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Five worst Week 15 NFL performances
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Paycor Stadium. Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Five worst Week 15 NFL performances: Bengals QB Joe Burrow, Jets defense highlight Sunday's lowlights

The 2025 season can't end soon enough for this week's worst performers.

From Kansas City's rickety offensive line to a porous New York Jets defense, here are the five worst performances of Week 15.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow

After making headlines earlier this week with a dour news conference, Burrow's performance in a shutout 24-0 loss to the Baltimore Ravens (7-7) likely didn't spark joy.

The former No. 1 overall pick finished 25-of-39 for 225 yards and two interceptions as Cincinnati was officially eliminated from playoff contention for the third consecutive season and fourth time in six years with Burrow as quarterback.

He made a poor decision on his back-breaking second interception, which the Ravens returned 95 yards for a touchdown. Burrow was pressured up the middle and made a panic throw while drifting backward, and the ball floated to linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who smoothly passed it like a baton to safety Alohi Gilman.

Afterward, Burrow was his own harshest critic, telling reporters, "There's no team in the NFL that would have won the game if I was the quarterback." (h/t Pro Football Talk)

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy

Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders had a miserable game in a 31-3 loss to the Chicago Bears (10-4), but he was given no favors by Jeudy, who finished the rout with two receptions for 22 yards.

The six-year veteran, in the middle of a three-year, $52.5M extension he signed last offseason, dropped an excellently placed pass in the end zone, resulting in one of Sanders' three turnovers.

Sanders struggled overall, finishing 18-of-35 for 177 yards and three interceptions. But his numbers could have been better if his veteran teammate showed up. For his part, Sanders took the high road afterward, telling reporters, "I'm not the one to ever kick someone when he's down. He understands it's a big play ... so there's no need for me to be extra and do that."

Kansas City Chiefs offensive line

The Chiefs were without the starting right side of their offensive line in a dynasty-ending 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers (10-4), and it showed. Right guard Trey Smith (ankle) and right tackle Jawaan Taylor (tricep, knee) were ruled out for the Week 15 divisional game, joining Josh Simmons and Wanya Morris in the infirmary. 

The depleted unit did Kansas City no favors as it watched its streak of 11 consecutive playoff appearances snapped. Before suffering a season-ending torn ACL, quarterback Patrick Mahomes was sacked five times. Running backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt combined for 33 yards on 17 carries (1.9 yards per attempt).

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett

Pickett had a disastrous start in place of injured Geno Smith, showing there's no fix at quarterback for the Raiders on their roster. The 2022 first-round pick was dreadful against his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles (9-5), going 15-of-25 for 64 yards (2.6 yards per attempt) and an interception in the 31-0 loss. When accounting for carries and sacks, Pickett gained 36 yards on 31 dropbacks (1.2 yards per dropback). 

New York Jets defense

A team with a defensive-minded head coach in Aaron Glenn shouldn't be nearly this bad on defense. The Jets had one of their worst games of the season in a 48-20 drubbing at the hands of the Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4). Jags quarterback Trevor Lawrence played at an All-Pro level, scoring six touchdowns and gaining 381 total yards (330 passing, 51 rushing).

Running back Travis Etienne Jr. scored touchdowns on all three of his receptions, including a 45-yard screen for Jacksonville's final score.

The Jets allowed 31 first-half points, including touchdowns on the Jaguars' first three possessions. The defense still hasn't forced an interception and is declining, giving up a season-high 438 total yards on Sunday. Instead of showing any signs of growth, New York is just as lifeless as it was under the last regime.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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