuries could cost the Lions a deep playoff run – also their head coach.

Offense of the Miami Dolphins (loser)

It might have been their last chance for the playoffs. But the Miami Dolphins had to admit defeat against the Houston Texans with 12:20.

The Dolphins defense is usually to blame for defeats, but this time it was due to Tua Tagovailoa and Co. Four turnovers: just too many. And Tyreek Hill hasn’t really been getting many chances to score in the past few weeks. This is no longer the show that Miami was once known for.