2015 NFL season

American football season March 2026 the American football season in the United States the Gaelic football season in Ireland 2015 National Football League (Ireland) March 2014 File:NFL gold logo.png 150px For the 2015 season, a gold-plated NFL logo was used across all league properties in anticipation of the 50th Super Bowl game. 2015 September 10, 2015 – January 3, 2016 January 9, 2016 Denver Broncos Carolina Panthers Denver Broncos 50 February 7, 2016 Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California January 31, 2016 Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, HawaiiThe 2015 NFL season was the 96th season in the history of the National Football League (NFL), and the 50th in the Super Bowl era. To celebrate the 50th season of the Super Bowl, a gold-plated NFL logo and other various gold-themed promotions were used throughout the season. It began on Thursday, September 10, 2015, with the annual kickoff game featuring the defending Super Bowl XLIX champion New England Patriots defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers. The season concluded with Super Bowl 50, the league's championship game, on Sunday, February 7, 2016, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, with the Denver Broncos defeating the Carolina Panthers 24–10. During the 2015 season, the Oakland Raiders, the St. Louis Rams, and the San Diego Chargers announced their intentions to relocate back to Los Angeles in the ensuing off-season (all three teams had previously resided in the city at various points in their history). NFL owners eventually only approved the relocation of the Rams, by a vote of 30–2 on January 12, 2016. Thus, 2015 ended up being the Rams' last season in St. Louis. 4 Player movement The 2015 NFL League Year began on Tuesday, March 10, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. ET. On Saturday, March 7, clubs started to contact and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who became unrestricted free agents upon the expiration of their 2014 contracts at 4:00 p.m. ET on March 10.http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/schedules/keydates NFL Football Schedule Key Dates CBSSports.com 2015-05-19 April 2, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150402121306/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/schedules/keydates live On Tuesday, March 10, 2015, clubs exercised options for 2015 on all players who have option clauses in their 2014 contracts, submitted qualifying offers to their restricted free agents with expiring contracts and to whom they desire to retain a Right of First Refusal/Compensation, submitted a Minimum Salary Tender to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with expiring 2014 contracts and who have fewer than three accrued seasons of free agency credit, "Top-51" began, all clubs must be under the 2015 salary cap, all 2014 player contracts expired at 4:00 p.m. ET and trading period for 2015 began. (4:00 p.m. ET).NFL Schedule Key Dates http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/schedules/keydates CBSsports 6 March 2015 April 2, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150402121306/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/schedules/keydates live This season's salary cap increased to $143.28 million per team, up from $133 million in 2014.NFL salary cap set at $255.4M per team for 2024 regular season https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-salary-cap-set-at-255-4m-per-team-for-2024-regular-season NFL.com February 29, 2024 April 1, 2025 February 6, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250206202102/https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-salary-cap-set-at-255-4m-per-team-for-2024-regular-season live Free agency A total of 453 players were eligible for some form of free agency at the beginning of the free agency period.2015 Free Agent List https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/03-10-15-free-agency-begins-5.pdf National Football League August 20, 2015 March 15, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150315004934/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/03-10-15-free-agency-begins-5.pdf live Among the players who changed teams via free agency included: Quarterbacks Brian Hoyer (Cleveland to Houston) and Josh McCown (Tampa Bay to Cleveland). Running backs Frank Gore (from San Francisco to Indianapolis),https://www.nfl.com/news/frank-gore-agrees-to-terms-with-indianapolis-colts-0ap3000000477870 Frank Gore agrees to terms with Colts NFL.com March 10, 2015 March 10, 2015 March 12, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150312154224/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000477870/article/frank-gore-agrees-to-terms-with-colts live Chris Johnson (from New York Jets to Arizona),Rosenthal Gregg August 17, 2015 Arizona Cardinals sign running back Chris Johnson https://www.nfl.com/news/arizona-cardinals-sign-running-back-chris-johnson-0ap3000000511185 live https://web.archive.org/web/20150820234157/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000511185/article/arizona-cardinals-sign-running-back-chris-johnson August 20, 2015 August 17, 2015 NFL.com Ryan Mathews (from San Diego to Philadelphia),Spadaro Dave http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/RB-Ryan-Mathews-Signs-Three-Year-Deal/e7462c26-5f10-4752-9218-7e3dc0a58a2c RB Ryan Mathews Signs Three-Year Deal Philadelphiaeagles.com 2015-03-12 2015-12-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20150314151537/http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/RB-Ryan-Mathews-Signs-Three-Year-Deal/e7462c26-5f10-4752-9218-7e3dc0a58a2c March 14, 2015 dead mdy-all DeMarco Murray (from Dallas to Philadelphia),http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/Its-Official-RB-Murray-Signs-With-Eagles/d00ce62f-cb87-4dd0-b93e-3bb49498deef It's Official: RB Murray Signs With Eagles PhiladelphiaEagles.com March 12, 2015 August 21, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150902030939/http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/Its-Official-RB-Murray-Signs-With-Eagles/d00ce62f-cb87-4dd0-b93e-3bb49498deef September 2, 2015 dead mdy-all and Shane Vereen (New England to New York Giants) Wide receivers Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City to Cleveland), Michael Crabtree, Andre Johnson (Houston to Indianapolis),https://www.nfl.com/news/andre-johnson-announces-he-s-signed-with-colts-0ap3000000478244 Andre Johnson announces he's signed with Colts Wesseling Chris NFL.com March 11, 2015 March 11, 2015 March 12, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150312095431/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000478244/article/andre-johnson-announces-hes-signed-with-colts live Jeremy Maclin (Philadelphia to Kansas City),Chiefs ink Jeremy Maclin to 5-year, $55 million deal https://www.nfl.com/news/chiefs-ink-jeremy-maclin-to-5-year-55-million-deal-0ap3000000478097 NFL.com June 4, 2024 July 14, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240714104306/https://www.nfl.com/news/chiefs-ink-jeremy-maclin-to-5-year-55-million-deal-0ap3000000478097 live Eddie Royal (San Diego to Chicago),http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-ink-free-agents-Royal-Rolle/9ded44c1-c158-4bc9-b545-7420c37bdd30 Bears ink free agents Royal, Rolle Larry Mayer ChicagoBears.com March 11, 2015 March 12, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150313231520/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-ink-free-agents-Royal-Rolle/9ded44c1-c158-4bc9-b545-7420c37bdd30 March 13, 2015 dead mdy-all and Torrey Smith (Baltimore to San Francisco),Sessler Marc 49ers, Torrey Smith strike five-year, $40M deal https://www.nfl.com/news/49ers-torrey-smith-strike-five-year-40m-deal-0ap3000000477785 NFL.com 10 March 2015 March 11, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150311153021/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000477785/article/49ers-torrey-smith-strike-fiveyear-40m-deal live Tight ends Jordan Cameron (Cleveland to Miami), Charles Clay (Miami to Buffalo), Owen Daniels (Baltimore to Denver), Lee Smith (Buffalo to Oakland) and Julius Thomas (Denver to Jacksonville) Offensive linemen James Carpenter (Seattle to New York Jets),http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-9/Jets-Sign-Unrestricted-FA-Guard-James-Carpenter/e559ef29-af75-49a3-8fa5-3412039c5cea Jets Sign Unrestricted FA Guard James Carpenter Randy Lange March 11, 2015 March 11, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150313104948/http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-9/Jets-Sign-Unrestricted-FA-Guard-James-Carpenter/e559ef29-af75-49a3-8fa5-3412039c5cea March 13, 2015 dead mdy-all Orlando Franklin (Denver to San Diego),http://www.chargers.com/news/2015/03/10/bolts-add-orlando-franklin-beef-offensive-line Bolts Add Orlando Franklin to Beef Up Offensive Line SanDiegoChargers.com March 10, 2015 August 20, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150831211726/http://www.chargers.com/news/2015/03/10/bolts-add-orlando-franklin-beef-offensive-line August 31, 2015 dead mdy-all Rodney Hudson (Kansas City to Oakland),https://www.nfl.com/news/raiders-to-sign-rodney-hudson-to-5-year-44-5m-deal-0ap3000000477331 Raiders to sign Rodney Hudson to 5-year, $44.5M deal Sessler Marc NFL Enterprises, LLC. March 9, 2015 NFL.com August 26, 2015 August 8, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200808231319/https://www.nfl.com/news/raiders-to-sign-rodney-hudson-to-5-year-44-5m-deal-0ap3000000477331 livehttp://www.raiders.com/news/article-1/Raiders-Sign-C-Rodney-Hudson/cdcb680a-a72c-4c18-8342-384a0a46cc39 Raiders Sign C Rodney Hudson Raiders.com March 11, 2015 March 11, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150314055721/http://www.raiders.com/news/article-1/Raiders-Sign-C-Rodney-Hudson/cdcb680a-a72c-4c18-8342-384a0a46cc39 March 14, 2015 dead mdy-all Mike Iupati (San Francisco to Arizona),Gantt Darin Mike Iupati cashes in with $40 million deal from Cardinals http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/10/mike-iupati-cashes-in-with-40-million-deal-from-cardinals/ Pro Football Talk 10 March 2015 March 10, 2015 August 27, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150827031835/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/10/mike-iupati-cashes-in-with-40-million-deal-from-cardinals/ live Jermey Parnell (Dallas to Jacksonville) and Stefen Wisniewski (Oakland to Jacksonville) Defensive tackles Nick Fairley (from Detroit to St. Louis),Alper Josh Nick Fairley signs with Rams http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/13/nick-fairley-signs-with-rams/ March 13, 2015 March 13, 2015 March 14, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150314071446/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/13/nick-fairley-signs-with-rams/ live Terrance Knighton (from Denver to Washington),Wesseling Chris Terrance Knighton set to sign with Redskins https://www.nfl.com/news/terrance-knighton-set-to-sign-with-redskins-0ap3000000478666 NFL.com 13 March 2015 November 4, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241104024331/https://www.nfl.com/news/terrance-knighton-set-to-sign-with-redskins-0ap3000000478666 live Jared Odrick (Miami to Jacksonville, Stephen Paea (Chicago to Washington), Ndamukong Suh (Detroit to Miami),Suh signs with Dolphins, cites money as the reason Detroit Free Press, March 11, 2015Walker James Ndamukong Suh signs record deal https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12462569/miami-dolphins-make-ndamukong-suh-top-paid-nfl-defensive-player ESPN 11 March 2015 March 11, 2015 November 16, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241116044126/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12462569/miami-dolphins-make-ndamukong-suh-top-paid-nfl-defensive-player live Vince Wilfork (New England to Houston);McClain John Veteran defensive lineman Wilfork agrees to two-year deal with Texans http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2015/03/veteran-defensive-lineman-wilfork-agrees-to-deal-with-texans/#31139101=0 Houston Chronicle March 16, 2015 16 March 2015 March 16, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150316215549/http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2015/03/veteran-defensive-lineman-wilfork-agrees-to-deal-with-texans/#31139101=0 live and Dan Williams (Arizona to Oakland)https://www.nfl.com/news/raiders-pick-up-curtis-lofton-dan-williams-for-defense-0ap3000000478048 Raiders pick up Curtis Lofton, Dan Williams for defense NFL.com Gregg Rosenthal March 11, 2015 June 4, 2024 July 10, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220710090847/https://www.nfl.com/news/raiders-pick-up-curtis-lofton-dan-williams-for-defense-0ap3000000478048 live Defensive ends Greg Hardy (Carolina to Dallas),https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2386330-greg-hardy-to-cowboys-latest-contract-details-comments-and-reaction Greg Hardy to Cowboys: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction Tyler Conway Bleacher Report May 5, 2026 May 17, 2026 https://web.archive.org/web/20260517082711/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2386330-greg-hardy-to-cowboys-latest-contract-details-comments-and-reaction live Michael Johnson (Tampa Bay to Cincinnati), Pernell McPhee (Baltimore to Chicago), Jabaal Sheard (Cleveland to New England) and Brian Orakpo (Washington to Tennessee),Jones Mike Brian Orakpo agrees to terms with the Titans https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2015/03/13/brian-orakpo-agrees-to-terms-with-the-titans/ Washington Post 13 March 2015 March 15, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150315004626/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2015/03/13/brian-orakpo-agrees-to-terms-with-the-titans/ live Linebackers Bruce Carter (Dallas to Tampa Bay), Nate Irving (Denver to Indianapolis).,https://www.nfl.com/news/indianapolis-colts-agree-to-terms-with-ilb-nate-irving-0ap3000000480272 Indianapolis Colts agree to terms with ILB Nate Irving Patra Kevin NFL.com March 20, 2015 March 20, 2015 August 9, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200809003756/https://www.nfl.com/news/indianapolis-colts-agree-to-terms-with-ilb-nate-irving-0ap3000000480272 live Brooks Reed (Houston to Atlanta) and Sean Weatherspoon (Atlanta to Arizona) Cornerbacks Perrish Cox (San Francisco to Tennessee), Antonio Cromartie (Arizona to New York Jets),Pedulla, Tom. Antonio Cromartie is reunited with Darelle Revis on the Jets https://web.archive.org/web/20150403025836/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/13/sports/football/antonio-cromartie-and-jets-near-deal.html?_r=0 April 3, 2015 . The New York Times. March 12, 2015. Retrieved March 14, 2015. Chris Culliver (San Francisco to Washington), Byron Maxwell (Seattle to Philadelphia),Rosenthal Gregg Byron Maxwell to join Eagles on six-year, $60M deal https://www.nfl.com/news/byron-maxwell-to-join-eagles-on-six-year-63m-deal-0ap3000000477284 NFL.com 10 March 2015 September 19, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240919133303/https://www.nfl.com/news/byron-maxwell-to-join-eagles-on-six-year-63m-deal-0ap3000000477284 live Darrelle Revis (New England to New York Jets),Darrelle Revis to return to Jets, who also add cornerback Buster Skrine https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/darrelle-revis-to-return-to-jets-who-also-add-cornerback-buster-skrine-w29389 Newsday Martin, Kimberley March 10, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150311065713/http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/darrelle-revis-to-return-to-jets-who-also-add-cornerback-buster-skrine-1.10042491 March 11, 2015 March 10, 2015 live mdy Buster Skrine (Cleveland to New York Jets), Cary Williams (Philadelphia to Seattle) and Tramon Williams (Green Bay to Cleveland)Gribble, Andrew March 16, 2015 Browns sign DB Tramon Williams Cleveland Browns http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-sign-DB-Tramon-Williams/d79cbaa0-8faa-4061-b98f-642c87430128 March 21, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150320200740/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-sign-DB-Tramon-Williams/d79cbaa0-8faa-4061-b98f-642c87430128 March 20, 2015 dead mdy-all Safeties Rahim Moore (Denver to Houston), Antrel Rolle (New York Giants to Chicago) and Da'Norris Searcy (Buffalo to Tennessee) Four players were assigned the non-exclusive franchise tag by their teams, which ensured that the team would receive compensation were the player to sign a contract with another team. These players were wide receivers Dez Bryant (Cowboys)Dallas Cowboys franchise tag Dez Bryant https://www.nfl.com/news/dallas-cowboys-franchise-tag-dez-bryant-0ap3000000475763 National Football League 3 March 2015 October 5, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201005203759/https://www.nfl.com/news/dallas-cowboys-franchise-tag-dez-bryant-0ap3000000475763 live and Demaryius Thomas (Broncos),Broncos franchise tag Demaryius Thomas https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-franchise-tag-demaryius-thomas-0ap3000000475739 National Football League 3 March 2015 October 2, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201002134101/https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-franchise-tag-demaryius-thomas-0ap3000000475739 live linebacker Justin Houston (Chiefs),Kansas City Chiefs franchise tag Justin Houston https://www.nfl.com/news/kansas-city-chiefs-franchise-tag-justin-houston-0ap3000000475736 National Football League 3 March 2015 April 16, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240416195158/https://www.nfl.com/news/kansas-city-chiefs-franchise-tag-justin-houston-0ap3000000475736 live and defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (Giants).Jason Pierre-Paul gets New York Giants' franchise tag https://www.nfl.com/news/jason-pierre-paul-gets-new-york-giants-franchise-tag-0ap3000000475805 National Football League 3 March 2015 July 18, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240718071548/https://www.nfl.com/news/jason-pierre-paul-gets-new-york-giants-franchise-tag-0ap3000000475805 live One other team used the transition tag, which offers the player's current team a chance to match offers from other franchises and also guarantees draft pick compensation (at a lesser level than the franchise tag) if a tagged player signs elsewhere. The player given the transition tag was Charles Clay (Dolphins). On March 19, 2015, Clay signed a five-year, $38M contract with the Buffalo Bills, after the Dolphins elected not to match the offer.Brown Chris Bills land TE Charles Clay http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Bills-land-TE-Charles-Clay/695f0127-e39a-449d-87a7-2eddf62cac17 BuffaloBills.com Buffalo Bills 19 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150321144853/http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Bills-land-TE-Charles-Clay/695f0127-e39a-449d-87a7-2eddf62cac17 March 21, 2015 dead mdy-all Trades An unusually large number of big name players switched teams via trade prior to the 2015 season.Schalter Ty Why Has the NFL Finally Started Embracing the Art of Trading Players? https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2403865-why-has-the-nfl-finally-started-embracing-the-art-of-trading-players Bleacher Report September 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150821051658/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2403865-why-has-the-nfl-finally-started-embracing-the-art-of-trading-players August 21, 2015 March 20, 2015 live Eagles coach Chip Kelly used his newly obtained GM powers to make many blockbuster trades. The Philadelphia Eagles traded 2-time All-Pro running back LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for linebacker Kiko Alonso.Wesseling Chris Eagles, Bills to swap LeSean McCoy for Kiko Alonso https://www.nfl.com/news/eagles-bills-to-swap-lesean-mccoy-for-kiko-alonso-0ap3000000476192 September 21, 2015 NFL.com March 3, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150905122535/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000476192/article/eagles-bills-to-swap-lesean-mccoy-for-kiko-alonso September 5, 2015 live The Eagles also traded Pro Bowl quarterback Nick Foles along with their selection in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft to the St. Louis Rams for quarterback Sam Bradford; the deal also included a swap of draft picks in the 2015 NFL draft as well as a possible additional 2016 draft pick from the Rams contingent on Bradford's playing time with the Eagles.Trade Terms For Bradford-Foles Deal Finalized http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/3/10/8187783/trade-terms-for-bradford-foles-deal-finalized Turf Show Times SB Nation September 21, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150521001530/http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/3/10/8187783/trade-terms-for-bradford-foles-deal-finalized May 21, 2015 March 10, 2015 live The New Orleans Saints traded All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham along with their fourth-round selection in the draft to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for All-Pro center Max Unger and the Seahawks' first-round selection in the draft.Seahawks land star TE Jimmy Graham in trade with Saints http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/seattle-seahawks-new-orleans-saints-trade-jimmy-graham-max-unger-draft-picks-031015 September 21, 2015 AP Foxsports.com March 10, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150401110507/http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/seattle-seahawks-new-orleans-saints-trade-jimmy-graham-max-unger-draft-picks-031015 April 1, 2015 live The Saints also traded away Pro Bowl guard Ben Grubbs (to the Kansas City Chiefs for a fifth round selection in the 2015 NFL draft) and wide receiver Kenny Stills (to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and a third rounder in the 2015 draft). The Detroit Lions acquired All-Pro defensive tackle Haloti Ngata from the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for draft picks to help make up for the loss of Ndamukong Suh in free agency.Rothstein Michael Ravens trade NT Haloti Ngata https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12456178/baltimore-ravens-trade-haloti-ngata-detroit-lions ESPN.com May 4, 2015 May 4, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150402221300/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12456178/baltimore-ravens-trade-haloti-ngata-detroit-lions April 2, 2015 live Draft 2015 NFL draft The 2015 NFL draft was held April 30 – May 2, 2015, in Chicago.2014 NFL Draft Notes http://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/draft-notes-2014.pdf National Football League May 6, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140506192929/http://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/draft-notes-2014.pdf May 6, 2014 May 6, 2014 live The draft process began with the NFL Scouting Combine, where draft-eligible players were evaluated by team personnel, which was held in Indianapolis on February 17–23. On October 2, 2014, Auditorium Theatre in Chicago was announced as the official site of the draft.Schefter Adam Chicago will host 2015 NFL draft https://www.espn.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/11626814/nfl-sets-dates-2015-draft ESPN.com October 2, 2014 October 5, 2014 July 4, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170704103304/http://www.espn.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/11626814/nfl-sets-dates-2015-draft live The previous fifty NFL drafts (since 1965) had been held in New York.Myers Gary 2015 NFL draft will not be at Radio City Music Hall, headed to either Los Angeles or Chicago http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/nfl-draft-leaving-new-york-2015-headed-chicago-article-1.1871386 February 10, 2015 Daily News (New York) July 17, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140718180720/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/nfl-draft-leaving-new-york-2015-headed-chicago-article-1.1871386 July 18, 2014 The 2015 NFL draft was the first to feature an outdoor component, where fans would be able to see the Commissioner on the Auditorium Theatre stage from across the street in Grant Park; this area was called Draft Town.Fischer Bryan New, fan-friendly events planned for 2015 NFL Draft in Chicago https://www.nfl.com/news/new-fan-friendly-events-planned-for-2015-nfl-draft-in-chicago-0ap3000000476415 NFL.com NFL Productions LLC 4 May 2015 May 5, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150505041647/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000476415/article/new-fanfriendly-events-planned-for-2015-nfl-draft-in-chicago live In the draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made Florida State University quarterback Jameis Winston the first overall selection.https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/nfl-draft-day-jameis-winston-prepares-chapter/story?id=30710801 NFL Draft Day: Jameis Winston Goes to Tampa Bay Buccaneers as No. 1 NFL Draft Pick ABC News ABC News April 30, 2015 April 30, 2015 April 30, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150430220553/http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/nfl-draft-day-jameis-winston-prepares-chapter/story?id=30710801 live New officials Referee Bill Leavy retired after the 2014 season.http://www.footballzebras.com/2015/05/13/12613/ R Bill Leavy retires after 20 seasons Lewis Josh Football Zebras May 13, 2015 footballzebras.com May 18, 2015 May 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518073427/http://www.footballzebras.com/2015/05/13/12613/ live On May 13, 2015, the NFL promoted line judge John Hussey to the referee position.http://www.footballzebras.com/2015/05/13/12624/ LJ John Hussey moves to the referee position Schultz Mark Football Zebras May 13, 2015 footballzebras.com May 18, 2015 May 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518073254/http://www.footballzebras.com/2015/05/13/12624/ live In addition to Hussey's promotion to referee, the NFL hired 10 more officials, including the first full-time female official in NFL history, Sarah Thomas, who worked as a line judge,https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-makes-sarah-thomas-first-full-time-female-official-0ap3000000484154 NFL makes Sarah Thomas first full-time female official Orr Conor NFL Enterprises LLC. April 8, 2015 NFL.com May 18, 2015 December 20, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171220185036/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000484154/article/nfl-makes-sarah-thomas-first-fulltime-female-official live as well as Walt Coleman IV, the son of referee Walt Coleman, who worked as a side judge.http://www.footballzebras.com/2015/04/08/12607/ 9 officials hired by the NFL with only 4 vacancies Austro Ben Football Zebras April 8, 2015 footballzebras.com May 18, 2015 May 11, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150511123608/http://www.footballzebras.com/2015/04/08/12607 live Rule changes The following rule changes were passed for the 2015 NFL season at the owners' meeting on March 25, 2015:https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12551912/nfl-owners-vote-allow-medical-out Owners OK changes for safety, replay John Keim March 24, 2015 ESPN.com March 25, 2015 October 22, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171022141344/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12551912/nfl-owners-vote-allow-medical-out live Allow a certified medical trainer to call a medical time-out when a player appears disoriented or concussed. This time-out is not to be charged to the team whose player is injured, even inside the two-minute warning. The only substitution allowed is for the injured player and for a single player from the opposing team to match up. Making the practice of a receiver declared ineligible lining up in the slot formation illegal; ineligible receivers must line up inside the tackle box. This was in response to the New England Patriots using this tactic in the 2014–15 NFL playoffs against the Baltimore Ravens. Extended the restriction for peel-back blocks to include all of the offensive team instead of just those inside of the tackle box. Expanded the definition of a "defenseless receiver" to include intended receivers in the air during and after an interception. Making offensive backs who chop a defender engaged above the waist by another offensive player subject to a chop-block penalty (15 yards). Pushing teammates at the scrimmage line during punts or field goals is illegal. Expanded instant replay to include whether time should be put back on the game clock at the end of any period. The league's jersey numbering system was modified to allow linebackers to wear numbers 40–49, in addition to 50–59 and 90–99. The 'process' rule on making a catch while going to the ground is adjusted. A receiver will be considered to have made a catch if they "clearly establish themselves as a runner" before going to the ground. Previously a receiver had to make a "football move".https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-rewrites-dez-bryant-rule-and-it-might-actually-be-more-confusing/ NFL rewrites Dez Bryant rule and it might actually be more confusing John Breech July 24, 2025 CBSsports.com June 13, 2026 February 1, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240201025452/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-rewrites-dez-bryant-rule-and-it-might-actually-be-more-confusing/ live The following changes to the extra point rules were passed for the 2015 NFL season at the owners' meeting on May 19, 2015:Williams Eric D. 2015-05-19 NFL changes PAT rule for 2015 https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12915634/nfl-change-extra-point-kicks-longer-distance 2024-02-16 ESPN.com en February 16, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240216212214/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12915634/nfl-change-extra-point-kicks-longer-distance live Patra Kevin May 19, 2015 NFL moves extra point to 15-yard line for 2015 season https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-moves-extra-point-to-15-yard-line-for-2015-season-0ap3000000493347 2024-02-16 NFL.com en-US February 16, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240216212214/https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-moves-extra-point-to-15-yard-line-for-2015-season-0ap3000000493347 live The line of scrimmage for extra point tries will move to the 15-yard line from the two-yard line. Two-point conversions will still be spotted at the two-yard line. Defenses will be allowed to return turnovers on two-point tries or blocked or missed PAT kicks to the opposing end zone for two points, mirroring the NCAA College football rule adopted in the 1988 season. Furthermore, a one-point safety can now also be scored if either team takes possession and fumbles out of their own end zone or is tackled in it after leaving it.https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/11/sports/football/a-1-point-score-in-the-nfl-now-its-possible.html?_r=0 N.F.L. Team Scoring Just 1 Point? Now It's Possible Mather Victor September 10, 2015 The New York Times September 11, 2015 September 13, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150913003208/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/11/sports/football/a-1-point-score-in-the-nfl-now-its-possible.html?_r=0 live The following changes to game ball protocol were passed for the 2015 NFL season on July 27, 2015:https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2015/07/27/nfls-post-deflategate-rule-changes-undermine-leagues-punishment-of-tom-brady/ NFL's post-DeflateGate rule changes undermine league's punishment of Tom Brady Kilgore Adam The Washington Post July 27, 2015 July 30, 2015 December 23, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151223042716/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2015/07/27/nfls-post-deflategate-rule-changes-undermine-leagues-punishment-of-tom-brady/ live There will be increased testing, oversight and security surrounding the balls. At random games, officials will measure the PSI of 24 footballs at halftime. Two officials, instead of only the referee, will measure and record the inflation of footballs before the game. These changes were made in response to the "deflategate" scandal. 2015 deaths The following people associated with the NFL (or AFL) died in 2015.2015 Pro Football Deaths https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/deaths.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com February 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150218080350/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/deaths.htm February 18, 2015 live mdy Frank Gifford thumb|right|125px|Gifford in 2009 Frank Gifford died on August 9, just a week shy of his 85th birthday. Gifford had a 12-year playing career with the New York Giants in the 1950s and 1960s. He was a 4-time All-Pro, played in eight Pro Bowls and was named to the 1950s All-Decade Team. In 1956 Gifford was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player. After his playing career Gifford transitioned to sports broadcasting, most notably joining ABC's Monday Night Football in the program's second season and serving as the broadcast's play-by-play announcer and later color commentator for the next 27 seasons. Gifford was a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame as well as the College Football Hall of Fame.Goldstein Richard Weber Bruce Frank Gifford, Star for Giants and in the Broadcast Booth, Dies at 84 https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/10/sports/football/frank-gifford-early-nfl-celebrity-as-player-and-broadcaster-dies-at-84.html September 18, 2015 The New York Times August 9, 2015 September 17, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150917091859/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/10/sports/football/frank-gifford-early-nfl-celebrity-as-player-and-broadcaster-dies-at-84.html liveFrank Gifford https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GiffFr00.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com September 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150905131133/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GiffFr00.htm September 5, 2015 live thumb|left|125px|Bednarik in 1952 thumb|right|125px|Stabler in 2007 thumb|left|125px|Sanders (far right) in 2007 thumb|right|125px|Yepremian in 2013 thumb|left|125px|St. Clair in 2009 Chuck Bednarik Chuck Bednarik died on March 31 at age 89. Bednarik was the first player selected in the 1949 NFL draft and played linebacker and center for the Philadelphia Eagles for fourteen seasons. He won championships with the Eagles in 1949 and 1960. He was a 5-time first team All-Pro and played in eight Pro Bowls. Bednarik was selected as a member of the NFL's 75th Anniversary All-Time Two-Way Team and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1967. He was also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.Fitzpatrick Frank Eagles Hall of Famer Chuck Bednarik dies http://www.philly.com/philly/obituaries/20150322_Eagles_Hall_of_Famer_Chuck_Bednarik_dies.html#96AmtgZPLvfR7u72.99 September 18, 2015 The Philadelphia Inquirer March 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150602095934/http://www.philly.com/philly/obituaries/20150322_Eagles_Hall_of_Famer_Chuck_Bednarik_dies.html June 2, 2015 liveChuck Bednarik https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BednCh00.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com September 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150905064021/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BednCh00.htm September 5, 2015 live Ken Stabler Ken Stabler died on July 8 at age 69. Stabler had a fifteen-year NFL career as a quarterback for the Oakland Raiders, Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints in the 1970s and 1980s. He was named the league's MVP in 1974, led the Raiders to their first championship in Super Bowl XI and was a member of the 1970s All-Decade Team.Farmer Sam Ken Stabler dies at 69; elusive Raiders quarterback known as 'The Snake' http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-ken-stabler-20150710-story.html September 18, 2015 Los Angeles Times July 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150818224420/http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-ken-stabler-20150710-story.html August 18, 2015 liveKen Stabler https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StabKe00.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com September 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150905074838/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StabKe00.htm September 5, 2015 live Ed Sabol Ed Sabol died on February 9 at age 98. Sabol founded NFL Films in 1962 where he pioneered a documentary style of capturing the game of football that many credit as a driver of the huge surge in the NFL's popularity. Sabol was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.Ed Sabol, 1916-2015 http://www.profootballhof.com/story/2015/2/9/ed-sabol-1916-2015/ ProFootballHOF.com Pro Football Hall of Fame September 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150918153149/http://www.profootballhof.com/story/2015/2/9/ed-sabol-1916-2015/ September 18, 2015 February 9, 2015 dead mdy-all Charlie Sanders Charlie Sanders died on July 2 at age 68. Sanders played tight end for the Detroit Lions for ten seasons. He was twice named first-team All-Pro, was selected for seven Pro Bowl teams and was a member of the 1970s All-Decade Team. After his playing career he continued to be involved with the Lions, first as a broadcaster and later as a coach and scout. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.Birkett Dave Lions legend Charlie Sanders dies at 68 http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/07/02/charlie-sanders-death-detroit-lions/29634347/ September 18, 2015 Detroit Free Press July 3, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150703104625/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/07/02/charlie-sanders-death-detroit-lions/29634347/ July 3, 2015 liveCharlie Sanders https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandCh01.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com September 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150905053515/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandCh01.htm September 5, 2015 live Garo Yepremian Garo Yepremian died on May 15 at age 70. Yepremian had a fourteen-year career as a placekicker for four NFL teams, most notably with the Miami Dolphins of the 1970s. He was twice named a first-team All-Pro and was a member of two Pro Bowl teams as well as a 2-time Super Bowl champion. He led the league in field goal accuracy three times and was named to the 1970s All-Decade Team.Jackson Barry Miami Dolphins legendary kicker Garo Yepremian dies at 70 http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article21153423.html September 18, 2015 Miami Herald May 16, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150530144020/http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article21153423.html May 30, 2015 liveGaro Yepremian https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/Y/yepregar01.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com September 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150905115122/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/Y/yepregar01.htm September 5, 2015 live Bob St. Clair Bob St. Clair died on April 20 at age 84. St. Clair had an eleven-year career as an offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1950s and 1960s. He played in the Pro Bowl five times and was named to the 1950s All-Decade Team. St. Clair was the mayor of Daly City, California from 1958 through 1964. St. Clair was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.Branch Eric Bob St. Clair, Hall of Fame 49ers lineman, dies at 84 http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/Bob-St-Clair-dies-at-84-6212538.php September 18, 2015 San Francisco Chronicle April 20, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150814195812/http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/Bob-St-Clair-dies-at-84-6212538.php August 14, 2015 liveBob St. Clair, 1931-2015 http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/2015/4/20/bob-st-clair-1931-2015/ September 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150905194012/http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/2015/4/20/bob-st-clair-1931-2015/ September 5, 2015 April 20, 2015 liveBob St. Clair https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/St.CBo00.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com September 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150905072533/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/St.CBo00.htm September 5, 2015 live Other 2015 deaths 12em Bill Arnsparger Pete Athas George Atkins Billy Baggett Monk Bailey Tom Bettis M. L. Brackett C. O. Brocato Curtis Brown Doug Buffone Bryan Caldwell Henry Carr Sam Cathcart Damion Cook John David Crow Doug Cunningham Willie Daniel Jack Davis JaJuan Dawson Clyde Duncan Bill Enyart Mel Farr Jesse Freitas, Jr. Ed Fullerton Mike Gaechter Jim Gaffney Gary Glick Ray Graves Jimmy Gunn Rip Hawkins Dick Hensley Gary Henson Ray Hill Gordy Holz, Marv Hubbard Tommy Hudspeth Kevin Hunt Lindy Infante Bill Jessup Sonny Karnofsky Bill Keating Vince Kendrick Mike Kostiuk Jim LaRue Eddie LeBaron Dan Lewis Jack Linn Tom Longo Don Looney Ann Mara Tommy Mason Jim McCusker Ralph McGill Steve Meilinger John Mellekas Terdell Middleton Ed Modzelewski Jim Mutscheller Ray Nagel Joe O'Malley John Papit Pat Peppler Jim Phillips John Polonchek Art Powell Bob Priestley Steve Pritko Jethro Pugh Mike Pyle Lee Remmel Adrian Robinson William Roffler Tyler Sash Tom Scott Allie Sherman John Siegal Joe Skibinski J. D. Smith Robert Sowell Dick Stanfel Jim Steffen Charlie Sumner Rich Szaro Bob Toneff Laverne Torczon LaVern Torgeson Bobby Towns Ted Vaught Danny Villanueva Jerry Wilson Dick Wood Preseason Training camps for the 2015 season began July 22 and continued through the end of preseason, September 3. The normal training camp window ran from late July to late August or early September. Most of the camps had rookies report first, then veterans. At that point, some teams practiced versus another organization, like the Bills practiced against the Browns this year. Teams started training camp no earlier than fifteen days before the team's first scheduled preseason game. At that point, the rosters for each team were open to 90 players. Those rosters were cut to 75 by Week 3 of preseason, and the final 53-man roster was submitted at the end of preseason. Prior to the start of the regular season, each team played at least four exhibition games. The preseason schedule got underway with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Sunday evening, August 9. The Hall of Fame game is a traditional part of the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame induction weekend celebrating new Hall of Fame members. It was played at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium which is located adjacent to the Hall of Fame building in Canton, Ohio. The game, which was televised in the U.S. on NBC, featured the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers; as in previous years, each team had an inductee in the class of 2015 (Mick Tingelhoff for the Vikings, Jerome Bettis for the Steelers).Sessler Marc Steelers, Vikings to square off in Hall of Fame Game https://www.nfl.com/news/steelers-vikings-to-square-off-in-hall-of-fame-game-0ap3000000470102 NFL.com NFL 12 February 2015 December 3, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241203190613/https://www.nfl.com/news/steelers-vikings-to-square-off-in-hall-of-fame-game-0ap3000000470102 live The 65-game preseason schedule ended on Thursday, September 3, a week before the start of the regular season, with each team having played four preseason games, except for the Steelers and Vikings, who played five games. The preliminary preseason schedule was released Thursday, April 9. Regular season The 2015 regular season featured 256 games played out over a seventeen-week schedule which began on the Thursday night following Labor Day. Each of the league's 32 teams played a 16-game schedule with one bye week for each team scheduled between weeks four and eleven. The slate also featured seventeen games on Monday night, two of which were played at the end of the first week of the regular season. Additionally, there was no Monday Night game at the end of the final week of the regular season, the same as in previous years. There were games played on Thursday, including the opening game of the regular season on Thursday, September 10 and three games on Thanksgiving Day. The regular season concluded with a full slate of 16 games on Sunday, January 3, all of which were intra-divisional matchups, as it has been since 2010, with the Minnesota Vikings beating the Green Bay Packers on NBC Sunday Night Football Scheduling formula Under the NFL's scheduling formula, each team plays each of the other three teams in their own division twice (one home and one away). In addition, a team plays against all four teams in one other division within the conference, on a 3-year rotation; and one division from the opposite conference, on a 4-year rotation. Two games on a team's schedule are against the two teams in the team's own conference in the divisions the team was not set to play who finished the previous season in the same rank in their division (e.g. the team which finished first in its division the previous season would play each other team in their conference that also finished first in its respective division). The pre-set division pairings for 2015 are as follows:NFL Record & Fact Book 2015 978-1618933942 NFL Scheduling Formula 16 July 29, 2014 registration https://archive.org/details/official2014nati00nati/page/16    Intra-conference AFC East vs. AFC South AFC North vs. AFC West NFC East vs. NFC South NFC North vs. NFC West   Inter-conference AFC East vs. NFC East AFC West vs. NFC North AFC North vs. NFC West AFC South vs. NFC South Highlights of the 2015 schedule include: NFL Kickoff Game: The 2015 season began on Thursday, September 10, 2015, with the Super Bowl XLIX champion New England hosting Pittsburgh. The Patriots defeated the Steelers, 28–21. International Series: Three games were played at Wembley Stadium in London, United Kingdom in 2015, with two games being played in back-to-back weeks for the first time.https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-announces-2015-international-series-lineup-0ap3000000423634 NFL announces 2015 International Series lineup NFL.com November 6, 2014 November 16, 2014 September 24, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200924191407/https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-announces-2015-international-series-lineup-0ap3000000423634 live Miami played the New York Jets on Sunday, October 4, the first ever divisional game played in the International Series. The Jacksonville then hosted the Buffalo on Sunday, October 25, in the third of four consecutive home games for the Jaguars in the International Series. Finally, the Kansas City hosted the Detroit on Sunday, November 1, making 2015 the Lions' second consecutive year in the International Series. All three games began at 9:30 a.m. ET.https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12149788/buffalo-bills-jacksonville-jaguars-october-game-london-kick-early Bills-Jaguars game to kick off early ESPN.com January 11, 2015 January 11, 2015 July 20, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190720174631/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12149788/buffalo-bills-jacksonville-jaguars-october-game-london-kick-early live Thanksgiving Day games: These games occurred on Thursday, November 26, 2015. For the second consecutive season, the AFC was shut out of Thanksgiving, with all six slots going to NFC teams. As usual, three consecutive games were played; the Detroit hosted the Philadelphia in the early slot on Fox and the Dallas hosted the Carolina in the middle slot on CBS; this was the Panthers' first ever Thanksgiving appearance. The Green Bay hosted the Chicago in the primetime game, where the Packers retired longtime quarterback Brett Favre's No. 4 jersey. Christmas: The Oakland hosted the San Diego at 8:25 p.m. EST (5:25 p.m. local time) on December 24, Christmas Eve. This was the second ever night game on Christmas Eve (the first was in 2007, which was also played in the Pacific Time Zone) and the first time the league has played on a Thursday Christmas Eve. The league has traditionally avoided playing night games on Christmas Eve and, in years past, moved games that would usually play on the night of Christmas Eve to another day of the week, an option the league did not exercise in 2015; no games were held on Christmas Day, which fell on a Friday, in 2015 as the NFL rarely plays games on that day of the week. In-season scheduling changes Week 10: The Chicago–St. Louis game was "cross-flexed" from Fox to CBS (still at 1:00 p.m. ET).Week 11 Flex Scheduling - November 22 Bengals-Cardinals Game Moves to NBC Sunday Night Football https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-11-Flex-Scheduling---November-22-Bengals-Cardinals-Game-Moves-to-NBC-Sunday-Night-Football.aspx NFL Communications November 2, 2015 November 2, 2015 July 2, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190702082222/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-11-Flex-Scheduling---November-22-Bengals-Cardinals-Game-Moves-to-NBC-Sunday-Night-Football.aspx live Week 11: The Cincinnati–Arizona game, originally scheduled at 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS, was flexed into the 8:30 p.m. ET slot on NBC's Sunday Night Football, in place of the originally scheduled Kansas City–San Diego game, which was moved to 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS. The Green Bay–Minnesota game, originally scheduled at 1:00 p.m. ET, was moved to 4:25 p.m. ET (still on Fox). Week 13: The Carolina–New Orleans game, originally scheduled at 1:00 p.m. ET, was moved to 4:25 p.m. ET (still on Fox), while the Cincinnati–Cleveland game was "cross-flexed" from CBS to Fox (still at 1:00 p.m. ET).Week 13 Flex Scheduling: Panthers-Saints Moves To 4:25 PM ET On FOX https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-13-Flex-Scheduling---Panthers-Saints-Moves-To-425-PM-ET-On-FOX.aspx NFL Communications November 23, 2015 November 23, 2015 November 24, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151124175304/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-13-Flex-Scheduling---Panthers-Saints-Moves-To-425-PM-ET-On-FOX.aspx live Week 14: The New England–Houston game, originally scheduled at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS, was flexed into the 8:30 p.m. ET slot on NBC's Sunday Night Football, in place of the originally scheduled Seattle–Baltimore game, which was moved to 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox.Week 14 Flex Scheduling: Patriots-Texans Moves To NBC's Sunday Night Football On December 13 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-14-Flex-Scheduling---Patriots-Texans-Moves-To-NBC%27s-Sunday-Night-Football-On-December-13.aspx NFL Communications November 29, 2015 November 29, 2015 August 12, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160812195026/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-14-Flex-Scheduling---Patriots-Texans-Moves-To-NBC%27s-Sunday-Night-Football-On-December-13.aspx live Week 15: The Arizona–Philadelphia game, originally scheduled at 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox, was flexed into the 8:30 p.m. ET slot on NBC's Sunday Night Football, in place of the originally scheduled Cincinnati–San Francisco game, which was moved to 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS, while the Buffalo–Washington game was "cross-flexed" from CBS to Fox (still at 1:00 p.m. ET).Week 15 (December 20) Flex Scheduling: Cardinals-Eagles Moves To NBC Sunday Night Football https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-15-%28December-20%29-Flex-Scheduling---Cardinals-Eagles-Moves-To-NBC-Sunday-Night-Football.aspx NFL Communications December 7, 2015 December 7, 2015 December 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151208131849/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-15-%28December-20%29-Flex-Scheduling---Cardinals-Eagles-Moves-To-NBC-Sunday-Night-Football.aspx live Week 16: The New York Giants–Minnesota game, originally scheduled at 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox, was flexed into the 8:30 p.m. ET slot on NBC's Sunday Night Football, in place of the originally scheduled Pittsburgh–Baltimore game, which was moved to 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS, while the Indianapolis–Miami game was "cross-flexed" from CBS to Fox (still at 1:00 p.m. ET). In addition, the Jacksonville-New Orleans game was moved from 1:00 p.m. ET to 4:05 p.m. ET (still on CBS).Week 16 (December 27) Flex Scheduling Note: Sunday Night Football Matchup Contingent on Tonight's New York Giants-Miami Dolphins Game https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-16-%28December-27%29-Flex-Scheduling-Note.aspx NFL Communications December 14, 2015 December 14, 2015 December 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151222090503/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-16-(December-27)-Flex-Scheduling-Note.aspx live Week 17:Week 17 Flex Schedule: Minnesota at Green Bay to be NBC Sunday Night Football Game on January 3 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-17-Flex-Schedule---Monday.aspx NFL Communications December 28, 2015 December 29, 2015 March 6, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160306080724/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-17-Flex-Schedule---Monday.aspx live The Minnesota–Green Bay game, originally scheduled at 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox, was selected as the final 8:30 p.m. ET NBC Sunday Night Football game of the season, which decided the NFC North division champion. The Baltimore–Cincinnati game, originally scheduled at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS, was "cross-flexed" to Fox (keeping the same kickoff time). The Tampa Bay–Carolina game, originally scheduled at 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox, was moved to 4:25 p.m. ET (still on Fox). The Oakland–Kansas City game, originally scheduled at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS, was "cross-flexed" to 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox. The St. Louis–San Francisco game, originally scheduled at 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox, was "cross-flexed" to CBS (keeping the same kickoff time). Regular season standings Division Conference Postseason 2015–16 NFL playoffs The 2015 playoffs opened with the Wild Card playoff round on the weekend of Saturday, January 9 and Sunday, January 10, 2016, with the winner of each of the games visiting the top two seeded teams in each conference. The Divisional round games were then played on the weekend of Saturday, January 16 and Sunday, January 17, 2016. The Conference championships were held on Sunday, January 24, 2016, with the AFC Championship Game and the NFC Championship Game. The 2016 Pro Bowl was held on January 31, 2016, at the Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. The game continued the "unconferenced/draft" format that was started in 2014, with Jerry Rice and Michael Irvin serving as the alumni captains. Team Irvin defeated Team Rice 49–27. Super Bowl 50 decided the 2015 NFL Champion and was played at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Sunday, February 7, 2016. Instead of naming it Super Bowl L with Roman numerals like in previous Super Bowls, this game was marketed with the Arabic numeral "50".Rovell Darren NFL: It's Super Bowl 50, not L https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11031941/nfl-take-one-year-hiatus-roman-numerals-super-bowl-50 June 4, 2014 ESPN.com June 4, 2014 June 4, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140604184545/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11031941/nfl-take-one-year-hiatus-roman-numerals-super-bowl-50 live According to Jaime Weston, the league's vice president of brand and creative, the primary reason was that the league's graphic designers had difficulty designing a suitable, aesthetically pleasing logo with only the Roman numeral "L". Playoffs bracket Notable events Some NFL-related events that made headlines in 2015 include: Aftermath of Deflategate scandal Deflategate In May, after a lengthy investigation led by Ted Wells, the external investigator appointed by the NFL, the league levied its punishment against the Patriots in the so-called "Deflategate" scandal. The scandal stemmed from the discovery that several of the footballs used by the Patriots during the previous season's AFC championship game were not within the league's inflation guidelines. The Patriots were fined $1 million and stripped of their first-round selection in the 2016 NFL draft and their fourth-round selection in the 2017 NFL draft. Quarterback Tom Brady, who the league's report determined was likely aware of a scheme to manipulate inflation levels, was suspended for four games. Additionally, two locker room attendants employed by the Patriots were suspended indefinitely.Farmer Sam Tom Brady suspended four games, Patriots lose draft picks for Deflategate http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-tom-brady-punishment-deflategate-20150511-story.html September 17, 2015 Los Angeles Times May 11, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150619025140/http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-tom-brady-punishment-deflategate-20150511-story.html June 19, 2015 While the team agreed not to appeal the fine and draft pick revocation, Brady appealed his suspension. League commissioner Roger Goodell heard the appeal and confirmed the sentence on July 28. Immediately upon the announcement of the appeal verdict, the league filed suit against the NFL Players Association in civil court in an effort to gain a ruling upholding the punishment.New York Southern District Court Case No. 1:15-cv-05916 National Football League Management Council v. National Football League Players Association http://www.plainsite.org/dockets/download.html?id=214166422&z=0cce4040 Plainsite.org September 21, 2015 September 21, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150921154442/http://www.plainsite.org/dockets/download.html?id=214166422&z=0cce4040 live Judge Richard M. Berman pushed the two sides hard to reach a settlement, but when they were unable to he ruled for Brady and the union vacating the suspension imposed by the league. Although the league appealed Judge Berman's ruling, Brady's suspension was lifted clearing the way for him to play in the season opener.Hohler Bob Judge voids Brady's four-game suspension https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/09/03/brady/Sa903csR1QpQesR0s6b0XO/story.html September 21, 2015 The Boston Globe September 3, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150905104150/http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/09/03/brady/Sa903csR1QpQesR0s6b0XO/story.html September 5, 2015 liveReyes Lorenzo Axon Rachel NFL files an appeal of Deflategate decision that erased Tom Brady suspension https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/patriots/2015/09/03/deflategate-tom-brady-roger-goodell-judge-richard-overturned-berman-new-england/71504142/ September 21, 2015 USA Today September 3, 2015 September 20, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150920035442/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/patriots/2015/09/03/deflategate-tom-brady-roger-goodell-judge-richard-overturned-berman-new-england/71504142/ live The two Patriots employees, assistant equipment manager John Jastremski and officials locker room attendant Jim McNally, who had previously been suspended by the team were allowed by the league to be reinstated in September. As a condition for the lifting of the suspensions, neither employee is allowed to be involved with the handling or preparation of game balls.Volin Ben NFL allows Patriots to reinstate suspended employees https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/09/16/nfl-reinstates-suspended-patriots-employees/Sy3ZSgdFXcUW5wtemJMFFL/story.html September 22, 2015 The Boston Globe September 16, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150922160551/https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/09/16/nfl-reinstates-suspended-patriots-employees/Sy3ZSgdFXcUW5wtemJMFFL/story.html September 22, 2015 live Surprising retirements of several players A number of relatively young NFL players walked away from the game prior to the 2015 season. The San Francisco 49ers lost three potential starters as linebackers Patrick Willis and Chris Borland and offensive tackle Anthony Davis all announced their retirements. Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jason Worilds and Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker also both retired despite having yet to reach the age of 30. Willis, who was regarded as one of the best middle linebackers in the league, played in just six games in 2014 as he dealt with a toe injury. He announced in March his decision to retire at age 30 due to the chronic nature of the foot injuries he had endured in his eight-year career.Branch Eric Patrick Willis: Decision to retire was about his health and heart http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/Patrick-Willis-Decision-to-retire-was-about-his-6126284.php September 22, 2015 San Francisco Chronicle March 10, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150812141012/http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/Patrick-Willis-Decision-to-retire-was-about-his-6126284.php August 12, 2015 live Borland led the 49ers with 107 tackles in his rookie season in 2014 despite starting just eight games after being selected in the third round of the 2014 draft. Borland cited concerns over the potential long-term impact to his brain health in continuing to play the game in announcing his retirement which he did in March just days after Willis' announcement.Fainaru Steve Fainaru-Wada Mark Why former 49er Chris Borland is the most dangerous man in football https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/13463272/how-former-san-francisco-49ers-chris-borland-retirement-change-nfl-forever September 22, 2015 ESPN The Magazine August 21, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150911114616/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13463272/how-former-san-francisco-49ers-chris-borland-retirement-change-nfl-forever September 11, 2015 live Davis missed four games in 2014 with his first diagnosed concussion. In announcing his retirement in June, he said that he planned to take "a year or so away from the NFL" to "allow my brain and body a chance to heal."Branch Eric 49ers starting tackle Anthony Davis quits after 1st concussion http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-starting-tackle-Anthony-Davis-quits-after-6310320.php September 22, 2015 San Francisco Chronicle June 5, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150914015429/http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-starting-tackle-Anthony-Davis-quits-after-6310320.php September 14, 2015 live Worilds was entering free agency after playing for the Steelers the previous five seasons. He turned down contract offers worth tens of millions of dollars in order to devote more time to his Jehovah's Witnesses faith.Bouchette Ed Worilds gives up football for faith https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2015/03/11/Steelers-free-agent-Jason-Worilds-announces-his-departure-from-football/stories/201503110155 September 22, 2015 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette March 11, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150408020542/http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2015/03/11/Steelers-free-agent-Jason-Worilds-announces-his-departure-from-football/stories/201503110155 April 8, 2015 live Locker played four years for the Titans after they made him the eighth overall selection in 2011 draft. He was a free agent when he announced that he would be retiring because he had lost "the burning desire necessary to play the game for a living."Wyatt Jim Jake Locker retiring from NFL http://www.tennessean.com/story/titansinsider/2015/03/10/titans-jake-locker-nfl/24718947/ September 22, 2015 The Tennessean March 10, 2015 https://archive.today/20150313110546/http://www.tennessean.com/story/titansinsider/2015/03/10/titans-jake-locker-nfl/24718947/ March 13, 2015 live mdy First female coach and on-field official The 2015 season marked the hiring of the first female NFL coach and first female NFL on-field official. Jen Welter was hired by the Arizona Cardinals as a coaching intern. Welter worked with the team's inside linebackers through the off-season and pre-season.Latzman Phil Meet Jen 'Dr. J' Welter, The NFL's First Female Coach http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2015/08/22/jen-welter-arizona-cardinals-nfl October 15, 2015 Only a Game with Bill Littlefield (blog) WBUR-FM August 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150905053510/http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2015/08/22/jen-welter-arizona-cardinals-nfl September 5, 2015 live Welter's internship with the Cardinals expired after the team's third preseason game on August 30.Bieler Des Jen Welter is no longer an NFL coach after her Cardinals internship ended https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2015/09/02/jen-welter-is-no-longer-an-nfl-coach-after-her-cardinals-internship-ended/ October 15, 2015 Early Lead (blog) The Washington Post September 2, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150920102048/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2015/09/02/jen-welter-is-no-longer-an-nfl-coach-after-her-cardinals-internship-ended/ September 20, 2015 live mdy Sarah Thomas became the NFL's first female on-field official when she was hired by the league in April.note SarahThomas Shannon Eastin was the first woman to officiate an NFL game as a temporary non-union official during the 2012 NFL referee lockout.http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/eye-on-football/19738736/shannon-eastin-will-be-first-woman-to-work-nfl-officiating-crew CBS Sports Shannon Eastin will be first woman to work NFL officiating crew August 6, 2012 Ryan Wilson November 10, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150413003255/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/19738736/shannon-eastin-will-be-first-woman-to-work-nfl-officiating-crew April 13, 2015 live Thomas had previously become the first female to officiate a major college football game as well as the first to officiate a bowl game.Fox Ashley Meet Sarah Thomas, NFL's first female official https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12669370/meet-sarah-thomas-first-female-nfl-official-referee October 15, 2015 ESPN.com ESPN April 17, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150819031226/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12669370/meet-sarah-thomas-first-female-nfl-official-referee August 19, 2015 live Official suspended one game due to timekeeping gaffe The NFL suspended side judge Rob Vernatchi (from Pete Morelli's crew) for Week 6 of the regular season due to a timekeeping blunder that occurred during a game the previous week. The host San Diego Chargers kicked a field goal to take a 3-point lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers with 2:56 remaining in the fourth quarter. The subsequent kickoff was a touchback, which shouldn't have resulted in any time coming off the game clock. However, when the Steelers took over on offense the scoreboard clock read 2:38. Vernatchi was responsible for keeping the official game time, but he did not notice the 18-second discrepancy. The Steelers ended up scoring a touchdown to secure a win with no time left on the clock.Alper Josh NFL confirms suspension of side judge Rob Vernatchi http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/10/15/nfl-confirms-suspension-of-side-judge-rob-vernatchi/ October 16, 2015 Profootballtalk.com NBC Sports October 15, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151016204728/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/10/15/nfl-confirms-suspension-of-side-judge-rob-vernatchi/ October 16, 2015 live Referee crew demoted following questionable calls The referee crew led by Pete Morelli had been assigned to officiate a Sunday Night Football game between the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13, but was reassigned to a different game (Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots), due to heavy criticism for questionable calls made during the previous week's Arizona Cardinals–San Francisco 49ers game. Morelli's crew drew the ire of Cardinals' head coach Bruce Arians and 49ers' safety Eric Reed, including a botched roughing-the-passer call on Cardinals' quarterback Carson Palmer that aided the Cardinals' eventual game-winning drive, as well as a missed delay-of-game penalty. Morelli's crew had previously been the subject of criticism, following a clock error during a Week 5 game – see above.Joseph, Andrew NFL demotes Cardinals-49ers officials for next game http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/heat-index/2015/12/01/nfl-demotes-cardinals-49ers-officials-next-game/76604552/ The Arizona Republic December 1, 2015 December 1, 2015 In addition, Morelli's crew was involved in a missed call at the end of the Jacksonville Jaguars–Baltimore Ravens game in Week 10, where they missed a false start penalty against the Jaguars before the final snap that resulted in a facemask penalty against the Ravens when time expired, allowing the Jaguars to gain 15 yards and kick the game-winning field goal.Gantt, Darin Report: No suspension of officials for Jags-Ravens screwup http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/11/18/report-no-suspension-of-officials-for-jags-ravens-screwup/ NBC Sports November 8, 2015 November 8, 2015 Discipline for off-field incidents A total of 26 players were suspended by the league as of the season's first week. Most of these suspensions were for violations of the league's performance-enhancing drug (PED), substance abuse and personal conduct policies.26 Players Start Season on the Suspension List https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/10/sports/football/26-players-start-season-on-the-suspension-list.html?partner=rss&emc=rss September 17, 2015 AP The New York Times September 10, 2015 September 11, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150911015412/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/10/sports/football/26-players-start-season-on-the-suspension-list.html?partner=rss&emc=rss live Browns GM suspended for texting scandal Cleveland Browns general manager Ray Farmer was suspended by the league for the first four games of the 2015 season due to a texting scandal which occurred in 2014. The league found that Farmer had used a cellphone to communicate with personnel on the Browns' sideline "on multiple occasions during games" in violation of league rules which prohibit such communications. In addition to Farmer's suspension, the team was assessed a fine of $250,000.Grossi Tony Browns' Textgate fallout: Four-game suspension for GM Ray Farmer, fine for Browns, and no loss of draft pick http://espncleveland.com/common/more.php?m=49&post_id=43611 September 23, 2015 ESPNCleveland.com ESPN March 30, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150923184455/http://espncleveland.com/common/more.php?m=49&post_id=43611 September 23, 2015 dead mdy-all Falcons stripped of draft pick after being caught supplementing crowd noise The league stripped the Atlanta Falcons of their selection in the fifth round of the 2016 draft after it was determined that they had been using pre-recorded crowd noise during the team's home games throughout 2013 and into 2014. In addition to losing the draft pick the franchise was fined $350,000 and team president Rich McKay was suspended from his post as chairman of the league's Competition Committee for three months starting in April. The team fired event marketing director Roddy White who they determined was directly responsible for the violation.Statement by NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent on Atlanta Falcons Matter https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/nfl-atlanta-statement.pdf National Football League September 23, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150908025954/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/nfl-atlanta-statement.pdf September 8, 2015 March 30, 2015 liveThele Kyle Falcons fire Roddy White for crowd noise fiasco... Not that Roddy White http://atlanta.suntimes.com/atlanta-falcons/7/78/114356/falcons-fire-roddy-white-crowd-noise September 23, 2015 Atlanta Sun Times April 30, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150923194026/http://atlanta.suntimes.com/atlanta-falcons/7/78/114356/falcons-fire-roddy-white-crowd-noise September 23, 2015 dead mdy-all Bills suspend assistant coach Aaron Kromer after assault arrest Buffalo Bills offensive line coach Aaron Kromer was suspended by the team for the first six weeks of the season after he was arrested for an altercation during which Kromer allegedly punched a teenager. The incident occurred in July near Kromer's home in Florida. Charges in the matter were eventually dropped.Akopyan Manouk Buffalo Bills suspend Aaron Kromer six games https://www.nfl.com/news/buffalo-bills-suspend-aaron-kromer-six-games-0ap3000000505967 September 24, 2015 NFL.com August 2, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150907233136/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000505967/article/buffalo-bills-suspend-aaron-kromer-six-games September 7, 2015 livePatra Kevin Bills' Aaron Kromer arrested for assault and battery https://www.nfl.com/news/bills-aaron-kromer-arrested-for-assault-and-battery-0ap3000000501116 September 24, 2015 Around the League (blog) NFL.com July 13, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150913075204/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000501116/article/bills-aaron-kromer-arrested-for-assault-and-battery September 13, 2015 liveRodak Mike Charges against Bills assistant coach Aaron Kromer, son dropped https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/13356229/charges-dropped-buffalo-bills-coach-aaron-kromer September 24, 2015 ESPN July 31, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150818173730/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13356229/charges-dropped-buffalo-bills-coach-aaron-kromer August 18, 2015 live Browns assistant coach Andy Moeller suspended following an alleged domestic incident Cleveland Browns offensive line coach Andy Moeller was suspended indefinitely by the Browns in September after in incident in which police were called to Moeller's house after a female houseguest alleged that Moeller physically assaulted her.Cabot Mary Kay Cleveland Browns offensive line coach Andy Moeller suspended indefinitely http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/09/cleveland_browns_offensive_lin_16.html September 24, 2015 The Plain Dealer September 7, 2015 https://archive.today/20150924190547/http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/09/cleveland_browns_offensive_lin_16.html September 24, 2015 live Prosecutors declined to press charges related to the incident despite their conclusion that "it is quite clear an incident of volatile nature took place."MacDonal Evan Cleveland Browns assistant coach Andy Moeller will not be charged after woman accused him of assault http://www.cleveland.com/berea/index.ssf/2015/09/browns_offensive_line_coach_wi.html September 24, 2015 The Plain Dealer September 23, 2015 https://archive.today/20150924191101/http://www.cleveland.com/berea/index.ssf/2015/09/browns_offensive_line_coach_wi.html September 24, 2015 live On September 29, 2015, the Browns officially parted ways with Moeller.Sessler Marc Browns part ways with O-line coach Andy Moeller https://www.nfl.com/news/browns-part-ways-with-o-line-coach-andy-moeller-0ap3000000542287 September 30, 2015 NFL.com September 29, 2015 September 7, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200907222906/https://www.nfl.com/news/browns-part-ways-with-o-line-coach-andy-moeller-0ap3000000542287 live Records, milestones, and notable statistics December 2015 Week 1 Tom Brady became the quarterback with the most regular season wins for a single franchise in NFL history (161 victories), breaking the record held by Brett Favre.Wilner Barry Tom Brady throws 4 TDs as Patriots beat Steelers http://www.bcsn.tv/news_article/show/552707 September 14, 2015 AP Sports Associated Press BCSN September 11, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150926132245/http://www.bcsn.tv/news_article/show/552707 September 26, 2015 dead mdy-all Marcus Mariota became the first quarterback in NFL history to gain a perfect 158.3 passer rating in his NFL debut and the first quarterback in NFL history to throw four TD passes in the first half of his NFL debut.Mariota outplays Winston https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/cp/nfl-live/week-1/tennessee-titans-marcus-mariota-jameis-winston New York Times September 13, 2015 September 13, 2015 September 16, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150916020149/http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/cp/nfl-live/week-1/tennessee-titans-marcus-mariota-jameis-winston live He also became the youngest quarterback to gain a perfect passer rating (21 years, 318 days) surpassing Robert Griffin III.Chase Chris 11 titanic facts about Marcus Mariota's magical NFL debut http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/09/marcus-mariota-four-touchdowns-titans-facts-stats-nfl-debut-record-rookie-quarterback-jameis-winston September 14, 2015 USA Today Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. September 13, 2015 September 14, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150914133726/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/09/marcus-mariota-four-touchdowns-titans-facts-stats-nfl-debut-record-rookie-quarterback-jameis-winston live Brandon McManus became the second kicker in NFL history to make multiple field goals of 56 or more yards in the same game, joining Greg Zuerlein, who did it in 2012.Wolfe Cameron Jhabvala Nicki Broncos' bests/worsts vs. Ravens: Brandon McManus and C.J. Anderson http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2015/09/13/broncos-bestsworsts-vs-ravens-brandon-mcmanus-and-c-j-anderson/35465/ The Denver Post September 13, 2015 September 13, 2015 September 16, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150916215642/http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2015/09/13/broncos-bestsworsts-vs-ravens-brandon-mcmanus-and-c-j-anderson/35465/ live Week 2 Peyton Manning became the second quarterback in NFL history to reach 70,000 regular season passing yards, joining Brett Favre. Broncos complete stunning comeback, beat Chiefs 31–24 Associated Press http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015091700/2015/REG2/broncos@chiefs#menu=gameinfo%7CcontentId%3A0ap3000000533404&tab=recap&recap=fullstory October 5, 2015 October 4, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151004000844/http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015091700/2015/REG2/broncos@chiefs#menu=gameinfo%7CcontentId%3A0ap3000000533404&tab=recap&recap=fullstory live The Denver Broncos set a new NFL record for consecutive division away wins with 13, surpassing the previous record that the San Francisco 49ers set between 1987 and 1990.Renck, Troy Peyton Manning, Broncos steal win from Chiefs late in Kansas City http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_28834419/broncos-steal-win-from-chiefs-late-kansas-city?_requestid=303670 The Denver Post September 17, 2015 September 17, 2015 September 28, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150928210735/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_28834419/broncos-steal-win-from-chiefs-late-kansas-city?_requestid=303670 live The New York Giants became the first team in NFL history to start a season 0–2 while holding double digit leads in the fourth quarter in both games.Chase Chris The New York Giants had another historic meltdown http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/09/new-york-giants-lose-atlanta-falcons-delay-of-game-eli-manning-tom-coughlin-hot-seat-0-2 December 2, 2015 USA Today Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. September 20, 2015 December 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151208122244/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/09/new-york-giants-lose-atlanta-falcons-delay-of-game-eli-manning-tom-coughlin-hot-seat-0-2 live Marcus Mariota became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw six TD passes in his first two career games.Mariota Sets Two-Game Mark for TD Passes http://www.titansonline.com/news/article-4/Mariota-Sets-Two-Game-Mark-for-TD-Passes/8de38594-6eb2-4bb8-bada-910e1187ce6d titansonline.com September 20, 2015 September 26, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150927125246/http://www.titansonline.com/news/article-4/Mariota-Sets-Two-Game-Mark-for-TD-Passes/8de38594-6eb2-4bb8-bada-910e1187ce6d September 27, 2015 dead Week 3 Tom Brady became the fourth quarterback in NFL history to throw 400 touchdown passes in his career, joining Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, and Dan Marino. NFL Career Passing Touchdowns Leaders www.pro-football-reference.com https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_td_career.htm October 5, 2015 December 21, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071221063946/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_td_career.htm live Peyton Manning became the second quarterback in NFL history to reach 6,000 pass completions, joining Brett Favre.NFL Career Passes Completed Leaders www.pro-football-reference.com https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_cmp_career.htm October 5, 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20161103154838/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_cmp_career.htm November 3, 2016 Marcus Mariota tied the NFL record set by Mark Rypien in 1988 with eight TD passes in his first three career games.Marcus Mariota sets record for TDs in first three games https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/13754352/marcus-mariota-tennessee-titans-tosses-first-career-interception-vs-indianapolis-colts ESPN September 27, 2015 September 27, 2015 September 10, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160910164421/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/13754352/marcus-mariota-tennessee-titans-tosses-first-career-interception-vs-indianapolis-colts live The Atlanta Falcons became the first team in NFL history to start a season 3–0 after trailing in the fourth quarter in all three games.Falcons become first team in NFL history to accomplish impressive feat http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/atlanta-falcons-dallas-cowboys-nfl-week-3-092715 foxsports.com September 27, 2015 October 1, 2015 October 4, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151004173344/http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/atlanta-falcons-dallas-cowboys-nfl-week-3-092715 live Week 4 Drew Brees became the fifth quarterback in NFL history to throw 400 touchdown passes and became also the third quarterback in NFL history to reach 5,000 pass completions in his career. Adam Vinatieri became the first player in NFL history to score 1,000 points with two different teams. Adam Vinatieri's field goals leads Colts past Jaguars in OT ESPN https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400791671 October 5, 2015 January 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220131014714/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400791671 live Week 5 The Indianapolis Colts recorded an NFL record 16th consecutive division win.Colts Set NFL Record, Neutralize J. J. Watt colts.com http://www.colts.com/news/article-1/ColtsTexans-Notebook-Colts-Set-NFL-Record-Neutralize-JJ-Watt/71598c49-66f5-4443-a815-a05cf41da3c4 October 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151011023808/http://www.colts.com/news/article-1/ColtsTexans-Notebook-Colts-Set-NFL-Record-Neutralize-JJ-Watt/71598c49-66f5-4443-a815-a05cf41da3c4 October 11, 2015 dead mdy-all Matthew Stafford and Dan Orlovsky combined to tie an NFL record for most pass attempts by one team in a game with 70 pass attempts during the Lions' loss to the Arizona Cardinals.NFL: Palmer throws 3 TDs to help Cardinals dominate Lions 42–17 stlrib.com http://www.sltrib.com/home/3053044-155/nfl-palmer-throws-3-tds-to October 12, 2015 January 25, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160125211310/http://www.sltrib.com/home/3053044-155/nfl-palmer-throws-3-tds-to live Devonta Freeman became the first player in the Super Bowl era to rush for at least seven touchdowns in his first three starts to begin a career.Essentials from Sunday: Extending the NFL streaks scout.com http://www.scout.com/nfl/story/1598296-essentials-from-sunday-extending-the-streaks October 12, 2015 March 5, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160305154306/http://www.scout.com/nfl/story/1598296-essentials-from-sunday-extending-the-streaks live Antonio Gates caught his 100th receiving touchdown and became the ninth player and second tight end to reach this mark in NFL history.NFL Career Receiving Touchdowns Leaders pro-football-reference.com https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rec_td_career.htm October 12, 2015 February 6, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170206012831/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rec_td_career.htm live Peyton Manning surpassed Brett Favre as the NFL's all-time leader in combined regular season and postseason passing yards.http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2015/10/12/peyton-manning-breaks-combined-nfl-passing-yards-record/35940/ Peyton Manning breaks combined NFL passing yards record Blogs.denverpost.com 2015-12-02 October 13, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151013014236/http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2015/10/12/peyton-manning-breaks-combined-nfl-passing-yards-record/35940/ dead Week 6 Aaron Rodgers became the fastest quarterback in NFL history to throw for 30,000 yards, needing only 3,652 attempts to reach the mark.http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/green-bay-packers-aaron-rodgers-30000-yards-fastest-nfl-history-101815 Rodgers becomes fastest quarterback to 30,000 yards in NFL history FOX Sports 2015-10-18 2015-12-02 October 19, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151019064405/http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/green-bay-packers-aaron-rodgers-30000-yards-fastest-nfl-history-101815 live Week 7 Five teams (the Panthers, Packers, Broncos, Bengals, and Patriots) started the season 6–0, setting a new NFL record for most teams to start a season 6–0 or better.https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/The-Week-That-Was---Week-7.aspx The Week That Was - Week 7 Nflcommunications.com 2015-12-02 December 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151208130952/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/The-Week-That-Was---Week-7.aspx live Ryan Tannehill set the NFL record for consecutive completed passes with 25, completing his first 18 passes his Week 7 game and the final seven of his previous game.Dolphins' Ryan Tannehill sets NFL record with 25 straight completions cbssports.com http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25353208/dolphins-ryan-tannehill-sets-nfl-record-with-25-consecutive-completions October 25, 2015 October 25, 2015 October 26, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151026101138/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25353208/dolphins-ryan-tannehill-sets-nfl-record-with-25-consecutive-completions live Tom Brady became the fifth quarterback in NFL history to pass for over 55,000 yards. Week 8 In a game between the New York Giants and the New Orleans Saints, the two teams combined for 13 touchdown passes, setting a new NFL record for the most combined passing touchdowns between both teams in a single game. The Saints defeated the Giants, 52–49. Drew Brees became the eighth quarterback to throw seven TD passes in a single game and Eli Manning became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw six TD passes with no interceptions but lose the game. Eli Manning becomes first QB in NFL history to lose a game with this stat line foxsports.com http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/new-york-giants-eli-manning-first-quarterback-in-history-110215 November 4, 2015 November 2, 2015 August 27, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190827032933/https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/new-york-giants-eli-manning-first-quarterback-in-history-110215 live Brees also joined Ben Roethlisberger as one of only two quarterbacks in NFL history to throw for at least 500 yards in a game at least twice in a career. Most games 500+ passing yards, career pro-football-reference.com http://pfref.com/tiny/uFbh4 January 28, 2016 The combined score of 101 points was, at the time, the third highest scoring game in NFL history (although it has since moved to the fourth highest scoring game). In addition, the Giants' 49 points tied the NFL record for the most points scored by a losing team (with the Houston Oilers). Peyton Manning tied Brett Favre for the record of most regular season career victories all-time by a starting quarterback with the Broncos' 29–10 win against the Packers with 186 wins.http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015110111/2015/REG8/packers@broncos?icampaign=GC_schedule_rr#menu=gameinfo%7CcontentId%3A0ap3000000574552&tab=recap&recap=fullstory Watch Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos [11/01/2015 NFL.com November 2, 2015 2015-12-02 Four teams started the season 7–0, setting a new NFL record.https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/The-Week-That-Was---Week-8.aspx The Week That Was - Week 8 Nflcommunications.com 2004-11-28 2015-12-02 December 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151208093127/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/The-Week-That-Was---Week-8.aspx live Week 9 For the first time in NFL history, three teams (the Bengals, Patriots, and Panthers) started the same season 8–0.https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/The-Week-That-Was---Week-9.aspx The Week That Was - Week 9 Nflcommunications.com 2004-10-10 2015-12-02 December 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151208135218/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/The-Week-That-Was---Week-9.aspx live The Buffalo Bills became the first team in NFL history with two 100-yard rushers (LeSean McCoy and Karlos Williams) and a 150-yard receiver (Sammy Watkins) in the same game. Next Gen Stats: Bills skill-position players come alive NFL.com https://www.nfl.com/news/next-gen-stats-bills-skill-position-players-come-alive-0ap3000000577405 June 4, 2024 March 2, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240302170052/https://www.nfl.com/news/next-gen-stats-bills-skill-position-players-come-alive-0ap3000000577405 live Marcus Mariota became the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to have two games with four touchdowns and no interceptions.http://espn.go.com/espn/elias?date=20151109 https://web.archive.org/web/20151208165609/http://espn.go.com/espn/elias?date=20151109 dead December 8, 2015 ESPN - Elias Says: Sports Statistics - Stats from the Elias Sports Bureau - ESPN Espn.go.com 2015-11-09 2015-12-02 Week 10 Peyton Manning became the NFL's all-time leader in regular season passing yards, surpassing Brett Favre.http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015111510/2015/REG10/chiefs@broncos?icampaign=GC_schedule_rr#menu=gameinfo%7CcontentId%3A0ap3000000583250&tab=recap&recap=fullstory Watch Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos [11/15/2015 NFL.com November 15, 2015 2015-12-02 December 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151208200245/http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015111510/2015/REG10/chiefs@broncos?icampaign=GC_schedule_rr#menu=gameinfo%7CcontentId%3A0ap3000000583250&tab=recap&recap=fullstory live For the first time in NFL history, six starting quarterbacks who had previously won a Super Bowl lost on the same day (Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Joe Flacco, and Russell Wilson).http://espn.go.com/espn/elias?date=20151116 https://web.archive.org/web/20151201033554/http://espn.go.com/espn/elias?date=20151116 dead December 1, 2015 ESPN - Elias Says: Sports Statistics - Stats from the Elias Sports Bureau - ESPN Espn.go.com 2015-11-16 2015-12-02 Adrian Peterson tied O. J. Simpson for an NFL record sixth career game with 200+ yards rushing.Adrian Peterson explodes for sixth-career 200-yard game in Vikings' win http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/minnesota-vikings-oakland-raiders-adrian-peterson-explodes-for-sixth-career-200-yard-game-111515 FoxSports.com November 15, 2015 November 16, 2015 The New England Patriots set a new NFL record by scoring in 35 consecutive quarters, breaking a record previously shared by the 1999 and 2000 St. Louis Rams and the 2005 Indianapolis Colts.http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015111509/2015/REG10/patriots@giants#menu=gameinfo%7CcontentId%3A0ap3000000584331&tab=recap&recap=fullstory Watch New England Patriots vs. New York Giants [11/15/2015 NFL.com November 15, 2015 2015-12-02 November 28, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151128165451/http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015111509/2015/REG10/patriots@giants#menu=gameinfo%7CcontentId%3A0ap3000000584331&tab=recap&recap=fullstory live The Detroit Lions' away win over the Green Bay Packers snapped the Lions' 24-game losing streak at Lambeau Field (both regular season and postseason games), which was the longest away losing streak by one NFL team against another team in NFL history.Ahern, Gerry Lions hang on to shock Packers, end record futility at Lambeau Field https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2015/11/15/lions-packers-lambeau-streak-aaron-rodgers/75837044/ USA Today November 15, 2015 November 15, 2015 Week 12 Tom Brady tied Dan Marino for third place on the all-time passing touchdowns list.Pells Eddie Imperfect: Pats defense folds in 30–24 OT loss to Broncos http://pro32.ap.org/article/imperfect-pats-defense-folds-30-24-ot-loss-broncos December 12, 2015 Associated Press Associated Press AP Sports November 30, 2015 Denver December 14, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151214155458/http://pro32.ap.org/article/imperfect-pats-defense-folds-30-24-ot-loss-broncos live Travis Coons set an NFL record for most consecutive field goals made to open a career with 18.Stats and Facts: Browns vs. Ravens http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Stats-and-Facts-Browns-vs-Ravens/54383668-06dd-436d-b5e5-14bd9809c8b7 clevelandbrowns.com December 1, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151208164619/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Stats-and-Facts-Browns-vs-Ravens/54383668-06dd-436d-b5e5-14bd9809c8b7 December 8, 2015 dead mdy-all Week 13 Stephone Anthony scored the first ever defensive two-point conversion in NFL history by returning a blocked point after touchdown attempt by Carolina Panthers kicker Graham Gano.Wesselling Chris Cam Newton bolsters MVP case in Panthers' wild win https://www.nfl.com/news/cam-newton-bolsters-mvp-case-in-panthers-wild-win-0ap3000000595912 NFL.com NFL Enterprises, LLC. December 12, 2015 December 6, 2015 August 10, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200810005453/https://www.nfl.com/news/cam-newton-bolsters-mvp-case-in-panthers-wild-win-0ap3000000595912 live Larry Fitzgerald became the youngest person in NFL history to reach 1,000 career catches. Fitzgerald (32 years, 97 days old) broke the record that was held by Andre Johnson (33 years, 163 days).Week 13 What To Look For - A Look Back https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-13-What-To-Look-For---A-Look-Back.aspx nflcommunications.com NFL Enterprises, LLC. December 12, 2015 December 8, 2015 December 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151222080002/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-13-What-To-Look-For---A-Look-Back.aspx live Andy Dalton became the second quarterback in NFL history to throw for at least 3,000 passing yards in each of their first five seasons, joining Peyton Manning.Hobson Geoff Quick hits: Green, Dalton in select company; Rookies ride http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Quick-hits-Green-Dalton-in-select-company-Rookies-ride/0db1ab7c-9143-40ae-9977-6a74fac43e80 bengals.com NFL Enterprises, LLC. December 12, 2015 Cleveland December 6, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151212164540/http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Quick-hits-Green-Dalton-in-select-company-Rookies-ride/0db1ab7c-9143-40ae-9977-6a74fac43e80 December 12, 2015 dead A. J. Green joined Randy Moss as one of only two wide receivers in NFL history to have 1,000 yards in each of their first five seasons. Jason Witten became the second tight end in NFL history to record 1,000 catches (joining Tony Gonzalez).Archer Todd Jason Witten happy to share special moment with family https://www.espn.com/blog/dallas-cowboys/post/_/id/4747845/jason-witten-happy-to-share-special-moment-with-family ESPN.com ESPN Internet Ventures December 12, 2015 Landover, Maryland December 8, 2015 March 31, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170331225618/http://www.espn.com/blog/dallas-cowboys/post/_/id/4747845/jason-witten-happy-to-share-special-moment-with-family live Week 14 Adrian Peterson scored his 100th career touchdown, making him the 13th running back to reach this mark in NFL history.Adrian Peterson scores 100th career touchdown in first quarter ESPN https://www.espn.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/17076/adrian-peterson-scores-100th-career-touchdown-in-first-quarter December 11, 2015 December 10, 2015 December 29, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181229075813/http://www.espn.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/17076/adrian-peterson-scores-100th-career-touchdown-in-first-quarter live Drew Brees surpassed Dan Marino for fourth place on the NFL's all-time passing touchdowns list with two passing touchdowns.https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Seven-From-Sunday---Week-14.aspx Seven From Sunday - Week 14 Nflcommunications.com 2016-01-28 December 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151222161847/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Seven-From-Sunday---Week-14.aspx live Antonio Brown became the sixth player in NFL history to record three straight 100-catch seasons, joining Marvin Harrison, Jerry Rice, Herman Moore, Brandon Marshall, and Wes Welker. The New England Patriots clinched the AFC East division title for the seventh straight season, tying them with the Rams franchise, which won seven straight NFC West division titles from the 1973 season through the 1979 season, for the NFL record of most consecutive division titles won by one franchise.Wagner-McGough Sean Giants' win secures the Patriots' seventh straight AFC East title http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25414226/giants-win-secures-the-patriots-seventh-straight-afc-east-title CBSSports.com CBS Interactive December 15, 2015 December 15, 2015 December 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151222132936/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25414226/giants-win-secures-the-patriots-seventh-straight-afc-east-title live The Green Bay Packers became the second franchise in NFL history to record 750 total wins, including playoff victories, joining the Chicago Bears as the only teams to reach this mark.https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/The-Week-That-Was---Week-14.aspx The Week That Was - Week 14 Nflcommunications.com 2016-01-28 December 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151222093813/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/The-Week-That-Was---Week-14.aspx live Matthew Stafford became the fastest player to reach 25,000 yards as he reached this milestone in his 90th career game, which broke the record of 92 that was set by Dan Marino. Russell Wilson became the first quarterback in NFL history to have at least a 138.5 QB rating in four straight games.Condotta Bob Seahawks' statistics continue to look better and better and better http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seahawks-statistics-continue-to-look-better-and-better-and-better/ December 25, 2015 The Seattle Times The Seattle Times Company December 15, 2015 January 5, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160105181558/http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seahawks-statistics-continue-to-look-better-and-better-and-better/ live Week 15 Russell Wilson became the first quarterback in NFL history to have at least three touchdown passes and no interceptions in five straight games. Most consecutive games 3+ TD passes & no INT pro-football-reference.com http://pfref.com/tiny/OBhbl December 21, 2015 Cam Newton became the first player in NFL history to rush for at least 100 yards and pass for at least 300 yards with five touchdowns in a single game.https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/The-Week-That-Was---Week-15.aspx The Week That Was - Week 15 Nflcommunications.com 2014-10-26 2016-01-28 December 26, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151226023328/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/The-Week-That-Was---Week-15.aspx live Tom Brady became the second quarterback in NFL history to throw at least 35 touchdown passes in a season four times, joining Peyton Manning.England New http://www.patriots.com/news/2015/12/20/game-notes-patriots-win-12-games-sixth-straight-season Game Notes: Patriots win 12 games for sixth straight season | New England Patriots Patriots.com 2016-01-28 https://web.archive.org/web/20151225032955/http://www.patriots.com/news/2015/12/20/game-notes-patriots-win-12-games-sixth-straight-season December 25, 2015 dead Drew Brees became the fourth quarterback in NFL history to reach at least 60,000 regular season passing yards, joining Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, and Dan Marino. Brees became both the youngest and fastest quarterback to reach this mark in NFL history. Brees also set new NFL records for most consecutive seasons with at least 4,000 passing yards (ten straight seasons) and most regular season games with at least 300 passing yards in a career (94 games). Antonio Brown set a new NFL record for the most receptions by any player in any three consecutive seasons in NFL history (355 receptions), breaking Marvin Harrison's record of 354 receptions during the 2000–02 seasons.http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Post-game-notes-vs-Broncos/639e41f7-1471-4bdb-8d33-aae97a00669b Post-game notes vs. Broncos Steelers.com 2016-01-28 https://web.archive.org/web/20151226053717/http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Post-game-notes-vs-Broncos/639e41f7-1471-4bdb-8d33-aae97a00669b December 26, 2015 dead The Kansas City Chiefs became the first team in NFL history to follow up a five-game losing streak with an eight-game winning streak. Week 16 Brandon Marshall reached 100 catches for an NFL record sixth season. He also became the first Jets player to reach 100 catches in a season.https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Seven-From-Sunday---Week-16.aspx Seven From Sunday - Week 16 Nflcommunications.com 2016-01-28 January 7, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160107125525/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Seven-From-Sunday---Week-16.aspx live Anquan Boldin became the 13th player in NFL history to reach 1,000 career catches. In their loss to the St. Louis Rams, the Seattle Seahawks never gained a lead at any time, which ended their NFL record streak of 70 consecutive games (both regular season and playoff games) in which they had held a lead at any point during a game. This was the first time that the Seahawks failed to gain a lead at any point during a game since the final week of the 2011 season.Final https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400791569 Rams beat Seattle 23-17 for 1st win in Seattle since 2004 Espn.go.com 2015-12-27 2016-01-28 June 6, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240606184653/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400791569 live The Kansas City Chiefs became the second team since the AFL-NFL merger to clinch a playoff berth after going 1–5 over the first six games of a season, joining the 1970 Cincinnati Bengals.https://www.nfl.com/news/chiefs-earn-playoff-berth-with-win-over-browns-0ap3000000610146 Chiefs earn playoff berth with win over Browns NFL.com 2015-12-27 2016-01-28 October 9, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241009202754/https://www.nfl.com/news/chiefs-earn-playoff-berth-with-win-over-browns-0ap3000000610146 live Cam Newton became the first player in NFL history to throw at least 30 touchdown passes and score at least eight rushing touchdowns in a season. Antonio Brown became the second player in NFL history to record 1,600 receiving yards in back to back seasons, joining Calvin Johnson, who accomplished the feat in 2011–12. Brown also became the second player in NFL history to record 120 catches in back to back seasons, joining Cris Carter (1994–95).http://www.steelers.com/news/by-the-numbers/article-1/By-the-Numbers-Williams-goes-for-100/4c1ad1dd-3bb3-4432-bb21-64c1fd8ebc1c By the Numbers: Williams goes for 100 Steelers.com 2015-12-28 2016-01-28 https://web.archive.org/web/20151230032226/http://www.steelers.com/news/by-the-numbers/article-1/By-the-Numbers-Williams-goes-for-100/4c1ad1dd-3bb3-4432-bb21-64c1fd8ebc1c December 30, 2015 dead mdy-all Adam Vinatieri became the third placekicker in NFL history to make 500 field goals in a career, joining Morten Andersen and Gary Anderson.STEVEN WINEAP Sports Writer http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20151227_IND@MIA NFL Recap - Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins - Dec 27, 2015 - CBSSports.com Game Recap Cbssports.com 2016-01-28 March 2, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160302013942/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20151227_IND@MIA live As of the end of week 16, the New Orleans Saints had surrendered 43 total passing touchdowns during the season, setting a new NFL record for most passing touchdowns surrendered during a season.https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-d-sets-record-for-td-passes-allowed-in-season-0ap3000000611187 Saints' D sets record for TD passes allowed in season NFL.com 2013-08-30 2016-01-28 September 10, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240910101002/https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-d-sets-record-for-td-passes-allowed-in-season-0ap3000000611187 live Kirk Cousins finished the season posting the highest completion percentage (74.7) in home games in NFL history, with a minimum of 100 attempts.Tandler Rich One stat puts Cousins ahead of Brady, Manning, Brees, others http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/redskinsblog/one-stat-puts-cousins-ahead-brady-manning-brees-others CSNWashington.com 22 December 2015 December 23, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151223004145/http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/redskinsblog/one-stat-puts-cousins-ahead-brady-manning-brees-others live Week 17 Russell Wilson became the first quarterback in NFL history to have 4,000 or more passing yards, 30 or more passing touchdowns, and 500 or more rushing yards in the same season. Seahawks dominate Cardinals in statement game nflcom https://www.nfl.com/news/seahawks-dominate-cardinals-in-statement-game-0ap3000000615063 January 4, 2016 August 14, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200814173942/https://www.nfl.com/news/seahawks-dominate-cardinals-in-statement-game-0ap3000000615063 live Antonio Brown set an NFL record of 265 receptions over the last two NFL seasons and became the first wide receiver in NFL history to record at least 1,700 yards from scrimmage in back-to-back seasons.http://www.steelers.com/news/by-the-numbers/article-1/By-the-Numbers-Jaw-dropping-stats/287c960c-cf4c-4587-abed-8db64f4e92fe By the Numbers: Jaw-dropping stats Steelers.com 2016-01-28 https://web.archive.org/web/20160105223633/http://www.steelers.com/news/by-the-numbers/article-1/By-the-Numbers-Jaw-dropping-stats/287c960c-cf4c-4587-abed-8db64f4e92fe January 5, 2016 dead mdy-all Frank Gore became the 15th player in NFL history to reach 12,000 career rushing yards.Final https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400791645 Colts use backup plan to salvage 30-24 victory over Titans Espn.go.com 2016-01-04 2016-01-28 August 2, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240802181201/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400791645 live Drew Brees finished the season with 4,870 passing yards, his NFL-record sixth consecutive season with at least 4,500 yards. Brees has seven career 4,500-yard passing seasons, the most in NFL history. Brees also led the league in passing for the sixth time in his career, setting an NFL record for most seasons leading the league, breaking the record of five that was shared by Sonny Jurgensen and Dan Marino.https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Seven-From-Sunday---Week-17.aspx Seven From Sunday - Week 17 Nflcommunications.com 2016-01-28 February 5, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160205055338/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Seven-From-Sunday---Week-17.aspx live In addition, Brees tied Tom Brady for third most all-time regular season passing touchdowns after Brady failed to throw a TD pass during the Patriots' loss to the Miami Dolphins. NFL Career Passing Touchdowns Leaders pro-football-reference.com https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_td_career.htm January 28, 2016 December 21, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071221063946/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_td_career.htm live Eleven different quarterbacks passed for 30 or more touchdowns setting an NFL single season record. The previous record was nine quarterbacks set in 2014.https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-17-What-To-Look-For---A-Look-Back.aspx Week 17 What To Look For - A Look Back Nflcommunications.com 2016-01-28 January 25, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160125082638/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-17-What-To-Look-For---A-Look-Back.aspx live Divisional Round Tom Brady tied Adam Vinatieri for the most career postseason game appearances in NFL history (30). NFL Career Playoff Games Leaders pro-football-reference.com https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/g_playoffs_career.htm January 28, 2016 January 22, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230122201247/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/g_playoffs_career.htm live Brandon McManus kicked five field goals in the Broncos' victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, tying the NFL record for most field goals made in a postseason game. Most FG's made, postseason game pro-football-reference.com http://pfref.com/tiny/Tu1SK January 28, 2016 Super Bowl 50 The Denver Broncos became the fourth team to appear in eight Super Bowls, joining the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers.Stanley, Deb Denver Broncos, Peyton Manning going to Super Bowl 50 http://www.thedenverchannel.com/sports/broncos/denver-broncos-peyton-manning-going-to-super-bowl-50 ABC Denver January 24, 2016 January 24, 2016 January 27, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160127110707/http://www.thedenverchannel.com/sports/broncos/denver-broncos-peyton-manning-going-to-super-bowl-50 live Denver Broncos' head coach Gary Kubiak became the first person in NFL history to reach a Super Bowl as both a player and a head coach with the same franchise. Kubiak was John Elway's backup quarterback on the Broncos from 1983 to 1991 and saw playing time in both Super Bowl XXI and Super Bowl XXIV.Schneier, Dan Broncos' Gary Kubiak will make NFL history in Super Bowl 50 http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/denver-broncos-gary-kubiak-super-bowl-50-head-coach-and-player-012616 Fox Sports January 26, 2016 January 26, 2016 January 27, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160127005345/http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/denver-broncos-gary-kubiak-super-bowl-50-head-coach-and-player-012616 live With Carolina Panthers' head coach Ron Rivera having previously played as a linebacker for the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XX, this game was the first ever Super Bowl in which both head coaches had formerly played in a Super Bowl themselves.50 stats to know for Super Bowl 50 https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14640327/50-stats-know-super-bowl-50-carolina-panthers-denver-broncos-nfl ESPN November 30, 2024 July 17, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241130154506/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14640327/50-stats-know-super-bowl-50-carolina-panthers-denver-broncos-nfl live This game was the first ever Super Bowl in which both starting quarterbacks were No. 1 overall picks in an NFL draft; Peyton Manning was selected with the first overall pick in 1998 Cam Newton was selected with the first overall pick in 2011. This game was also the first Super Bowl to feature the top two overall picks from the same NFL draft on opposing teams; Newton and Broncos' linebacker Von Miller were selected first and second overall, respectively, in 2011. Peyton Manning, at age 39, became the oldest quarterback to ever start a Super Bowl, surpassing John Elway who started Super Bowl XXXIII at age 38. Manning also became the first quarterback in NFL history to lead two different teams to the Super Bowl multiple times; he previously led the Broncos to Super Bowl XLVIII and also led the Indianapolis Colts to both Super Bowl XLI and Super Bowl XLIV. With the Broncos' win, Manning surpassed Elway as the oldest quarterback ever to win a Super Bowl and also became the first quarterback in NFL history to lead two different teams to Super Bowl victories; he previously led the Indianapolis Colts to victory in Super Bowl XLI. Peyton Manning became the first quarterback in NFL history to record 200 combined regular season and postseason wins in a career. Manning surpassed Brett Favre (199) for the most combined regular season and postseason victories by a quarterback in a career.Mind-blowing stats for Super Bowl 50 http://www.nfl.com/photoessays/0ap3000000629288/mindblowing-stats-for-super-bowl-50 NFL February 1, 2016 February 8, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160201100130/http://www.nfl.com/photoessays/0ap3000000629288/mindblowing-stats-for-super-bowl-50 live Regular season statistical leaders Individualhttp://www.nfl.com/stats/player NFL Stats: Player NFL.com December 13, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20090111214603/http://www.nfl.com/stats/player January 11, 2009 live mdy Scoring leader Stephen Gostkowski, New England (151)Most field goals made Blair Walsh, Minnesota (34 FGs)Touchdowns Doug Baldwin, Seattle, Devonta Freeman, Atlanta, Brandon Marshall, New York Jets and Allen Robinson, Jacksonville (14 TDs)Rushing Adrian Peterson, Minnesota (1,485 yards)Passing yards Drew Brees, New Orleans (4,870 yards)Passing touchdowns Tom Brady, New England (36 TDs)Passer rating Russell Wilson, Seattle (110.1 rating)Pass receptions Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh and Julio Jones, Atlanta (136 catches)Pass receiving yards Julio Jones, Atlanta (1,871 yards)Combined tackles NaVorro Bowman, San Francisco (154 tackles)Interceptions Reggie Nelson, Cincinnati and Marcus Peters, Kansas (8)Punting Johnny Hekker, Los Angeles (4,601 yards, 47.9 average yards)Sacks J. J. Watt, Houston (17.5) Awards Individual season awards 5th NFL Honors The 5th NFL Honors, saluting the best players and plays from 2015 season, was held at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, California on February 6, 2016.Conan O'Brien To Host NFL Honors https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Conan-O%27Brien-To-Host-NFL-Honors.aspx nflcommunications.com NFL January 17, 2016 December 23, 2019 December 23, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20191223051854/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Conan-O%27Brien-To-Host-NFL-Honors.aspx live Award Winner Position Team AP Most Valuable Player Cam Newton Quarterback Carolina Panthers AP Offensive Player of the Year Cam Newton Quarterback Carolina Panthers AP Defensive Player of the Year J. J. Watt Defensive end Houston Texans AP Coach of the Year Ron Rivera Coach Carolina Panthers AP Assistant Coach of the Year Wade Phillips Defensive coordinator Denver Broncos AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Todd Gurley Running back St. Louis Rams AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Marcus Peters Cornerback Kansas City Chiefs AP Comeback Player of the Year Eric Berry Safety Kansas City Chiefs Pepsi Rookie of the Year Jameis Winston Quarterback Tampa Bay Buccaneers Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Anquan Boldin Wide receiver San Francisco 49ers PFWA NFL Executive of the Year Mike Maccagnan General Manager New York Jets Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Von Miller Linebacker Denver Broncos All-Pro team 2015 All-Pro Team The following players were named First Team All-Pro by the Associated Press: OffenseQuarterbackCam Newton, CarolinaRunning backAdrian Peterson, MinnesotaDoug Martin, Tampa BayFullbackMike Tolbert, CarolinaWide receiverAntonio Brown, PittsburghJulio Jones, AtlantaTight endRob Gronkowski, New EnglandOffensive tackleJoe Thomas, ClevelandAndrew Whitworth, CincinnatiOffensive guardMarshal Yanda, BaltimoreDavid DeCastro, PittsburghCenterRyan Kalil, CarolinaDefenseDefensive endJ. J. Watt, HoustonKhalil Mack, OaklandDefensive tackleAaron Donald, St. Louis Geno Atkins, CincinnatiOutside linebackerVon Miller, DenverKhalil Mack, OaklandThomas Davis, CarolinaInside linebackerLuke Kuechly, Carolina NaVorro Bowman, San Francisco CornerbackJosh Norman, CarolinaPatrick Peterson, ArizonaSafetyTyrann Mathieu, Arizona Eric Berry, Kansas City Special teamsPlacekickerStephen Gostkowski, New EnglandPunterJohnny Hekker, St. LouisKick returnerTyler Lockett, Seattle Players of the week/month The following were named the top performers during the 2015 season: Week/MonthOffensivePlayer of the Week/MonthDefensivePlayer of the Week/MonthSpecial TeamsPlayer of the Week/MonthAFCNFCAFCNFCAFCNFC1Marcus MariotaTitans QB Marcus Mariota, Broncos CB Aqib Talib & Dolphins WR-PR Jarvis Landry named AFC Players of Week 1 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/week-1-mariota-talib-landry.pdf NFL September 18, 2015 (Titans)Julio JonesFalcons WR Julio Jones, Rams DT Aaron Donald & Rams PR-WR Tavon Austin named NFC Players of Week 1 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/week-1-jones-donald-austin.pdf NFL September 18, 2015 March 4, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304205524/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/week-1-jones-donald-austin.pdf live(Falcons)Aqib Talib(Broncos)Aaron Donald(Rams)Jarvis Landry(Dolphins)Tavon Austin(Rams)2Ben RoethlisbergerSteelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, Jets CB Darrelle Revis & Browns PR-WR Travis Benjamin named AFC Players of Week 2 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/week-2-roethlisberger-revis-benjamin.pdf NFL September 25, 2015 September 25, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150925233244/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/week-2-roethlisberger-revis-benjamin.pdf live(Steelers)Larry FitzgeraldCardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald, Cowboys LB Sean Lee & Cardinals KR-RB David Johnson named NFC Players of Week 2 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/week-02-fitzgerald-lee-johnson.pdf NFL September 25, 2015 September 26, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150926051045/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/week-02-fitzgerald-lee-johnson.pdf live(Cardinals)Darrelle Revis(Jets)Sean Lee(Cowboys)Travis Benjamin(Browns)David Johnson(Cardinals)3A. J. GreenBengals WR A.J. Green, Bills LB Preston Brown & Colts P Pat McAfee named AFC Players of Week 3 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-3.aspx NFL October 1, 2015 October 3, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151003094803/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-3.aspx live(Bengals)Aaron RodgersPackers QB Aaron Rodgers, Cardinals S Tyrann Mathieu & Eagles PR-RB Darren Sproles named NFC Players of Week 3 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-3.aspx NFL October 1, 2015 October 3, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151003113849/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-3.aspx live (Packers)Preston Brown(Bills)Tyrann Mathieu(Cardinals)Pat McAfee(Colts)Darren Sproles(Eagles)Sept.Tom BradyPatriots QB Tom Brady, Broncos LB DeMarcus Ware & Patriots K Stephen Gostkowski named AFC Players of Month of September https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Month---September.aspx NFL October 4, 2015 March 6, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160306060710/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Month---September.aspx live (Patriots)Julio JonesFalcons WR Julio Jones, Panthers CB Josh Norman & Seahawks KR-PR Tyler Lockett named NFC Players of Month of September https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-MOnth---September.aspx NFL October 4, 2015 March 5, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160305051354/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-MOnth---September.aspx live (Falcons)DeMarcus Ware(Broncos)Josh Norman(Panthers)Stephen Gostkowski(Patriots)Tyler Lockett(Seahawks)4Philip RiversChargers QB Philip Rivers, Broncos S T.J. Ward & Ravens K Justin Tucker named AFC Players of Week 4 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-4.aspx NFL October 8, 2015 October 13, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161013174724/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-4.aspx live (Chargers)Drew BreesSaints QB Drew Brees, Panthers CB Josh Norman & Bears K Robbie Gould named NFC Players of Week 4 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-4.aspx NFL October 8, 2015 December 23, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151223190508/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-4.aspx live (Saints)T. J. Ward(Broncos)Josh Norman(Panthers)Justin Tucker(Ravens)Robbie Gould(Bears)5Josh McCownBrowns QB Josh McCown, Colts S Mike Adams & Bengals K Mike Nugent named AFC Players of Week 5 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-5.aspx NFL October 16, 2015 October 13, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161013172827/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-5.aspx live (Browns)Eli ManningGiants QB Eli Manning, Eagles DE Fletcher Cox & Buccaneers PR Bobby Rainey named NFC Players of Week 5 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-5.aspx NFL October 16, 2015 March 5, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160305191713/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-5.aspx live (Giants)Mike Adams(Colts)Fletcher Cox(Eagles)Mike Nugent(Bengals)Bobby Rainey(Buccaneers)6DeAndre HopkinsTexans WR DeAndre Hopkins, Dolphins DE Cameron Wake & Steelers K Chris Boswell named AFC Players of Week 6 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-6.aspx NFL October 23, 2015 November 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151118130343/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-6.aspx live (Texans)Calvin JohnsonLions WR Calvin Johnson, Panthers DT Kawann Short & Saints LB Michael Mauti named NFC Players of Week 6 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-6.aspx NFL October 23, 2015 December 23, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151223190700/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-6.aspx live (Lions)Cameron Wake(Dolphins)Kawann Short(Panthers)Chris Boswell(Steelers)Michael Mauti(Saints)7Ryan TannehillDolphins QB Ryan Tannehill, Jaguars LB Telvin Smith & Patriots K Stephen Gostkowski named AFC Players of Week 7 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-7.aspx NFL October 28, 2015 October 13, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161013180709/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-7.aspx live (Dolphins)Kirk CousinsRedskins QB Kirk Cousins, Seahawks DE Michael Bennett & Giants KR Dwayne Harris named NFC Players of Week 7 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-7.aspx NFL October 28, 2015 October 13, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161013175635/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-7.aspx live (Redskins)Telvin Smith(Jaguars)Michael Bennett(Seahawks)Stephen Gostkowski(Patriots)Dwayne Harris(Giants)Oct.Andy DaltonBengals QB Andy Dalton, Raiders S Charles Woodson & Broncos K Brandon McManus named AFC Players of Month of October https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Month---October.aspx NFL November 1, 2015 March 6, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160306000126/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Month---October.aspx live (Bengals)Devonta FreemanFalcons RB Devonta Freeman, Panthers DT Kawann Short & Rams P Johnny Hekker named NFC Players of Month of October https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Month---October.aspx NFL November 1, 2015 March 6, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160306141950/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Month---October.aspx live (Falcons)Charles Woodson(Raiders)Kawann Short(Panthers)Brandon McManus(Broncos)Johnny Hekker(Rams)8Tom BradyPatriots QB Tom Brady, Broncos DE Derek Wolfe & Ravens K Justin Tucker named AFC Players of Week 8 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-8.aspx NFL November 4, 2015 March 6, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160306120913/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-8.aspx live (Patriots)Drew BreesSaints QB Drew Brees, Buccaneers LB Kwon Alexander & Vikings PR Marcus Sherels named NFC Players of Week 8 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-8.aspx NFL November 4, 2015 October 13, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161013180037/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-8.aspx live (Saints)Derek Wolfe(Broncos)Kwon Alexander(Buccaneers)Justin Tucker(Ravens)Marcus Sherels(Vikings)9Marcus MariotaAFC Players of the Week - Week 9 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-9.aspx NFL November 11, 2015 October 13, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161013180401/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-9.aspx live (Titans)Cam NewtonNFC Players of the Week - Week 9 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-9.aspx NFL November 11, 2015 October 13, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161013175514/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-9.aspx live (Panthers)Darius Butler(Colts)Linval Joseph(Vikings)Ryan Quigley(Jets)Josh Brown(Giants)10Ben RoethlisbergerSteelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, Bills S Baccari Rambo & Patriots K Stephen Gostkowski name AFC Players of Week 10 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-10.aspx NFL November 18, 2015 November 19, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151119214458/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-10.aspx live (Steelers)Kirk CousinsRedskins QB Kirk Cousins, Vikings CB Terence Newman & Lions KR Ameer Abdullah named NFC Players of Week 10 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-10.aspx NFL November 18, 2015 November 19, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151119211648/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-10.aspx live (Redskins)Bacarri Rambo(Bills)Terence Newman(Vikings)Stephen Gostkowski(Patriots)Ameer Abdullah(Lions)11Brock OsweilerBroncos QB Brock Osweiler, Texans DE J. J. Watt & Chiefs P Dustin Colquitt named AFC Players of Week 11 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-11.aspx NFL November 25, 2015 November 26, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151126083606/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-11.aspx live (Broncos)Cam NewtonPanthers QB Cam Newton, Buccaneers LB Lavonte David & Packers K Mason Crosby named NFC Players of Week 11 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-11.aspx NFL November 25, 2015 November 26, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151126082011/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-11.aspx live (Panthers)J. J. Watt(Texans)Lavonte David(Buccaneers)Dustin Colquitt(Chiefs)Mason Crosby(Packers)12C. J. AndersonBroncos RB C.J. Anderson, Bengals CB Leon Hall & Ravens S Will Hill named AFC Players of Week 12 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-12.aspx NFL December 2, 2015 December 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151208131110/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-12.aspx live (Broncos)Russell WilsonSeahawks QB Russell Wilson, Panthers LB Luke Kuechly & Lions P Sam Martin named NFC Players of Week 12 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-12.aspx NFL December 2, 2015 December 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151208141515/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-12.aspx live (Seahawks)Leon Hall(Bengals)Luke Kuechly(Panthers)Will Hill(Ravens)Sam Martin(Lions)Nov.Antonio BrownSteelers WR Antonio Brown, Texans DE J. J. Watt & Colts K Adam Vinatieri named AFC Players of Month for November https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Month---November.aspx NFL December 3, 2015 December 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151208174932/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Month---November.aspx live (Steelers)Adrian PetersonVikings RB Adrian Peterson, Cardinals S Tyrann Mathieu & Panthers K Graham Gano named NFC Players of Month for November https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Month---November.aspx NFL December 3, 2015 May 10, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210510042633/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Month---November.aspx live (Vikings)J. J. Watt(Texans)Tyrann Mathieu(Cardinals)Adam Vinatieri(Colts)Graham Gano(Panthers)13Brandon MarshallJets WR Brandon Marshall, Chiefs S Tyvon Branch & Steelers PR/WR Antonio Brown named AFC Players of Week 13 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-13.aspx NFL December 9, 2015 December 11, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151211083126/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-13.aspx live (Jets)Cam NewtonPanthers QB Cam Newton, Eagles S Malcolm Jenkins & Cowboys K Dan Bailey named NFC Players of Week 13 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-13.aspx NFL December 9, 2015 December 11, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151211131436/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-13.aspx live (Panthers)Tyvon Branch(Chiefs)Malcolm Jenkins(Eagles)Antonio Brown(Steelers)Dan Bailey(Cowboys)14Ryan FitzpatrickJets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, Raiders DE Khalil Mack & Jaguars PR/WR Rashad Greene named AFC Players of Week 14 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-14.aspx NFL December 16, 2015 December 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151222154423/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-14.aspx live (Jets)Eli ManningGiants QB Eli Manning, Rams DT Aaron Donald & Cardinals K Chandler Catanzaro named NFC Players of Week 14 https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-14.aspx NFL December 16, 2015 December 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151222093639/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-14.aspx live (Giants)Khalil Mack(Raiders)Aaron Donald(Rams)Rashad Greene(Jaguars)Chandler Catanzaro(Cardinals)15Antonio BrownCam Newton highlights Week 15 Players of the Week http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000607745/article/cam-newton-highlights-week-15-players-of-the-week?campaign=fb-nf-sf17597581-sf17597581 https://web.archive.org/web/20151223235918/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000607745/article/cam-newton-highlights-week-15-players-of-the-week?campaign=fb-nf-sf17597581-sf17597581 dead December 23, 2015 NFL December 23, 2015 (Steelers)Cam Newton(Panthers)Marcus Peters(Chiefs)Deone Bucannon(Cardinals)Carlos Dunlap(Bengals)Benny Cunningham(Rams)16Ryan FitzpatrickRaiders' King highlights Week 16 Players of Week https://www.nfl.com/news/raiders-king-highlights-week-16-players-of-week-0ap3000000612390 NFL December 30, 2015 November 8, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201108114341/https://www.nfl.com/news/raiders-king-highlights-week-16-players-of-week-0ap3000000612390 live (Jets)Julio Jones(Falcons)Robert Mathis(Colts)Dwight Freeney(Cardinals)Marquette King(Raiders)Blair Walsh(Vikings)Dec.Antonio BrownAntonio Brown tops December's Players of the Month https://www.nfl.com/news/antonio-brown-tops-december-s-players-of-the-month-0ap3000000618756 NFL January 7, 2016 June 7, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200607050951/https://www.nfl.com/news/antonio-brown-tops-december-s-players-of-the-month-0ap3000000618756 live (Steelers)Kirk Cousins(Redskins)Whitney Mercilus(Texans)Kawann Short(Panthers)Chris Boswell(Steelers)Tyler Lockett(Seahawks)17Ronnie HillmanCam Newton highlights Week 17 Players of Week https://www.nfl.com/news/cam-newton-highlights-week-17-players-of-week-0ap3000000618210 NFL January 6, 2016 February 9, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160209061838/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000618210/article/cam-newton-highlights-week-17-players-of-week live (Broncos)Cam Newton(Panthers)J. J. Watt(Texans)Everson Griffen(Vikings)D. J. Alexander(Chiefs)Tyler Lockett(Seahawks) WeekFedEx AirPlayer of the Weekhttp://www.nfl.com/voting/players-air-and-ground/2015 FedEx Air and Ground Players of the Week NFL.com September 17, 2015 October 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151018001029/http://www.nfl.com/voting/players-air-and-ground/2015 live FedEx GroundPlayer of the WeekPepsi NextRookie of the Weekhttp://www.nfl.com/voting/rookies/2015 Pepsi Next Rookie of the Week NFL.com September 17, 2015 December 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151222173806/http://www.nfl.com/voting/rookies/2015 live Castrol EdgeClutch Performerof the WeekCastrol Edge Clutch Performer of the Week http://www.nfl.com/voting/clutch-performer/2015 NFL.com 22 September 2015 December 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151222075944/http://www.nfl.com/voting/clutch-performer/2015 live1 Philip Rivers(Chargers) Carlos Hyde(49ers) Marcus Mariota(Titans) Tony Romo(Cowboys)2 Tom Brady(Patriots) Matt Jones(Redskins) Jameis Winston(Buccaneers) Derek Carr(Raiders)3 Aaron Rodgers(Packers) Devonta Freeman(Falcons) Kwon Alexander(Buccaneers) Julio Jones(Falcons)4 Philip Rivers(Chargers) Chris Ivory(Jets) Todd Gurley(Rams) Kam Chancellor(Seahawks)5 Eli Manning(Giants) Doug Martin(Buccaneers) Jameis Winston(Buccaneers) Tyrod Taylor(Bills)6 Philip Rivers(Chargers) Chris Ivory(Jets) Stefon Diggs(Vikings) Damarious Randall(Packers)7 Ryan Tannehill(Dolphins) Lamar Miller(Dolphins) Amari Cooper(Raiders) Tom Brady(Patriots)8 Drew Brees(Saints) Todd Gurley(Rams) Kwon Alexander(Buccaneers) Drew Brees(Saints)9 Marcus Mariota(Titans) DeAngelo Williams(Steelers) Amari Cooper(Raiders) Antonio Brown(Steelers)10 Ben Roethlisberger(Steelers) Adrian Peterson(Vikings) Mario Edwards Jr.(Raiders) Stephen Gostkowski(Patriots)11 Jameis Winston(Buccaneers) Doug Martin(Buccaneers) Jameis Winston(Buccaneers) Aaron Rodgers(Packers)12 Russell Wilson(Seahawks) Adrian Peterson(Vikings) Amari Cooper(Raiders) Derek Carr(Raiders)13 Ben Roethlisberger(Steelers) DeAngelo Williams(Steelers) Thomas Rawls(Seahawks) Jameis Winston(Buccaneers)14 Russell Wilson(Seahawks) Eddie Lacy(Packers) Tyler Lockett(Seahawks) Khalil Mack(Raiders)15 Ben Roethlisberger(Steelers) David Johnson(Cardinals) Amari Cooper(Raiders) Antonio Brown(Steelers)16 Drew Brees(Saints) Tim Hightower(Saints) Preston Smith(Redskins) Ryan Fitzpatrick(Jets)17 Ryan Tannehill(Dolphins) Rashad Jennings(Giants) Tyler Lockett(Seahawks) Peyton Manning(Broncos) MonthRookie of the MonthOffensiveDefensiveSept. Marcus MariotaNFL Rookies of the Month - September https://nflcommunications.com/Documents/2015%20Football%20Information/NFL%20ROM/September%20--%20Mariota%20Darby.pdf NFL October 4, 2015 July 2, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190702122634/https://nflcommunications.com/Documents/2015%20Football%20Information/NFL%20ROM/September%20--%20Mariota%20Darby.pdf live (Titans) Ronald Darby(Bills)Oct.Todd GurleyNFL Rookies of the Month - October https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFL-Rookies-of-the-Month---October.aspx NFL November 1, 2015 October 13, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161013174859/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFL-Rookies-of-the-Month---October.aspx live (Rams)Eric Kendricks(Vikings)Nov.Jameis WinstonNFL Rookies of the Month - November https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFL-Rookies-of-the-Month---November.aspx NFL December 3, 2015 December 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151208092927/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFL-Rookies-of-the-Month---November.aspx live (Buccaneers)Damarious Randall(Packers)Dec.David Johnson(Cardinals)Marcus Peters(Chiefs) Head coach/front office personnel changes Head coach Offseason Team 2014 head coach 2014 interim head coach Reason for leaving 2015 replacement Story/AccomplishmentsAtlanta FalconsMike SmithFiredDan QuinnSmith compiled a record of 67–50 (.573), including the postseason, in seven seasons with the Falcons. He is the only coach to lead the franchise to consecutive winning seasons and consecutive playoff berths.Patra Kevin Atlanta Falcons fire coach Mike Smith https://www.nfl.com/news/atlanta-falcons-fire-coach-mike-smith-0ap3000000451246 NFL.com 29 September 2014 March 17, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150317094252/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000451246/article/atlanta-falcons-fire-coach-mike-smith live Quinn, who never held a head coaching position prior to 2015, had served as defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. Due to league anti-tampering rules, the Falcons had to wait until after the completion of the Seahawks' playoff run, before formally hiring Quinn.https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12266193/dan-quinn-atlanta-falcons-introduction Falcons to introduce Dan Quinn McClure Vaughan ESPN Internet Ventures February 2, 2015 ESPN.com April 25, 2015 July 20, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190720050122/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12266193/dan-quinn-atlanta-falcons-introduction liveBuffalo BillsDoug MarroneResignedRex RyanMarrone compiled a record of 15–17 (.469) in two seasons with the Bills and resigned on December 31, 2014.Statement from Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula regarding Marrone opt-out https://web.archive.org/web/20150102222123/http://www.allsportswny.com/statement-from-buffalo-bills-owner-terry-pegula-regarding-marrone-opt-out/ January 2, 2015 . WBBZ-TV. Retrieved December 31, 2014. His tenure was marked by the team's first winning season since 2004 but also by tensions with general manager Doug Whaley and players, especially Mike Williams, who requested a trade during the season. Marrone's contract had an opt-out clause which allowed him to resign his position within three days of the end of the season and still collect his full salary for the rest of the contract (he had one year remaining) if the team changed ownership which it did when the Bills were sold to the Pegula family in September. Marrone joined the Jacksonville Jaguars as offensive line coach.Long, Mark (January 20, 2015). Jaguars hire Marrone as assistant head coach https://web.archive.org/web/20190702135332/http://www.oleantimesherald.com/sports/article_40438a42-a137-11e4-b975-2baea0124b48.html July 2, 2019 . Associated Press. Retrieved January 21, 2015. On January 12, 2015, the Bills hired Rex Ryan as their head coach. Ryan had spent the previous six seasons as head coach of the New York Jets.Patra Kevin Buffalo Bills hire Rex Ryan as head coach https://www.nfl.com/news/buffalo-bills-hire-rex-ryan-as-head-coach-0ap3000000456519 NFL.com 12 January 2015 April 22, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170422072518/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000456519/article/buffalo-bills-hire-rex-ryan-as-head-coach liveChicago BearsMarc TrestmanFiredJohn FoxTrestman compiled a record of 13–19 (.406) in two seasons with the Bears, and had finished the 2014 season with a 5–11 record. He and general manager Phil Emery were both dismissed on December 29, 2014.Rosenthal Gregg Chicago Bears fire Marc Trestman https://www.nfl.com/news/chicago-bears-fire-marc-trestman-0ap3000000451258 NFL.com 29 September 2014 December 29, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141229171803/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000451258/article/chicago-bears-fire-marc-trestman live Trestman then became offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens.https://www.nfl.com/news/ravens-hire-marc-trestman-as-offensive-coordinator-0ap3000000461175 Ravens hire Marc Trestman as offensive coordinator NFL.com 2015-05-19 October 5, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241005063325/https://www.nfl.com/news/ravens-hire-marc-trestman-as-offensive-coordinator-0ap3000000461175 live Fox was hired on January 16, 2015, to become the head coach. Fox spent the past 4 seasons as the head coach of the Denver Broncos.Sessler Marc Chicago Bears hire John Fox as head coach https://www.nfl.com/news/chicago-bears-hire-john-fox-as-head-coach-0ap3000000459551 NFL.com 17 January 2015 June 18, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240618224355/https://www.nfl.com/news/chicago-bears-hire-john-fox-as-head-coach-0ap3000000459551 liveDenver BroncosJohn FoxMutual decisionGary KubiakIn four seasons with the Broncos, Fox compiled a record of 49–22 (.690) including postseason games, won his division all four seasons, and appeared in Super Bowl XLVIII, but was bounced from the playoffs in the divisional round the other three years. By mutual agreement, Fox left the team on January 12, 2015, following the most recent divisional playoff loss.Wesseling Chris John Fox, Denver Broncos part ways after four years https://www.nfl.com/news/john-fox-denver-broncos-part-ways-after-four-seasons-0ap3000000457308 NFL.com 12 January 2015 January 13, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150113005134/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000457308/article/john-fox-denver-broncos-part-ways live Kubiak was hired on January 19, 2015, to become the head coach. Kubiak, formerly head coach of the Houston Texans from 2006 to 2013, spent the past season as the offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens.Patra Kevin Gary Kubiak hired as Denver Broncos head coach https://www.nfl.com/news/gary-kubiak-hired-as-denver-broncos-head-coach-0ap3000000460494 NFL.com 20 January 2015 May 6, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210506135311/https://www.nfl.com/news/gary-kubiak-hired-as-denver-broncos-head-coach-0ap3000000460494 liveNew York JetsRex RyanFiredTodd BowlesRyan compiled a record of 50–52 (.490), including postseason games, in six seasons as head coach of the Jets. Ryan led the Jets to two AFC Championship Game appearances in his first two seasons, losing both, but failed to earn a winning season or playoff berth in his last four. He and general manager John Idzik, Jr. were both dismissed on December 29, 2014.Orr Conor New York Jets fire Rex Ryan, John Idzik https://www.nfl.com/news/new-york-jets-fire-rex-ryan-john-idzik-0ap3000000451236 NFL.com 9 January 2015 April 4, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240404232714/https://www.nfl.com/news/new-york-jets-fire-rex-ryan-john-idzik-0ap3000000451236 live Bowles was hired on January 14, 2015, to become their head coach after serving as defensive coordinator for Arizona Cardinals since 2013; he previously served as interim head coach of the Miami Dolphins in 2011.Wesseling Chris New York Jets hiring Todd Bowles as head coach https://www.nfl.com/news/new-york-jets-announce-todd-bowles-as-head-coach-0ap3000000458689 NFL.com 14 January 2015 June 19, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240619131612/https://www.nfl.com/news/new-york-jets-announce-todd-bowles-as-head-coach-0ap3000000458689 liveOakland RaidersDennis AllenTony SparanoFiredJack Del RioAllen was fired on September 29, 2014, after an 8–28 (.222) record as Raiders head coach, and an 0–4 start to the 2014 season.Rosenthal Gregg Raiders fire Dennis Allen after two-plus seasons https://www.nfl.com/news/raiders-fire-dennis-allen-after-two-plus-seasons-0ap3000000403246 NFL.com 29 September 2014 October 1, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141001034403/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000403246/article/raiders-fire-dennis-allen-after-twoplus-seasons live Allen joined the staff of the New Orleans Saints for the 2015 season.http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/20/dennis-allen-joins-saints-staff/ Dennis Allen joins Saints' staff Smith Michael D. NBC Sports January 20, 2015 profootballtalk.nbcsports.com April 24, 2015 August 18, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190818182825/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/20/dennis-allen-joins-saints-staff/ live Sparano, formerly head coach of the Miami Dolphins, finished the season as interim head coach, compiling a record of 3–9.Hanzus Dan Tony Sparano named Raiders' interim head coach https://www.nfl.com/news/tony-sparano-named-raiders-interim-head-coach-0ap3000000403464 NFL.com 30 September 2014 October 3, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141003153927/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000403464/article/tony-sparano-to-be-raiders-interim-head-coach live He then became tight ends coach for the San Francisco 49ers.Tony Sparano new 49ers TE coach https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12211782/tony-sparano-joins-san-francisco-49ers-staff-tight-ends-coach ESPN 22 January 2015 November 30, 2024 July 17, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241130155417/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12211782/tony-sparano-joins-san-francisco-49ers-staff-tight-ends-coach live Jack Del Rio was hired on January 14, 2015, to become their head coach after serving as defensive coordinator for Denver Broncos since 2012; he previously served as head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003 to 2011.Orr Conor Oakland Raiders hire Jack Del Rio as next head coach https://www.nfl.com/news/oakland-raiders-announce-jack-del-rio-as-new-coach-0ap3000000458717 NFL.com 14 January 2015 February 27, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240227100141/https://www.nfl.com/news/oakland-raiders-announce-jack-del-rio-as-new-coach-0ap3000000458717 liveSan Francisco 49ersJim HarbaughMutually Part WaysJim TomsulaHarbaugh compiled a record of 49–22–1 (.688), including postseason games, in four seasons with the 49ers, and led the team to three NFC Championship Game appearances and a berth in Super Bowl XLVII. After a mediocre 8–8 season in 2014 (the first time his team did not make the playoffs) and amid tensions between Harbaugh and the 49ers front office, Harbaugh left to become head coach at his college alma mater, the University of Michigan.Rosenthal Gregg Jim Harbaugh, San Francisco 49ers mutually part ways https://www.nfl.com/news/jim-harbaugh-san-francisco-49ers-mutually-part-ways-0ap3000000450865 NFL.com 29 September 2014 April 13, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240413080457/https://www.nfl.com/news/jim-harbaugh-san-francisco-49ers-mutually-part-ways-0ap3000000450865 live On January 14, 2015, Jim Tomsula was promoted to head coach after serving as defensive line coach with the team since 2007; it is his second time at the helm, as he previously served as the 49ers' interim head coach for one game, after Mike Singletary's firing in 2010.Patra Kevin Niners choose to promote Jim Tomsula to head coach https://www.nfl.com/news/niners-choose-to-promote-jim-tomsula-to-head-coach-0ap3000000458952 NFL.cpm 14 January 2015 May 20, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240520125305/https://www.nfl.com/news/niners-choose-to-promote-jim-tomsula-to-head-coach-0ap3000000458952 live In-season Team 2015 head coach Reason for leaving Interim replacement Story/AccomplishmentsMiami DolphinsJoe PhilbinFiredDan CampbellPhilbin compiled a record of 24–28 (24 28), with no playoff appearances, in 3¼ seasons as head coach of the Dolphins. The Dolphins were expected to be contenders for a playoff position in 2015 but grossly underachieved, starting the season 1–3, which led to Philbin's firing. Campbell, the team's tight ends coach, took over for the rest of the season.https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/13814560/miami-dolphins-fire-joe-philbin Dolphins fire coach Joe Philbin after team stumbles to 1-3 start Walker James ESPN Internet Ventures October 5, 2015 ESPN.com October 5, 2015 January 25, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160125063747/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13814560/miami-dolphins-fire-joe-philbin liveTennessee TitansKen WhisenhuntMike MularkeyWhisenhunt compiled a record of 3–20 (3 20), with no playoff appearances, in 1½ seasons as head coach of the Titans. After an impressive opening day win, the Titans lost six straight, resulting in Whisenhunt's dismissal. Mularkey, the team's tight ends coach, took over as interim head coach. Mularkey's previous head coaching experience includes two seasons with the Buffalo Bills (2004–05) and one season with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2012).https://www.nfl.com/news/tennessee-titans-fire-head-coach-ken-whisenhunt-0ap3000000572205 Tennessee Titans fire head coach Ken Whisenhunt Orr Conor NFL.com November 3, 2015 November 3, 2015 January 6, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160106164651/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000572205/article/whisenhunt-relieved-of-duties-as-titans-head-coach livePhiladelphia EaglesChip KellyPat ShurmurKelly compiled a record of 26–21 (26 21) in almost three years with the Eagles. He led the team to the playoffs in 2013, but lost in the Wild Card. He was fired from both his head coach and de facto general manager positions when the team, after its ninth loss of the season, was eliminated from postseason contention with one game remaining on the schedule. Shurmur, the Eagles' offensive coordinator, filled in as head coach for the team's last game; he previously coached the Cleveland Browns from 2011 to 2012.Rosenthal Gregg Philadelphia Eagles fire coach Chip Kelly https://www.nfl.com/news/philadelphia-eagles-fire-coach-chip-kelly-0ap3000000612168 NFL.com 30 December 2015 January 1, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160101205114/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000612168/article/philadelphia-eagles-let-go-of-chip-kelly live Front office Offseason Team Position 2014 office holder Reason for leaving 2015 replacement Story/Accomplishments New York Jets GM John IdzikFired Mike Maccagnan Idzik was fired after two seasons with the New York Jets. He then joined the staff of the Jacksonville Jaguars as a consultant.https://www.si.com/nfl/2015/02/25/jaguars-jets-john-idzik-gm-consultant?xid=si_nfl Report: Jaguars expected to hire ex-Jets GM John Idzik as consultant Gartland Dan Sports Illustrated February 25, 2015 SI.com July 22, 2015 July 23, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150723003100/http://www.si.com/nfl/2015/02/25/jaguars-jets-john-idzik-gm-consultant?xid=si_nfl live On January 13, 2015, the Jets hired Maccagnan as new general manager of the team. He was the director of college scouting for the Houston Texans prior to his hiring.Hanzus Dan Mike Maccagnan named new general manager of Jets https://www.nfl.com/news/mike-maccagnan-named-new-general-manager-of-jets-0ap3000000458458 NFL.com 14 January 2015 June 17, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240617044433/https://www.nfl.com/news/mike-maccagnan-named-new-general-manager-of-jets-0ap3000000458458 live Chicago Bears GM Phil Emery Ryan Pace Emery was fired after three seasons in Chicago.Bears fire general manager Phil Emery NFL.com http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-am/0ap3000000451251/Bears-fire-general-manager-Phil-Emery 9 January 2015 January 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150109123709/http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-am/0ap3000000451251/Bears-fire-general-manager-Phil-Emery live Pace was hired on January 8, 2015, after serving as the director of player personnel with the Saints since 2013.Biggs Brad Campbell Rich Wiederer Dan Bears hire Ryan Pace as general manager http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-bears-hire-ryan-pace-gm-story.html Chicago Tribune 8 January 2015 January 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150109005708/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-bears-hire-ryan-pace-gm-story.html dead Washington Redskins GM Bruce Allen Replaced Scot McCloughan Bruce Allen was hired as general manager in December 2009 and was given the title of team president in May 2014. Allen abdicated his title of general manager when McCloughan was hired as the new general manager of the team on January 7, 2015. The former 49ers general manager and Seahawks personnel executive will report to team president Bruce Allen and will have final say over the 53-man roster in D.C.Orr Conor Washington Redskins make Scot McCloughan GM https://www.nfl.com/news/washington-redskins-make-scot-mccloughan-gm-0ap3000000454845 NFL.com January 7, 2015 January 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150108002100/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000454845/article/washington-redskins-make-scot-mccloughan-gm live Philadelphia Eagles EVP-FO Executive Vice President - Football Operations Tom GambleFired Howie Roseman Roseman, who served as General Manager of the Eagles from 2010 to 2014, was promoted up to Executive Vice President of Football Operations. The General Manager position Roseman leaves behind remained unfilled, and head coach Chip Kelly fulfilled the duties of that position until his Week 16 firing.Gowton Brandon Eagles promote Howie Roseman; allow Chip Kelly to run player personnel department http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/1/2/7483051/eagles-promote-howie-roseman-chip-kelly-player-personnel-lurie BleedingGreenNation.com Vox Media, Inc. December 2, 2015 January 2, 2015 December 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151208065514/http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/1/2/7483051/eagles-promote-howie-roseman-chip-kelly-player-personnel-lurie live In-season Team Position 2015 office holder Reason for leaving 2015 replacement Story/Accomplishments Detroit Lions GM Martin MayhewFired Sheldon White (interim) After starting the season 1–6, the Lions fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. One week later, after another loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, owner Martha Firestone Ford fired Mayhew and Lewland.Orr Conor Lions fire GM Martin Mayhew, president Tom Lewand https://www.nfl.com/news/lions-fire-gm-martin-mayhew-president-tom-lewand-0ap3000000573477 NFL.com 5 November 2015 January 6, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160106164706/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000573477/article/lions-fire-gm-martin-mayhew-president-tom-lewand live President Tom Lewand Rod WoodPhiladelphia EaglesVP- Player PersonnelEd MarynowitzTom DonahoeVice President of Player Personnel Ed Marynowitz was fired alongside Head Coach Chip Kelly on December 29, 2015. Chip Kelly released by Philadelphia Eagles https://www.nfl.com/news/philadelphia-eagles-fire-coach-chip-kelly-0ap3000000612168 NFL.com 2015-12-30 January 1, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160101205114/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000612168/article/philadelphia-eagles-let-go-of-chip-kelly live Donahoe last served as president and general manager of the Buffalo Bills from 2001 to 2005 but has largely been out of football in the ten years since his firing from that position.GM (de facto)Chip KellyHowie RosemanRoseman, who carried the title of "executive vice president of football operations" while Kelly handled general manager duties in 2015, reverted to his previous general manager duties after Kelly's firing. Stadiums Tennessee Titans' venue renamed Nissan Stadium The stadium in Nashville where the Tennessee Titans play their home games was renamed Nissan Stadium in an agreement with automobile manufacturer Nissan. Though financial terms remain undisclosed, the naming rights deal is expected to last for twenty years. Nissan operates two plants in Tennessee and is one of middle Tennessee's largest employers. Since 2006, the facility had been branded as "LP Field", under a naming rights agreement with Nashville-based building materials manufacturer Louisiana-Pacific. This is the third name change for the venue since its 1999 opening.Wyatt, Jim Titans' stadium LP Field to be renamed Nissan Stadium http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2015/06/24/tennessee-titans-nissan-lp-field/29229831/ The Tennessean June 25, 2015 June 25, 2015 https://archive.today/20150624203249/http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2015/06/24/tennessee-titans-nissan-lp-field/29229831/ June 24, 2015 live mdy Minnesota Vikings last season at TCF Bank Stadium The Minnesota Vikings played at TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis for the second straight season.Katzowitz Josh Vikings will spend 2014, 2015 seasons at TCF Bank Stadium http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/22224603/vikings-will-spend-2014-2015-seasons-at-tcf-bank-stadium September 22, 2015 CBSSports.com May 9, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20150922143446/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/22224603/vikings-will-spend-2014-2015-seasons-at-tcf-bank-stadium September 22, 2015 live The Vikings arranged to play there for two years after their former home, the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, was closed after the 2013 season and demolished so U.S. Bank Stadium, their new stadium, could be built on the site.Olson Rochelle Vikings stadium construction entering critical phase, transitioning for fall, winter http://www.startribune.com/vikings-stadium-construction-entering-critical-phase-transitioning-for-fall-winter/317670111/ September 22, 2015 Star Tribune July 21, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150725121643/http://www.startribune.com/vikings-stadium-construction-entering-critical-phase-transitioning-for-fall-winter/317670111/ July 25, 2015 live In August, a construction worker who was working on the new stadium died in a fall from the structure's roof.Olson Rochelle 1 worker dead, 1 injured in fall from roof at Vikings stadium http://www.startribune.com/1-trapped-rescue-underway-on-roof-of-new-vikings-stadium/322946061/ September 22, 2015 Star Tribune August 27, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150827001019/http://www.startribune.com/1-trapped-rescue-underway-on-roof-of-new-vikings-stadium/322946061/ August 27, 2015 NRG Stadium Convert to Turf NRG Stadium, home of the Houston Texans, converted from a natural grass field to an artificial turf field after week 1. Despite various attempts to improve field conditions, players from both the Texans and the visiting Kansas City Chiefs complained of poor field conditions in their week 1 game. The decision to convert was made 5 days later, and the turf field was installed in time for the Texans next home game against Tampa Bay in Week 3.http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/09/18/texans-decide-to-cut-the-grass-install-artificial-turf/ Texans decide to cut the grass, install artificial turf Profootballtalk.nbcsports.com 2015-09-18 2016-01-28 January 4, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160104184836/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/09/18/texans-decide-to-cut-the-grass-install-artificial-turf/ live NFL relocation candidates Oakland Raiders History of the National Football League in Los Angeles Oakland Raiders relocation to Las Vegas The team's lease at the Oakland Coliseum expired after the 2013 season, and the Raiders after that point became tenants of the Coliseum on a year-to-year basis.https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11229559/roger-goodell-floats-san-francisco-49ers-levi-stadium-oakland-raiders-option Goodell: Levi's might fit Raiders Espn.go.com 2014-07-17 2015-12-02 November 19, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151119172029/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11229559/roger-goodell-floats-san-francisco-49ers-levi-stadium-oakland-raiders-option live San Antonio On July 29, 2014, reports surfaced that the Oakland Raiders might consider relocating to San Antonio in 2015 after owner Mark Davis met with San Antonio civic leaders the week before at the encouragement of former Raider Cliff Branch, whom Davis was in town to visit for a local ceremony for Branch. The Raiders themselves acknowledged Davis being in San Antonio for the event for Branch before news broke about a possible relocation, but would not confirm nor deny that Davis also mentioned being there discussing moving his team east.Josh Baugh and Tom Orsborn http://www.sfgate.com/raiders/article/Raiders-look-at-potential-home-deep-in-heart-of-5655367.php Raiders look at potential home deep in heart of Texas SFGate 2014-07-29 2015-05-19 July 30, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140730192329/http://www.sfgate.com/raiders/article/Raiders-look-at-potential-home-deep-in-heart-of-5655367.php live Among the two existing NFL teams in Texas, Houston Texans' then-owner Bob McNair and Dallas Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones—the latter of which has San Antonio as part of his territorial rights and previously voiced support of an NFL team moving there when the New Orleans Saints temporarily played in San Antonio in 2005 due to damages to the Superdome following Hurricane Katrina – both favored an NFL team playing in San Antonio.https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11285618/houston-texans-owner-bob-mcnair-judge-oakland-raiders-san-antonio-buzz McNair in favor of 'strong franchises' Espn.go.com 2014-07-30 2015-12-02 On September 3, 2014, the city of Oakland reached a tentative deal to build a new football stadium in Oakland, which would have resulted in the Coliseum being demolished; Davis did not respond to the proposal, which would have also forced the Oakland Athletics to build a new stadium of their own (which they did not agree to do), while Alameda County (then co-owners of the coliseum) indicated they would probably not have supported the plan.http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/matier-ross/article/New-stadium-deal-for-Raiders-give-s-team-land-5729877.php New stadium deal for Raiders gives team land, pays off debt September 3, 2014 San Francisco Chronicle September 3, 2014 September 3, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140903151639/http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/matier-ross/article/New-stadium-deal-for-Raiders-give-s-team-land-5729877.php live Davis, in the meantime, had team officials scout the Alamodome to determine if it would be suitable for the NFL.Mark Davis, San Antonio group meet https://web.archive.org/web/20141108095435/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11838270/oakland-raiders-meet-san-antonio-officials-discuss-potential-move November 8, 2014 . Associated Press via ESPN.com. Retrieved November 8, 2014. Shared stadium with the Chargers in Los Angeles Carson Stadium On February 19, 2015, the Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers announced plans for a privately financed $1.7 billion stadium that the two teams would build in Carson, California, if they were to move to the Los Angeles market.https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12351492/san-diego-chargers-oakland-raiders-joint-stadium-plan-los-angeles Chargers, Raiders reveal L.A. plan Espn.go.com 2015-02-20 2015-12-02 December 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151208115743/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12351492/san-diego-chargers-oakland-raiders-joint-stadium-plan-los-angeles live Such a move would have marked a return to the nation's second-largest market for both teams; the Raiders played in Los Angeles from 1982 to 1994 while the Chargers called LA home for their inaugural season in the American Football League. The Chargers were at the time the only NFL team to play in Southern California, with San Diego being a 125 mi km on distance from Los Angeles and had Los Angeles as a secondary market. The Chargers had been looking to replace Qualcomm Stadium (which, like the O.co Coliseum opened in the late 1960s) since at least 2003, and had an annual out clause in which it could move in exchange for paying a fine to the city of San Diego for its remaining years on its lease. Due to television contracts, NFL bylaws, and being in the same division if both of the longstanding division rivals moved to Los Angeles, one of the teams would have had to move to the National Football Conference and the NFC West, something that Mark Davis volunteered the Raiders to be willing to do. The Raiders' move to the National Football Conference and the NFC West would have been considered ironic because Davis's father Al Davis was a staunch opponent of the NFL during its rivalry and eventual merger with the AFL. If such a realignment had occurred, one of the existing NFC West teams would have taken their spot in the AFC West. The early rumor was that the Seattle Seahawks, who played in the AFC West from 1977 to 2001, would have been the favorite to switch conferences with the Raiders. However, that team's then growing rivalry with the San Francisco 49ers (who are assured of staying in the NFC West) pointed to either the Arizona Cardinals or the St. Louis Rams (if the latter had stayed in St. Louis) moving to the AFC West to take the Raiders' spot. If the Rams stayed in St. Louis, switching them to the AFC would have allowed for a yearly home-and-home with the cross-state Kansas City Chiefs.http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/02/20/if-chargers-and-raiders-share-stadium-one-would-likely-move-to-nfc/ If Chargers and Raiders share stadium, one would likely move to NFC Florio Mike NBC Sports February 20, 2015 profootballtalk.nbcsports.com April 30, 2015 April 25, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150425073539/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/02/20/if-chargers-and-raiders-share-stadium-one-would-likely-move-to-nfc/ live On October 23, 2015, Chargers spokesperson Mark Fabiani confirmed that the team planned to officially notify the NFL about its intentions to relocate to Los Angeles in January during the timetable for when teams can request to relocate.Garrick David Chargers plan to file L.A. relocation papers http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/oct/23/chargers-stadium-fabiani-relocation-los-angeles/ November 29, 2015 San Diego Union-Tribune October 23, 2015 December 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151208083739/http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/oct/23/chargers-stadium-fabiani-relocation-los-angeles/ dead St. Louis Rams SoFi Stadium The Rams and the St. Louis CVC (Convention & Visitors Commission) began negotiating deals to get the Rams' home stadium, the Edward Jones Dome, into the top 25 percent of stadiums in the league (i.e., top eight teams of the thirty-two NFL teams in reference to luxury boxes, amenities and overall fan experience). Under the terms of the lease agreement, the St. Louis CVC was required to make modifications to the Edward Jones Dome in 2005. However, then-owner Georgia Frontiere waived the provision in exchange for cash that served as a penalty for the city's noncompliance. The City of St. Louis, in subsequent years, made changes to the scoreboard and increased the natural lighting by replacing panels with windows, although the overall feel remained dark. The minor renovations which totaled about $70 million did not bring the stadium within the specifications required under the lease agreement. On February 1, 2013, an arbitrator (3 panel) selected to preside over the arbitration process found that the Edward Jones Dome was not in the top 25% of all NFL venues as required under the terms of the lease agreement between the Rams and the CVC. The arbitrator further found that the estimated $700 million in proposed renovations by the Rams was not unreasonable given the terms of the lease agreement. Finally, the City of St. Louis was Ordered to pay the Rams attorneys' fees which totaled a reported $2 million. Publicly, city, county and state officials expressed no interest in providing further funding to the Edward Jones Dome in light of those entities, as well as taxpayers, continuing to owe approximately $300 million more on that facility. As such, if a resolution was not reached by the end of the 2014–15 NFL season and the City of St. Louis remained non-compliant in its obligations under the lease agreement, the Rams were free to nullify their lease and relocate. On January 31, 2014, both the Los Angeles Times and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that Rams owner Stan Kroenke had purchased 60 acres of land adjacent to the Forum in Inglewood, Los Angeles County, California. It was, by the most conservative estimates, sufficient land on which an NFL-proper stadium could be constructed. The purchase price was rumored to have been US$90–100 million. Commissioner Roger Goodell represented that Kroenke informed the league of the purchase. As an NFL owner, any purchase of land in which a potential stadium could be built must be disclosed to the league. This development further fueled rumors that the Rams intended to return its management and football operations to Southern California. The land was initially targeted for a Walmart Supercenter but Walmart could not get the necessary permits to build the center. Kroenke is married to Ann Walton Kroenke, who is a member of the Walton family and many of Kroenke's real estate deals have involved Walmart properties.https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nfl/story/_/id/10380150/st-louis-rams-owner-stan-kroenke-buys-60-acres-land-los-angeles Stan Kroenke buys 60 acres in L.A. Wagoner Nick ESPN Internet Ventures February 1, 2014 ESPN.com September 4, 2014 September 21, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140921005816/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nfl/story/_/id/10380150/st-louis-rams-owner-stan-kroenke-buys-60-acres-land-los-angeles livehttp://www.ksdk.com/story/sports/nfl/rams/2014/01/30/stan-kroenke-plot-of-land-california-st-louis-rams/5069985/ Report: Rams owner bought 60 acres of land in Calif. Piper Brandie Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. January 31, 2014 ksdk.com September 4, 2014 dead https://archive.today/20140221154310/http://www.ksdk.com/story/sports/nfl/rams/2014/01/30/stan-kroenke-plot-of-land-california-st-louis-rams/5069985/ February 21, 2014 http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-0105-nfl-la-stadium-20150105-story.html#page=1 Owner of St. Louis Rams plans to build NFL stadium in Inglewood Los Angeles Times 2015-01-05 May 19, 2015 September 30, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240930120911/https://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-0105-nfl-la-stadium-20150105-story.html#page=1 live On January 5, 2015, The Los Angeles Times reported that Kroenke Sports & Entertainment and Stockbridge Capital Group were partnering to develop a new NFL stadium owned by Kroenke. The project included a stadium of up to 80,000 seats and a performance venue of 6,000 seats while reconfiguring the previously approved Hollywood Park plan for up to 890,000 square feet of retail, 780,000 square feet of office space, 2,500 new residential units, a 300-room hotel and 25 acres of public parks, playgrounds, open space and pedestrian and bicycle access. In lieu of this the city of St. Louis responded on January 9, 2015, by unveiling an outdoor, open-air, riverfront stadium that could accommodate the Rams and an MLS team with the hopes that the NFL bylaws would force them to stay. On February 24, 2015, the Inglewood City Council approved the stadium and the initiative with construction on the stadium beginning in December 2015. With the Chargers, Raiders and Rams proposing their own stadiums as part of their Los Angeles relocation contingency plans, the proposed Farmers Field project was permanently scrapped in March 2015. AEG shuts down plans to build downtown Farmers Field for NFL team http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20150309/aeg-shuts-down-plans-to-build-downtown-farmers-field-for-nfl-team March 9, 2015 March 9, 2015 Los Angeles Daily News July 10, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200710015052/https://www.dailynews.com/2015/03/09/aeg-shuts-down-plans-to-build-nfl-stadium-in-downtown-los-angeles/ live Farmers Field was a proposal from Anschutz Entertainment Group to lure an NFL team to Los Angeles by promising a new stadium, but AEG placed restrictions on any relocation that the rest of the league found unacceptable, and the project had lain dormant since 2012.Cole, Jason (March 29, 2012). Sources: Downtown Los Angeles Stadium proposal in trouble because of AEG’s terms to NFL. Yahoo Sports. Retrieved March 30, 2012. Super Bowl 50 promotion To mark the 50th Super Bowl, various gold-themed promotions and initiatives were held during the 2015 season, including gold-tinted logos across all NFL properties, the numbering of the 50-yard line on fields being painted in gold, sideline jackets and hats featuring gold-trimmed logos from week 7 onward, and Pro Bowl jersey designs incorporating gold numbering. Gold footballs were given to each high school that has had a player or coach appear in the Super Bowl, and "homecoming" events were held by teams at games.NFL goes gold, adding it to team logos, to celebrate Super Bowl 50 https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2015/03/25/nfl-goes-gold-adding-it-to-team-logos-to-celebrate-super-bowl-50/ 30 April 2015 The Washington Post May 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518114234/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2015/03/25/nfl-goes-gold-adding-it-to-team-logos-to-celebrate-super-bowl-50/ liveNFL going gold in 2015 to celebrate Super Bowl 50: Five things to know http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25120528/nfl-going-gold-in-2015-to-celebrate-super-bowl-50-5-things-to-know CBS Sports 30 April 2015 May 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518075609/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25120528/nfl-going-gold-in-2015-to-celebrate-super-bowl-50-5-things-to-know live Through their first two home games, the Oakland Raiders declined to participate in the use of gold paint to mark the 50-yard line. On September 22, Sports Business Daily reported that NFL VP/Communications Brian McCarthy stated it was because the Oakland Athletics were still playing at the O.co Coliseum (the only stadium that is still shared by both an NFL team and a Major League Baseball team, which forces the Raiders to play on its dirt infield until the baseball season concludes), but the Coliseum's General Manager Chris Wright responded by saying that the Raiders told him not to apply the gold marks for the remaining regular season games.Muret Don Raiders Refusing To Put On-Field Gold Marks At 50-Yard Line http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Closing-Bell/2015/09/22/Raiders.aspx September 23, 2015 Sports Business Daily Sports Business Journal September 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150923175614/http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Closing-Bell/2015/09/22/Raiders.aspx September 23, 2015 live One day later, Raiders owner Mark Davis confirmed that the gold markings would be used after the conclusion of the Athletics season, boasting that because they had appeared in five of them, "nobody respects the Super Bowl more than Raiders".Jimmy Durkin Raiders owner Mark Davis disputes reports about Super Bowl paint http://www.mercurynews.com/raiders/ci_28866630/raiders-owner-mark-davis-disputes-reports-about-super September 24, 2015 San Jose Mercury News September 23, 2015 September 25, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150925133603/http://www.mercurynews.com/raiders/ci_28866630/raiders-owner-mark-davis-disputes-reports-about-super live New uniforms and patches After it had been leaked months before by the Packers that both teams were allowed to wear their colored jerseys for Thursday Night Football contests,http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/packers-unveil-retro-uniforms-to-be-worn-vs-chargers-b99546033z1-319137191.html Packers unveil retro uniforms to be worn vs. Chargers Silverstein Tom Journal Sentinel, Inc. July 28, 2015 jsonline.com August 7, 2015 July 31, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150731184941/http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/packers-unveil-retro-uniforms-to-be-worn-vs-chargers-b99546033z1-319137191.html live on October 30, 2015, the NFL announced "Color Rush", a series of four Thursday contests in which all eight teams will wear one-time, specially designed and monochromatic alternate uniforms.Kania Joe http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-1/Splash-of-Color-for-Thursday-Night-Teams/a49ec3b0-d3bc-4f95-8881-7b7fd1216685 Splash of Color for Thursday Night Teams Buccaneers.com 2015-10-30 2015-12-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20151031114635/http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-1/Splash-of-Color-for-Thursday-Night-Teams/a49ec3b0-d3bc-4f95-8881-7b7fd1216685 October 31, 2015 dead The Carolina Panthers and Tennessee Titans wore their regular alternate uniforms (with the Panthers debuting "Carolina blue" pants), while the Dallas Cowboys revived their white "Double Star" uniforms from the mid-1990s (while debuting white pants) and the St. Louis Rams wore a gold version of their 1973–99 throwbacks for the games. The other four teams involved (Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers) wore all-new uniforms for the games. The November 12 game between the Bills and Jets was particularly problematic, with the Bills' all-red uniforms (the first time the team has ever worn a red jersey on the field) and the Jets' kelly green outfits being indistinguishable to those with color blindness.https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/color-blind-people-driven-nuts-watching-red-bills--green-jets-uniforms-021653681.html Edholm Eric Color-blind people driven nuts watching red Bills, green Jets uniforms Yahoo! Sports November 12, 2015 November 12, 2015 November 13, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151113180223/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/color-blind-people-driven-nuts-watching-red-bills--green-jets-uniforms-021653681.html live The Cleveland Browns unveiled new uniforms on April 14, 2015. There are three jersey colors and three pants colors: orange, brown, and white, allowing for nine possible uniform combinations. The uniforms have "Cleveland" above the numbers on the front, "Browns" down the leg, and "Dawg Pound" inside the collar. The uniforms are the first in the NFL to utilize contrast stitching and chainmail/raised numbers. The city name in front and team name down the leg are also NFL firsts.https://www.nfl.com/news/cleveland-browns-unveil-new-uniforms-0ap3000000485371 Cleveland Browns unveil new uniforms Shook Nick NFL Enterprises LLC. April 14, 2015 NFL.com April 24, 2015 August 12, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200812152230/https://www.nfl.com/news/cleveland-browns-unveil-new-uniforms-0ap3000000485371 live On February 24, the Browns slightly tweaked their logo. The orange on their helmet is brighter and the facemask, which was gray, is now brown. The team also updated their secondary logo.https://www.nfl.com/news/cleveland-browns-unveil-new-logos-0ap3000000473731 Cleveland Browns unveil new logos Patra Kevin NFL Enterprises LLC. February 24, 2015 NFL.com April 24, 2015 The San Francisco 49ers unveiled a new black alternate uniform on May 1, 2015. The jerseys have red numerals with matching black pants. This is the first alternate uniform in the team's history.Gutierrez, Paul 49ers unveil black and red alternate uniforms https://www.espn.com/blog/san-francisco-49ers/post/_/id/13207/49ers-unveil-black-and-red-alternate-uniforms ESPN May 1, 2015 May 1, 2015 January 8, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180108175125/http://www.espn.com/blog/san-francisco-49ers/post/_/id/13207/49ers-unveil-black-and-red-alternate-uniforms live In addition, the 49ers sported a helmet decal and lapel pin honoring Hall of Fame offensive lineman Bob St. Clair who died in April; the decal had St. Clair's number 79 in white inside a black football shape.2015 Kickoff Information Guide https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/2015-kickoff-information-guide.pdf National Football League September 21, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150907180119/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/2015-kickoff-information-guide.pdf September 7, 2015 73 July 27, 2015 live The Tennessee Titans switched their primary colored jerseys from light "Titans Blue" to navy blue, the latter of which was the team's primary home jersey color from 1999 to 2007.Bell, Demetrious Tennessee Titans will be going back to navy as primary home uniform http://news.sportslogos.net/2014/11/19/tennessee-titans-will-be-going-back-to-navy-as-primary-home-uniform/ sportslogos.net November 19, 2014 September 18, 2015 September 19, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150919062110/http://news.sportslogos.net/2014/11/19/tennessee-titans-will-be-going-back-to-navy-as-primary-home-uniform/ live The Green Bay Packers unveiled a new throwback uniform on July 28, 2015. The design features the same layout the Packers used between 1937 and 1949, and again in 1994. Like the previous 1920s-inspired throwbacks, the base colors will be brown, navy blue and yellow.Silverstein, Tom Packers unveil retro uniforms to be worn vs. Chargers http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/packers-unveil-retro-uniforms-to-be-worn-vs-chargers-b99546033z1-319137191.html Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel July 28, 2015 August 1, 2015 July 31, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150731184941/http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/packers-unveil-retro-uniforms-to-be-worn-vs-chargers-b99546033z1-319137191.html live The Miami Dolphins unveiled a new throwback uniform to commemorate the team's 50th season on July 29, 2015. The uniform is a throwback to the Dolphins' inaugural season in 1966. The team also wore a patch celebrating the anniversary during the entirety of the season.Miami Dolphins' throwback uniforms to honor team's first year http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article29358916.html Miami Herald July 29, 2015 August 1, 2015 September 6, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150906083913/http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article29358916.html live The Baltimore Ravens wore a patch to commemorate the team's 20th season.Ravens unveil some plans for 20th season https://www.baltimoresun.com/2015/04/23/ravens-unveil-some-plans-for-20th-season/ Baltimore Sun April 23, 2015 August 1, 2015 On December 20, 2015, the team also unexpectedly debuted gold pants for the first time, wearing them with their regular purple jerseys against the Kansas City Chiefs. Although gold is an official accent color of the Ravens, the pants got an overwhelmingly negative response on social media by both Ravens fans and fans of other NFL teams, with some comparisons being made to the rival Pittsburgh Steelers pants.Edholm Eric Did Ravens rob rival Steelers' closets for this week's pants? https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/did-ravens-rob-rival-steelers--closets-for-this-week-s-pants-183902863.html sports.yahoo.com Yahoo! Sports December 25, 2015 December 20, 2015 December 23, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151223105400/https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/did-ravens-rob-rival-steelers--closets-for-this-week-s-pants-183902863.html live The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wore a patch to commemorate the team's 40th season.Bucs will wear 40th anniversary patch http://www.bucsnation.com/2015/5/14/8606879/bucs-will-wear-40th-anniversary-patch bucsnation.com May 14, 2015 August 1, 2015 September 23, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150923195515/http://www.bucsnation.com/2015/5/14/8606879/bucs-will-wear-40th-anniversary-patch live The Oakland Raiders upgraded their uniforms to incorporate Nike's "Elite 51" technology, which most teams had been using since 2012.Source confirms the Oakland Raiders are switching to the Nike Elite 51 template this season https://twitter.com/andrewmlind/status/613100449076383744 twitter.com June 22, 2015 August 15, 2015 October 25, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151025211318/https://twitter.com/AndrewMLind/status/613100449076383744 live The New England Patriots changed the logo on their jerseys from their traditional cursive wordmark to the serif block lettering they adopted when they updated their logo in 2013.Slight adjustment to the Patriots' jerseys in 2015 http://nep.247sports.com/Bolt/Slight-adjustment-to-the-Patriots-jerseys-in-2015-37383203 https://web.archive.org/web/20150523002938/http://nep.247sports.com/Bolt/Slight-adjustment-to-the-Patriots-jerseys-in-2015-37383203 dead May 23, 2015 247sports.com May 25, 2015 August 26, 2015 The Philadelphia Eagles wore a helmet decal in honor of Hall of Fame center/linebacker Chuck Bednarik who died in March. The decal featured Bednarik's number 60 in white inside a black circle. The Atlanta Falcons wore a patch recognizing the team's 50th season. The New York Giants honored the late Frank Gifford and Ann Mara by adding a number 16 helmet decal and patch for Gifford and Mara respectively.Giants to honor Frank Gifford, Ann Mara on uniforms this season https://www.si.com/nfl/2015/08/17/new-york-giants-frank-gifford-ann-mara-uniform-tributes Sports Illustrated August 18, 2015 March 4, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304051045/http://www.si.com/nfl/2015/08/17/new-york-giants-frank-gifford-ann-mara-uniform-tributes live Media This was the second season under the league's broadcast contracts with its television partners. On May 12, 2015, it was announced that ABC would simulcast ESPN's wildcard game, marking the first time that ABC broadcast any NFL game in nearly 10 years.Boren Cindy NFL wild-card game will be simulcast by ESPN on ABC https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2015/05/12/nfl-wild-card-game-will-be-simulcast-by-espn-on-abc/ Washington Post 12 May 2015 July 11, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150711192746/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2015/05/12/nfl-wild-card-game-will-be-simulcast-by-espn-on-abc/ live ESPN also continued to carry Monday Night Football and the Pro Bowl. NBC continued to air Sunday Night Football, the annual Kickoff game, and the primetime Thanksgiving game. This was also the second year that included "cross-flexing" (switching) Sunday afternoon games between CBS and Fox before or during the season, regardless of whether the visiting team is in the AFC (which CBS normally airs) or the NFC (which is normally carried by Fox). After its successful inaugural season under the arrangement, the NFL extended CBS's contract for Thursday Night Football into the 2015 season; as with the previous season, CBS produced all games, and the first seven games (weeks 2–7), as well as week 13, were broadcast by the CBS network. All games, including those not aired by CBS, were broadcast by NFL Network.NFL Targets Massive Payday in Thursday Night TV Deal http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/nfl-targets-massive-payday-thursday-842646 The Hollywood Reporter November 23, 2015 25 November 2015 March 18, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160318124845/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/nfl-targets-massive-payday-thursday-842646? live The package also included one Saturday game in Week 15 and one in Week 16, both exclusive to NFL Network Under a new eight-year deal, DirecTV continued to be the exclusive distributor of the NFL Sunday Ticket service.King, Peter (October 6, 2014). Quietly, every franchise in the NFL just improved its bottom line by $24.2 million a year, without any effort whatsoever. https://web.archive.org/web/20150330070700/http://mmqb.si.com/2014/10/06/nfl-week-5-peter-king-monday-morning-quarterback/7/ March 30, 2015 Monday Morning Quarterback. Retrieved October 6, 2014.Breech John NFL Sunday Ticket available to more viewers without DirecTV subscription http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25265705/sunday-ticket-now-available-to-almost-anyone-without-directv-subscription CBSSports.com CBS Interactive December 25, 2015 August 10, 2015 December 26, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151226123056/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25265705/sunday-ticket-now-available-to-almost-anyone-without-directv-subscription live Fox expanded its pre-game coverage by moving Fox NFL Kickoff to the main Fox network from Fox Sports 1, serving as a lead-in to Fox NFL Sunday.'NFL Kickoff' moving from FS1 to Fox http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2015/07/20/Media/NFL-Kickoff.aspx Sports Business Daily July 20, 2015 21 July 2015 July 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150722190422/http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2015/07/20/Media/NFL-Kickoff.aspx live On March 23, 2015, league owners voted to, as an experiment, suspend the NFL's blackout rules for the 2015 season; no games were blacked out in their home markets because of insufficient ticket sales. These moves came after the Federal Communications Commission's September 2014 decision to stop enforcing blackout rules on terrestrial television stations, and the fact that, ultimately, no games were blacked out at all during the 2014 season.NFL to suspend TV blackout policy https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12545081/nfl-suspend-tv-blackout-policy-2015-owners-vote ESPN.com March 23, 2015 23 March 2015 March 24, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150324145057/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12545081/nfl-suspend-tv-blackout-policy-2015-owners-vote live The NFL also experimented with online streaming as part of the International Series game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills. The game was streamed worldwide by Yahoo!, who handled hosting, promotion, and advertising sales for the stream, while CBS produced the telecast. The game only aired on television in the team's home markets (in accordance with NFL policies), as well as in the United Kingdom on BBC Two and Sky Sports, and in China.Bills, Jaguars to make history as part of free live webcast https://web.archive.org/web/20150608053100/http://bills.buffalonews.com/2015/06/03/bills-jaguars-to-make-history-as-part-of-free-live-webcast/ June 8, 2015 . The Buffalo News (June 4, 2015). Retrieved June 4, 2015. Brian Rolapp, the league's executive vice president of media, explained that the experiment was part of the NFL's efforts to attempt alternative distribution models for games, such as those that would appeal to viewers who do not subscribe to pay television.Yahoo will stream an NFL game for the entire world this October https://www.theverge.com/2015/6/3/8713541/nfl-yahoo-free-football-streaming-october-25 The Verge June 3, 2015 3 June 2015 April 4, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170404145141/http://www.theverge.com/2015/6/3/8713541/nfl-yahoo-free-football-streaming-october-25 liveBelson Ken March 23, 2015 N.F.L. Will Stream Game From London Next Season https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/24/sports/football/nfl-will-stream-game-from-london-next-season.html?_r=0 March 23, 2015 The New York Times March 28, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150328181935/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/24/sports/football/nfl-will-stream-game-from-london-next-season.html?_r=0 live Yahoo! was reported to have paid $15 million for the rights fees, plus an additional $2 million "marketing fee", and beat out Amazon.com, Twitter, and YouTube—some of whom had made higher bids but would have planned to place the broadcast behind a paywall, which the league resisted.https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-10-23/yahoo-s-17-million-bet-on-nfl-streaming-gets-tested-sunday Yahoo's $17 Million Bet on NFL Streaming Gets Tested Sunday Gerry Smith Brian Womack Bloomberg October 23, 2015 October 25, 2015 October 25, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151025003749/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-10-23/yahoo-s-17-million-bet-on-nfl-streaming-gets-tested-sunday live The NFL entered into a social media partnership with Snapchat to present live stories with behind-the-scenes and fan perspectives from selected games.Wagner, Kurt September 17, 2015 Snapchat Inks NFL Deal to Bring Football Into Its Live Stories https://www.vox.com/2015/9/17/11618660/snapchat-inks-nfl-deal-to-bring-football-into-its-live-stories Vox.com July 13, 2020 July 14, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200714030534/https://www.vox.com/2015/9/17/11618660/snapchat-inks-nfl-deal-to-bring-football-into-its-live-stories live Television viewers and ratings Most watched regular season games DH = doubleheader; SNF = NBC Sunday Night Football Rank Date Matchup Network Viewers (millions) TV ratingNFL TV Ratings 2018: Numbers For Every Game - Page 2 of 5 http://www.sportsmediawatch.com/nfl-tv-ratings-viewership-nbc-cbs-fox-espn-nfln-regular-season-playoffs/2/ SportsMediaWatch.com April 13, 2019 April 1, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190401223514/https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/nfl-tv-ratings-viewership-nbc-cbs-fox-espn-nfln-regular-season-playoffs/2/ dead Window Significance 1 November 26, 4:30 ET Carolina Panthers 33 Dallas Cowboys 14 CBS 32.5 14.3 Thanksgiving 2 November 1, 4:25 ET Seattle Seahawks 13 Dallas Cowboys 12 Fox 29.4 17 Late DH 3 December 13, 4:25 ET Dallas Cowboys 7 Green Bay Packers 28 28.9 16.5 Late DH Cowboys–Packers Rivalry2014 NFC Divisional Round rematch 4 December 6, 4:25 ET Carolina Panthers 41 New Orleans Saints 38 28.6 16.3 Late DHa a none 5 November 15, 4:25 ET New England Patriots 27 New York Giants 26 CBS 28.3 16.3 Late DHb b none Super Bowl XLVI rematch 6 November 26, 8:30 ET Chicago Bears 17 Green Bay Packers 13 NBC 27.8 13.8 SNF Bears–Packers rivalry 7 December 27, 4:25 ET Green Bay Packers 8 Arizona Cardinals 38Fox 27.8 15.5 Late DHc c none 8 November 22, 4:25 ET Green Bay Packers 30 Minnesota Vikings 13 27.4 16.2 Late DHd d none Packers–Vikings rivalry 9 September 10, 8:30 ET Pittsburgh Steelers 21 New England Patriots 28 NBC 27.4 16.2 Kickoff Game Patriots–Steelers rivalry 10 September 20, 4:25 ET Dallas Cowboys 20 Philadelphia Eagles 10 Fox 27.2 15.5 Late DH Cowboys–Eagles rivalry *Note – Late DH matchups listed in table are the matchups that were shown to the largest percentage of the market. lower-alpha A A noneCAR/NO was shown to 61% of the markets during the late doubleheader time slot of Fox coverage. B B noneNE/NYG was shown to 66% of the markets during the late doubleheader time slot of CBS coverage. C C none GB/ARI was shown to 92% of the markets during the late doubleheader time slot of Fox coverage. D D noneGB/MIN was shown to 89% of the markets during the late doubleheader time slot of Fox coverage. Playoff games Rank Game Date Matchup Network Viewers (millions) TV Rating 1 Super Bowl 50 February 7, 2016, 6:30 ET Carolina Panthers 10 Denver Broncos 24CBS 111.9 46.6 2 AFC Championship January 24, 2016, 3:05 ET New England Patriots 18 Denver Broncos 20 53.3 31.7 3 NFC Championship January 24, 2016, 6:40 ET Arizona Cardinals 15 Carolina Panthers 49 Fox 45.7 26.8 4 Divisional Round January 17, 2016, 4:40 ET Pittsburgh Steelers 16 Denver Broncos 23 CBS 43.0 26.2 5 Wild Card Round January 10, 2016, 4:40 ET Green Bay Packers 35 Washington Redskins 18Fox 38.8 23.6 6 Divisional Round January 17, 2016, 1:05 ET Seattle Seahawks 24 Carolina Panthers 31 36.7 23.1 7 Wild Card Round January 10, 2016, 1:05 ET Seattle Seahawks 10 Minnesota Vikings 9NBC 35.3 22.5 8 Divisional Round January 16, 2016 8:15 ET Green Bay Packers 20 Arizona Cardinals 26 33.7 20.3 9 Divisional Round January 16, 2016, 4:35 ET Kansas City Chiefs 20 New England Patriots 27CBS 31.5 19.7 10 Wild Card Round January 9, 2016, 8:15 ET Pittsburgh Steelers 18 Cincinnati Bengals 16 31.2 19.2 11 Wild Card Round January 9, 2016, 4:20 ET Kansas City Chiefs 30 Houston Texans 0 ESPN/ABC 25.1 16.2 Notes note References 30em External links Complete schedule for all teams 2015