| NEW YORK — Dec. 16, 2025
AFC CLINCHED: Denver Broncos (12-2) – playoff berth Denver Broncos (12-2) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4); Sunday (4:05 p.m. ET, FOX) Denver clinches AFC West division title and the AFC’s No. 1 seed, lone first-round bye and home-field advantage with:
Denver clinches AFC West division title with:
Buffalo clinches playoff berth with:
New England clinches playoff berth with:
Jacksonville clinches playoff berth with:
Los Angeles Chargers clinch playoff berth with:
NFC CLINCHED: Los Angeles Rams (11-3) – playoff berth
Philadelphia clinches NFC East division title with:
Chicago clinches playoff berth with:
Green Bay clinches playoff berth with:
San Francisco clinches playoff berth with:
Seattle clinches playoff berth with:
Media Contact: Sam Drexler, NFL; Sam.Drexler@NFL.com |
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Week 16 Playoff Scenarios
Colts Playoff Hopes in Jeopardy After Philip Rivers Return
A shocking story hit the NFL news cycle a few days ago, as 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers signed with the Indianapolis Colts to come out of his five-year retirement. Rivers last played during the 2020 NFL season in his lone year as a Colt and is currently a semifinalist for the upcoming Pro Football Hall of Fame class. Reports indicate Rivers is in line to start for the Colts on Sunday in their game against the 10–3 Seattle Seahawks, who enter the matchup with the No. 2-ranked defense in the league.
Photo Cred: Bleacher Report
While the Colts sit at a respectable 8–5 record, they are in danger of missing the playoffs. Indianapolis currently holds the eighth seed in the AFC and is third in its own division behind the Texans and Jaguars. The Colts have lost their last three games after starting the season 8–2 and holding the No. 1 seed in the AFC at that point.
Indianapolis is turning to the retired Rivers after losing starting quarterback Daniel Jones for the remainder of the season with a torn Achilles. Jones’ backup, Anthony Richardson, has been sidelined for weeks and remains on injured reserve with an orbital fracture suffered during a pregame warmup accident. The Colts’ third-string quarterback, Riley Leonard, a rookie sixth-round pick, also sprained his knee after Jones exited Sunday’s game.
Rivers retired for good reason five years ago. At around 40 years old, he was clearly physically diminished, despite never having elite physical tools even in his prime. It’s easy to imagine the difficulty he will have escaping pass rushes and pushing the ball downfield after a five-year layoff at age 44—especially after appearing noticeably overweight at his press conference. When asked about his current weight, Rivers responded, “I’m not sure. How ’bout that?” before clarifying that it’s “not what it was when I walked off the field in Buffalo” for his final game in 2020.
Photo Cred: ESPN
The road does not get any easier for Rivers and the Colts down the stretch, as they still must face the Jaguars and Texans, who currently rank eighth and first in defensive efficiency, respectively. While Rivers already knows the offense from his years working with Colts head coach and offensive play-caller Shane Steichen during their time together with the Chargers in San Diego, that familiarity may not matter much against the caliber of defenses they will face.
Although the Colts boast a dominant run game led by MVP candidate Jonathan Taylor, the team previously relied on the threat of a downfield passing attack with Jones to keep defenses honest and lighten the box for Taylor. With an aging, limited, and out-of-shape Rivers under center, Steichen will likely lean heavily on screen passes and short, quick concepts. If the schedule were more favorable, that approach might be enough to push Indianapolis into the playoffs. However, the defenses remaining on their schedule are simply too strong.
Photo Cred: Bleacher Report
In his surprise NFL return for the Indianapolis Colts against the Seahawks on December 14, 2025, at age 44, Philip Rivers stats: 18/27 passing, 120 yards, 1TD, 1 INT, leading the Colts to a near-win but ultimately falling short. He threw a touchdown with Josh Downs. It is difficult to envision the Colts overcoming this quarterback limitation and earning a playoff spot in the AFC. A once promising season had come crashing down.
Washington dominates Boise State in Bucked Up LA Bowl
The Washington Huskies ended their season with a 38–10 win over Boise State in the LA Bowl hosted by Gronk on Dec. 13. In their final victory of the season, Washington proved that the future is bright. The first quarter was slow, ending in a 3–3 tie. During the second quarter, Washington scored three of its four touchdowns of the evening.
“We knew what they were playing on defense, and it was a matter of execution. I think in the first quarter we weren’t executing enough, and in the second quarter it was a mentality thing. In the huddle, that’s where leadership comes in to remind us to execute every play,” Demond Williams Jr. said.
Demond Williams Jr. led the Huskies by throwing for four touchdowns and 215 passing yards. Denzel Boston recorded Washington’s first touchdown in the second quarter and finished with 126 receiving yards. Jonah Coleman, Quentin Moore, and Dezmen Roebuck also found the end zone for the Huskies. Washington head coach Jedd Fisch said the team entered the LA Bowl with a championship mindset. Fisch commended Williams and said he is hopeful Williams’ leadership will guide the team to another successful season next year.
Photo Cred: Youtube
“I’m really proud of our team. We treated this game as a championship game—a championship opportunity—and we’re sitting with nine wins. Our team had a great week of preparation, and I’m excited about what the future entails,” Fisch said. “I think we’ve got a great season ahead of us, and when you’re led by an elite quarterback, you’ve got the opportunity to win many games.”
Boise State redshirt sophomore Max Cutforth threw the team’s only touchdown late in the game. He completed 15-of-27 passes for 202 passing yards and threw three interceptions. Senior Matt Lauter caught the Broncos’ lone touchdown late in the game. After being credited as “one of the most productive tight ends” in Boise State history, Lauter said he is excited to pass the torch to the younger players.
“I’m grateful for Potter passing to me on the last play of my career—that was cool. All of the other tight ends look up to me, and we have [Matt] Wagner and a few other guys who are going to be special, take over the role, and own it,” Lauter said. “Those guys understand how the room is supposed to operate, and their work ethic—that’s the biggest thing to me.”
Quarterback Maddux Madsen completed 7-of-16 passes for 51 yards. Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson said Madsen battled injury for the majority of the season and credited him for playing in the LA Bowl despite navigating those challenges.
“Maddux Madsen is a warrior, and he’s battled through injury all season. A lesser competitor wouldn’t have even tried to play in the championship game, but Maddux Madsen is an elite competitor, and that’s our quarterback,” Danielson said. “Max Cutforth came in and did some good things. I think the easy answer is to go to the portal, but I believe in Maddux Madsen and Max Cutforth.”
As seniors Matt Lauter and Marco Notarainni look to the future of Boise State football, both players said they are confident in the team’s leadership and resilience as they prepare for next season.
“I think that’s what Coach has instilled in us and what our program is about. It’s about getting back to work, grinding through hard things, and doing the right thing even when it’s hard to do,” Notarainni said. “I know [Sire Gaines] and so many other guys are going to do a great job carrying that torch.”
The LA Bowl began in 2021 at SoFi Stadium and has been sponsored by Jimmy Kimmel and Rob Gronkowski. Reports have swirled that this year may be the final LA Bowl, though nothing has been confirmed.
2025 Heisman Top Ten Finalists Released
NEW YORK (December 10, 2025) – The fifth through tenth spots in the 2025 Heisman balloting were released Thursday night (Dec. 11) on The Top 10 Heisman Trophy Finalists Show Presented by Nissan that aired live on ESPN.
The six standouts that complete the 2025 Heisman Trophy Top 10 complement the top four finishers that were announced Monday, which include (listed alphabetically) Notre Dame junior running back Jeremiyah Love, Indiana senior quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Vanderbilt senior quarterback Diego Pavia and Ohio State freshman quarterback Julian Sayin.
Joining the four finalists are fifth-place Texas Tech senior linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, sixth-place Ohio State sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, seventh-place Georgia junior quarterback Gunner Stockton, eighth-place Mississippi senior quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, ninth-place Ohio State junior safety Caleb Downs and 10th-place Georgia Tech senior quarterback Haynes King.
The 2025 Heisman Trophy winner will be announced during the Heisman Trophy Ceremony Presented by Nissan that will air Saturday (Dec. 13) at 7 p.m. ET on ABC.
Ohio State’s three top 10 finishers mark the seventh time in the last eight years that there has been at least two players from the same team in the Heisman Top 10 balloting and the first time there has been three in the Top 10 since Alabama’s DeVonta Smith, Mac Jones and Najee Harris finished first, third and fifth, respectively.
Rodriguez is Texas Tech’s highest finisher since 2008 when Red Raider teammates Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree finished fourth and fifth, respectively.
Rodriguez’s fifth-place Heisman finish is the highest among strictly defensive players since Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson was second in 2021. Rodriguez and Downs are the first pair of defensive players to finish in the Heisman Top 10 since the trio of Hutchinson, fifth-place Alabama linebacker Will Anderson and ninth-place Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis.
Smith is the first strictly receiver to finish in the top 10 since fellow Buckeye Marvin Harrison Jr. in 2023.
Stockton is Georgia’s highest finisher since Bulldog quarterback and Heisman finalist Stetson Bennett was fourth in 2022.
Chambliss is Mississippi’s highest finisher since quarterback Matt Corral’s seventh-place finish in 2021.
King is the first player from Georgia Tech to finish in the top 10 since wide receiver Calvin Johnson was also 10th in 2006. The highest Yellowjacket finisher before that was the program’s only finalist, quarterback Joe Hamilton, who was second in 1999.
Why Acquiring Draft Picks Should Be Phoenix’s Top Priority
The Phoenix Suns are starting the season stronger than most anticipated in a tough Western Conference, sitting at 14–11 and holding the No. 7 seed. This early success is a breath of fresh air for an organization coming off a stretch of poor and questionable management decisions. While most teams with this start would feel optimistic heading into trade season, Phoenix may be trending in the opposite direction.
The Suns entered a bleak phase of their franchise after committing fully to a “win-now” strategy with the acquisition of Kevin Durant in early 2023. The deal cost them three key contributors from their championship run, along with four first-round picks and a pick swap. When it became clear Durant alone couldn’t push them over the top, they doubled down that offseason—moving Chris Paul, six second-round picks, and four first-round pick swaps for three-time All-Star Bradley Beal. In hindsight, this sequence of moves has become one of the most heavily criticized roster decisions in modern NBA history, especially given Phoenix parted ways with Beal just two seasons later.
Photo Cred:Bleacher Report
Now, with the franchise firmly in the present day, optimism is hard to find. After trading for Mark Williams, the Suns won’t control their own first-round pick until 2032, sacrificing two more first-rounders in the process. These moves have stripped the organization of flexibility—limiting their ability to reshape the roster through the draft and leaving them reliant on the current group. As the trade window nears and media outlets roll out mock drafts, few scenarios provide a realistic escape from Phoenix’s current predicament.
Several Suns players are playing some of the best basketball of their careers, giving them strong trade value if the organization chooses to sell. The problem is that many assume Phoenix will be buyers, not sellers—seeking talent instead of assets. The Suns didn’t expect this roster to mesh as well as it has, and some now believe this group could form a new playoff core. But that optimism took a major hit after a 49-point loss to the defending champions, exposing just how underdeveloped the roster still is.
The most sensible approach for Phoenix during the upcoming trade window is to sell and recoup assets. Committing to this direction would allow the Suns to build through the draft, prioritize youth, and move on from players unlikely to contribute meaningfully to a future championship run. It forces a tough decision: several key role players are peaking in value right now. Some could help push Phoenix to heights not seen since 2021, but waiting too long risks their value declining—and missing out on critical opportunities.
Photo Cred: Hoops
The Suns never expected to be competitive this season, given they’re still in year one of their rebuild. And although they’ve exceeded expectations, few believe this level of play is sustainable. The NBA is full of fluctuations, and buying without evidence would be unwise. With Devin Booker under contract through the 2030 season, Phoenix has time to let this rebuild unfold naturally.
Trade Block
Grayson Allen:
Over the last three seasons, Allen has solidified himself as one of the league’s top three-point shooters while providing strong defense. His evolution into a versatile offensive player—capable of elite floor spacing, attacking off the dribble, and finishing at the rim—makes him a valuable asset. Moving him to a contender could bring Phoenix meaningful draft capital and help form a younger core.
Dillon Brooks:
Brooks is having a career year across multiple categories, proving himself to be a strong third option on a contender. After two rough seasons, he has reignited energy within the Suns and brought a new culture to the locker room. He holds the most trade value on the roster, and moving him could set Phoenix up extremely well for the future.
Royce O’Neale:
O’Neale has boosted his efficiency on both ends, shooting around 40 percent from three and offering reliable defense. His value is near its peak, making this an ideal time to move him while opening the door for younger players to develop.
Nick Richards:
Set to become a free agent this offseason, Richards has gradually fallen out of Jordan Ott’s rotation. Keeping him as insurance behind Mark Williams made sense, but it has also limited lottery pick Khaman Maluach’s opportunities. Trading Richards would free up developmental minutes and further commit Phoenix to a youth-driven direction.
Puka Nacua, Al-Quadin Muhammad & Rashid Shaheed Named Week 14 NFC Players of the Week
| NEW YORK — Dec. 10, 2025 — Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, Detroit Lions EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad and Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played in Week 14 (December 4, 7-8).
OFFENSE: WR PUKA NACUA, LOS ANGELES RAMS
DEFENSE: EDGE AL-QUADIN MUHAMMAD, DETROIT LIONS
SPECIAL TEAMS: WR RASHID SHAHEED, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
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Josh Allen, Rasul Douglas & Marvin Mims Named Week 14 AFC Players of the Week
NEW YORK — Dec. 10, 2025 — Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Miami Dolphins cornerback Rasul Douglas and Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played in Week 14 (December 4, 7-8).
OFFENSE: QB JOSH ALLEN, BUFFALO BILLS
- Allen passed for 251 yards and three touchdowns and added 78 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in the Bills’ 39-34 victory over Cincinnati. This was Allen’s 50th career game with both a rushing and passing touchdown, the most in NFL history. Additionally, Allen is the first player in NFL history with at least 250 passing yards, 75 rushing yards, three touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown in two career games, previously accomplishing the feat in Week 14, 2024.
- This is Allen’s 18th Player of the Week award and his third of the season. Allen ties Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Marino (18-time winner) and Ben Roethlisberger (18) for the fifth-most Player of the Week awards by a quarterback, trailing only Tom brady (32), Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (27), Drew Brees (25) and Aaron Rodgers (19).
- 2018: Week 17
- 2019: Week 11
- 2020: Weeks 2, 9, 13, 15
- 2021: Week 3
- 2022: Weeks 5, 6, 15
- 2023: Weeks 2, 4
- 2024: Weeks 3, 13, 15
- 2025: Weeks 1, 11, 14
DEFENSE: CB RASUL DOUGLAS, MIAMI DOLPHINS
- Douglas had five passes defensed, two tackles and an interception in Miami’s 34-10 win at the New York Jets and is the first AFC player with five passes defended and an interception since 2010 (Eric Rowe).
- This is the third Defensive Player of the Week award for Douglas and he is the sixth Dolphins cornerback to earn the honor, joining Xavien Howard (three-time winner), Sam Madison (three), Terrell Buckley (two), Brent Grimes and Jalen Ramsey.
- 2021: Week 12 (Packers)
- 2023: Week 17 (Bills)
- 2025: Week 14 (Dolphins)
- Douglas ties Marc Bulger and Tavon Austin (both three-time winners) for the third-most Player of the Week awards won by a former West Virginia player and the most by any defensive player.
SPECIAL TEAMS: WR MARVIN MIMS, DENVER BRONCOS
- Mims had a 48-yard punt return for a touchdown, giving the Broncos the lead going into halftime of Denver’s 24-17 win at Las Vegas.
- This is Mims third Special Teams Player of the Week award, tying Brandon McManus (three) and Wil Lutz (three) for the third-most such awards by a Broncos player. Mims has the most Special Teams Player of the Week Award of any Broncos punt-returner in franchise history.
- 2023: Week 10
- 2024: Week 15
- 2025: Week 14
- Mims has the second-most Special Teams Player of the Week awards of any former Oklahoma player, trailing only Tress Way (five-time winner).
Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week – Week 14 Winners Announced
|
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders has been voted the Pepsi® Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Week for Week 14, the NFL announced today. Fans voted for one of six players on NFL.com/rookies and on the NFL Mobile app to determine who would bring home the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Week championship belt for Week 14. After the regular season, six players will be nominated for the Pepsi® Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year honor. Fans can vote for the winner on NFL.com/rookies throughout the month of January. This is the 25th year with Pepsi as the official soft drink sponsor of the NFL and the 24th year that Pepsi will present the NFL Rookie of the Week and NFL Rookie of the Year award. |
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What to Look For – Week 15
NEW YORK — Dec. 10, 2025 — Below are the players that can set historic marks or reach career milestones in Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season, including:
- DE Myles Garrett
- QB Matthew Stafford
- QB Drake Maye
- QB Josh Allen
- QB Bo Nix
- RB Christian McCaffrey
- RB Jahmyr Gibbs
- WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
- WR Puka Nacua
- WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
- WR Ja’Marr Chase
- WR Justin Jefferson
- TE Trey McBride
MYLES GARRETT
Cleveland defensive end Myles Garrett leads the league with 20 sacks this season and ranks first in the NFL with 122.5 sacks since entering the league in 2017, the second-most by a player in his first nine seasons since 1982.
Garrett, who plays on Sunday at Chicago (1 p.m. ET, FOX), enters Week 15 2.5 sacks behind Michael Strahan (22.5 sacks in 2001 with the New York Giants) and T.J. Watt (22.5 in 2021 with Pittsburgh) for the most sacks in a season since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic.
The players with the most sacks in a season since 1982:
| PLAYER | TEAM | SEASON | SACKS |
| Michael Strahan | N.Y. Giants | 2001 | 22.5 |
| T.J. Watt | Pittsburgh | 2021 | 22.5 |
| Jared Allen HOF | Minnesota | 2011 | 22 |
| Mark Gastineau | N.Y. Jets | 1984 | 22 |
| Justin Houston | Kansas City | 2014 | 22 |
| Chris Doleman HOF | Minnesota | 1989 | 21 |
| Reggie White HOF | Philadelphia | 1987 | 21 |
| Myles Garrett | Cleveland | 2025 | 20* |
| *entering Week 15 | |||
MATTHEW STAFFORD
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford leads the NFL with 35 touchdown passes this season and has at least two touchdown passes and no interceptions in each of his past five home games.
With at least two touchdown passes and no interceptions at home against Detroit on Sunday (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX), Stafford can join Aaron Rodgers (eight consecutive home games in 2014) as the only players in NFL history with at least two touchdown passes and no interceptions in six consecutive home games within a single season.
Additionally, with no interceptions in Week 15, Stafford can become the third quarterback all-time with no interceptions in 10 consecutive home starts, joining Aaron Rodgers (16 consecutive home starts from 2012-15) and Jalen Hurts (10 from 2024-25).
DRAKE MAYE
New England quarterback Drake Maye ranks second in the league with 3,412 passing yards and a 111.9 passer rating this season.
With a win on Sunday against Buffalo (1 p.m. ET, CBS), the Patriots would clinch the AFC East division title and Maye – who has led New England to 10 consecutive victories – can become the sixth quarterback in NFL history under the age of 24 with 11 consecutive wins in a single season.
The starting quarterbacks under the age of 24 with the longest winning streaks in a single season in NFL history:
| PLAYER | TEAM | SEASON | CONSECUTIVE WINS |
| Ben Roethlisberger | Pittsburgh | 2004 | 13 |
| Lamar Jackson | Baltimore | 2019 | 11 |
| Peyton Manning HOF | Indianapolis | 1999 | 11 |
| Dan Marino HOF | Miami | 1984 | 11 |
| Dak Prescott | Dallas | 2016 | 11 |
| Drake Maye | New England | 2025 | 10* |
| *active streak | |||
With at least 250 passing yards and a passer rating of 100-or-higher in Week 15, Maye can become the fourth quarterback under the age of 24 to record 10 such career games, joining Justin Herbert (13 games), Patrick Mahomes (13) and Jameis Winston (10).
The quarterbacks under the age of 24 with the most games with at least 250 passing yards and a passer rating of 100-or-higher in NFL history:
| PLAYER | TEAM | GAMES |
| Justin Herbert | L.A. Chargers | 13 |
| Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City | 13 |
| Jameis Winston | Tampa Bay | 10 |
| Drake Maye | New England | 9* |
| Matthew Stafford | Detroit | 9 |
| *age 23 | ||
JOSH ALLEN
Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen has 3,083 passing yards this season and ranks second in the NFL with 34 touchdowns, including 22 passing and 12 rushing.
With three touchdown passes on Sunday at New England (1 p.m. ET, CBS), Allen can become the fourth player in NFL history with at least 3,000 passing yards and 25 touchdown passes in six of his first eight career seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (eight seasons), Patrick Mahomes (seven) and Russell Wilson (six).
Allen, who has five career seasons with at least 35 combined passing, rushing and receiving touchdowns, can join Tom Brady (seven seasons), Aaron Rodgers (seven) and Drew Brees (six) as the only players in NFL history with at least 35 combined passing, rushing and receiving touchdowns in six career seasons.
The players with the most seasons with at least 35 combined passing, rushing and receiving touchdowns in NFL history:
| PLAYER | TEAM(S) | SEASONS |
| Tom Brady | New England, Tampa Bay | 7 |
| Aaron Rodgers | Green Bay | 7 |
| Drew Brees | New Orleans | 6 |
| Josh Allen | Buffalo | 5* |
| Peyton Manning HOF | Indianapolis, Denver | 5 |
| *has 34 combined touchdowns in 2025 | ||
Allen has 85 regular season wins and with a win on Sunday, can tie Tom Brady (86 regular season wins) and Russell Wilson (86) for the second-most regular season wins by a quarterback in his first eight seasons in NFL history. Only Patrick Mahomes (89 regular season wins) has more.
BO NIX
Denver quarterback Bo Nix ranks tied for third in the NFL with 673 completions since entering the league in 2024.
With a win on Sunday against Green Bay (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS), Nix – who has 21 wins since entering the NFL last season – can tie Andrew Luck (22 wins), Dak Prescott (22) and Ben Roethlisberger (22) for the second-most wins by a quarterback in his first two seasons in NFL history, trailing only Russell Wilson (24).
With 27 completions in Week 15, Nix can become the fourth quarterback with at least 700 completions in his first two seasons in NFL history, joining Justin Herbert (839 completions), Trevor Lawrence (746) and Kyler Murray (724).
The players with the most completions in their first two seasons in NFL history:
| PLAYER | TEAM | COMPLETIONS |
| Justin Herbert | L.A. Chargers | 839 |
| Trevor Lawrence | Jacksonville | 746 |
| Kyler Murray | Arizona | 724 |
| Derek Carr | Oakland Raiders | 698 |
| Andrew Luck | Indianapolis | 682 |
| Bo Nix | Denver | 673* |
| *in second season | ||
CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY
San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey leads all running backs with 85 receptions and 806 receiving yards this season and ranks third with 1,655 scrimmage yards.
With five receptions on Sunday against Tennessee (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX), McCaffrey can become the first running back in NFL history with at least 90 receptions in three career seasons, surpassing Larry Centers and Austin Ekeler.
With 94 receiving yards in Week 15, McCaffrey – who had 1,005 receiving yards in 2019 with Carolina – can join Pro Football Hall of Famers Marshall Faulk (1,048 receiving yards in 1999 and 908 receiving yards in 1998) and Lenny Moore (938 receiving yards in 1958 and 936 receiving yards in 1960) as the only running backs all-time with at least 900 receiving yards in two career seasons.
Additionally, with 145 scrimmage yards on Sunday, McCaffrey can join Pro Football Hall of Famers Walter Payton (seven seasons), Marshall Faulk (five), Emmitt Smith (five) and LaDainian Tomlinson (five) as the only players with at least 1,800 scrimmage yards in at least five seasons in NFL history.
The players with the most career seasons with at least 1,800 scrimmage yards in NFL history:
| PLAYER | TEAM(S) | SEASONS |
| Walter Payton HOF | Chicago | 7 |
| Marshall Faulk HOF | Indianapolis, St. Louis Rams | 5 |
| Emmitt Smith HOF | Dallas | 5 |
| LaDainian Tomlinson HOF | San Diego Chargers | 5 |
| Christian McCaffrey | Carolina, San Francisco | 4* |
| *has 1,655 scrimmage yards in 2025 | ||
JAHMYR GIBBS
Detroit running back Jahmyr Gibbs leads the NFL with 47 scrimmage touchdowns (39 rushing, eight receiving) since entering the league in 2023 and ranks second with 16 scrimmage touchdowns (13 rushing, three receiving touchdowns) this season.
With a touchdown on Sunday at the Los Angeles Rams (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX), Gibbs can surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders (47 touchdowns) for the most touchdowns by a player under the age of 24 all-time and the most touchdowns by a player in his first three seasons in NFL history.
Additionally, Gibbs can join Pro Football Hall of Famers Barry Sanders (31 games), Randy Moss (31) and Gale Sayers (30) as well as Maurice Jones-Drew (30) as the only players in NFL history with at least 30 games in their first three seasons with a touchdown.
The players with the most games with a touchdown in their first three seasons in NFL history:
| PLAYER | TEAM | GAMES |
| Barry Sanders HOF | Detroit | 31 |
| Randy Moss HOF | Minnesota | 31 |
| Gale Sayers HOF | Chicago | 30 |
| Maurice Jones-Drew | Jacksonville | 30 |
| Eric Dickerson HOF | L.A. Rams | 29 |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | Detroit | 29* |
| LaDainian Tomlinson HOF | San Diego Chargers | 29 |
| *in third season | ||
Gibbs has 11 games with multiple rushing touchdowns and with at least two rushing touchdowns on Sunday, can tie Pro Football Hall of Famers Jim Brown (12 games), Earl Campbell (12) and Eric Dickerson (12) for the most games with multiple rushing touchdowns by a player in his first three seasons in NFL history.
JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA
Seattle wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba leads the league with 1,428 receiving yards and ranks tied for second with nine touchdown receptions this season.
With at least 72 receiving yards and a touchdown reception on Sunday against Indianapolis (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS), Smith-Njigba can become the fourth player under the age of 24 with at least 1,500 receiving yards and 10 touchdown receptions in a season, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer Isaac Bruce (1995 with the St. Louis Rams), DeAndre Hopkins (2015 with Houston) and Justin Jefferson (2021 with Minnesota).
With at least 90 receiving yards in Week 15, Smith-Njigba can become the sixth player in NFL history with at least 90 receiving yards in 12 games within a single season, joining Cooper Kupp (16 games in 2021 with the Los Angeles Rams), Antonio Brown (13 in 2014 with Pittsburgh), Julio Jones (12 in 2015 with Atlanta) and Pro Football Hall of Famers Michael Irvin (13 in 1995 with Dallas) and Calvin Johnson (12 in 2012 with Detroit).
PUKA NACUA
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua ranks tied for first in the NFL with 93 receptions and second with 1,186 receiving yards this season.
With at least seven receptions and 14 receiving yards on Sunday against Detroit (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX), Nacua can become the fifth player all-time with at least 100 receptions and 1,200 receiving yards in two of his first three seasons, joining Anquan Boldin, Justin Jefferson, Brandon Marshall and Michael Thomas.
AMON-RA ST. BROWN
Detroit wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has 81 receptions for 976 yards and is tied for the second-most touchdown receptions this season with nine.
With nine receptions on Sunday at the Los Angeles Rams (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX), St. Brown can become the first player ever with at least 90 receptions in each of his first five career seasons and the sixth wide receiver all-time with at least 90 receptions in five consecutive seasons, joining Antonio Brown (six consecutive seasons from 2013-18), Torry Holt (six from 2002-07, Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison (five from 1999-2003), Keenan Allen (five from 2017-21) and Demaryius Thomas (five from 2012-16).
JA’MARR CHASE
Cincinnati wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase ranks second in the NFL with 6,440 receiving yards since entering the league in 2021.
With 72 receiving yards against Baltimore on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, CBS), Chase can surpass Odell Beckham Jr. (6,511 receiving yards) for the fourth-most receiving yards by a player in their first 75 career games in NFL history. Only Pro Football Hall of Famer Lance Alworth (7,532 receiving yards), Julio Jones (7,306) and Justin Jefferson (7,286) have more.
The players with the most receiving yards in their first 75 career games in NFL history:
| PLAYER | TEAM(S) | REC. YARDS |
| Lance Alworth HOF | San Diego Chargers | 7,532 |
| Julio Jones | Atlanta | 7,306 |
| Justin Jefferson | Minnesota | 7,286 |
| Odell Beckham Jr. | N.Y. Giants, Cleveland | 6,511 |
| Ja’Marr Chase | Cincinnati | 6,440* |
| *in 74 career games | ||
JUSTIN JEFFERSON
Minnesota wide receiver Justin Jefferson leads the NFL with 8,242 receiving yards since entering the league in 2020 and ranks second with 559 receptions.
With 134 receiving yards on Sunday Night Football at Dallas (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC), Jefferson can surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss (8,375 receiving yards) for the most receiving yards by a player in his first six seasons in NFL history.
Additionally, with six receptions in Week 15, Jefferson can surpass Jarvis Landry (564 receptions) for the most receptions by a player in their first six seasons in NFL history.
TREY MCBRIDE
Arizona tight end Trey McBride leads all tight ends in the NFL with 93 receptions, 937 receiving yards and eight touchdown catches this season.
With at least seven receptions on Sunday at Houston (1 p.m. ET, FOX), McBride – who had 111 receptions in 2024 – can become the first tight end in NFL history with at least 100 receptions in consecutive seasons and join Travis Kelce (three seasons) as the only tight ends all-time with at least 100 receptions in multiple career seasons.
McBride, who has at least five receptions in 15 consecutive games since Week 17 of the 2024 season, can surpass Travis Kelce (15 consecutive games in 2018) for the most consecutive games with at least five receptions by a tight end in NFL history.
Media Contact: Sam Drexler, NFL; Sam.Drexler@NFL.com
Christmas Day Games, Saturday Doubleheader Headline Week 17 Slate
| NEW YORK — Dec. 10, 2025 — The NFL today finalized its Week 17 schedule. Saturday, Dec. 27 will feature a doubleheader starting with the Houston Texans at the Los Angeles Chargers at 4:30 p.m. ET on NFL Network and concluding with the Peacock Holiday Exclusive featuring the Baltimore Ravens at the Green Bay Packers at 8 p.m. ET.
Week 17 will begin with a Christmas Day doubleheader on Netflix, the Dallas Cowboys at the Washington Commanders at 1 p.m. ET and the Detroit Lions at the Minnesota Vikings at 4:30 p.m. ET. On Christmas night, the Denver Broncos will play at the Kansas City Chiefs at 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video. The final Week 17 schedule (all times ET):
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