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'{{about|the American football season in the United States|the Gaelic football season in Ireland|2015 National Football League (Ireland)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2014}} {{Infobox NFL | year = 2015 | regular_season = {{Start date|2015|09|10}}–{{End date|2016|01|03}} | playoffs_start = January 9, 2016 | NFLchampion = | NFCchampion = | AFCchampion = [[2015 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]] | sb_name = 50 | sb_date = February&nbsp;7, 2016 | sb_site = [[Levi's Stadium]], [[Santa Clara, California|Santa Clara]], [[California]] | pb_date = January 31, 2016 | pb_site = [[Aloha Stadium]], [[Honolulu]], [[Hawaii]] }} The '''2015 NFL season''' is the 96th season in the history of the [[National Football League]] (NFL), and the 50th of the [[Super Bowl]] Era. The season began on Thursday, September&nbsp;10, 2015, with the [[National Football League Kickoff game|annual kickoff game]] featuring the defending [[Super Bowl XLIX]] champion [[2015 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]] hosting the [[2015 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]], which resulted with the Patriots winning 28–21. The season will conclude with [[Super Bowl 50]],<ref group=note>For this Super Bowl only, the league will use the Arabic numeral "50" instead of the Roman numeral "L." See the [[#Postseason|postseason section]] for details.</ref> the league's [[Super Bowl|championship game]], on Sunday, February&nbsp;7, 2016, at [[Levi's Stadium]] in [[Santa Clara, California|Santa Clara]], [[California]].<ref name="ESPN20140604"/> {{TOC limit|4}} ==Player movement== The 2015 NFL League Year began on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at 4:00&nbsp;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 NFL season|2014]] contracts at 4:00&nbsp;p.m. ET on March 10.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/schedules/keydates |title=NFL Football Schedule Key Dates |publisher=CBSSports.com |date= |accessdate=2015-05-19}}</ref> 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{{technical-statement|date=July 2015}} began, all clubs must be under the 2015 salary cap, all 2014 player contracts expired at 4:00&nbsp;p.m. ET and trading period for 2015 began. (4:00&nbsp;p.m. ET).<ref>{{cite web|title=NFL Schedule Key Dates|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/schedules/keydates|publisher=CBSsports|accessdate=6 March 2015}}</ref> ===Free agency=== A total of 453 players were eligible for some form of free agency at the beginning of the free agency period.<ref>{{cite web|title=2015 Free Agent List|url=https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/03-10-15-free-agency-begins-5.pdf|publisher=[[National Football League]]}}</ref> In addition, a number of highly paid players were released after the start of the league year to allow their teams to regain space under the salary cap. Among the high profile players who changed teams via free agency were cornerbacks [[Darrelle Revis]] (left the [[2014 New England Patriots season|Patriots]], joined the [[2015 New York Jets season|Jets]]),<ref>{{cite web|title=Darrelle Revis to return to Jets, who also add cornerback Buster Skrine|url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/darrelle-revis-to-return-to-jets-who-also-add-cornerback-buster-skrine-1.10042491|publisher=Newsday|author=Martin, Kimberley|date=March 10, 2015|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6WwLh6csJ|archivedate=March 11, 2015|accessdate=March 10, 2015}}</ref> [[Antonio Cromartie]] (from [[2014 Arizona Cardinals season|Cardinals]] to [[2015 New York Jets season|Jets]]),<ref>Pedulla, Tom. [http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/13/sports/football/antonio-cromartie-and-jets-near-deal.html?_r=0 Antonio Cromartie is reunited with Darelle Revis on the Jets]. ''[[The New York Times]]''. March 12, 2015. Retrieved March 14, 2015.</ref> [[Tramon Williams]] (from [[2014 Green Bay Packers season|Packers]] to [[2015 Cleveland Browns season|Browns]])<ref>{{cite web|author=Gribble, Andrew|date=March 16, 2015 |title=Browns sign DB Tramon Williams |work=Cleveland Browns |url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-sign-DB-Tramon-Williams/d79cbaa0-8faa-4061-b98f-642c87430128 |accessdate=March 21, 2015}}</ref> and [[Byron Maxwell]] (from [[2014 Seattle Seahawks season|Seahawks]] to [[2015 Philadelphia Eagles season|Eagles]]);<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rosenthal|first1=Gregg|title=Byron Maxwell to join Eagles on six-year, $60M deal|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000477284/article/byron-maxwell-to-join-eagles-on-sixyear-60m-deal|publisher=NFL.com|accessdate=10 March 2015}}</ref> defensive end [[Greg Hardy]] (from [[2014 Carolina Panthers season|Panthers]] to [[2015 Dallas Cowboys season|Cowboys]]);<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2386330-greg-hardy-to-cowboys-latest-contract-details-comments-and-reaction|title=Greg Hardy to Cowboys: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction|author=Tyler Conway|work=Bleacher Report}}</ref> defensive tackles [[Ndamukong Suh]] (from [[2014 Detroit Lions season|Lions]] to [[2015 Miami Dolphins season|Dolphins]]),<ref>[http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/03/11/ndamukong-suh-miami-dolphins-contract/70149468/ Suh signs with Dolphins, cites money as the reason] ''Detroit Free Press'', March 11, 2015</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Walker|first1=James|title=Ndamukong Suh signs record deal|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12462569/miami-dolphins-make-ndamukong-suh-top-paid-nfl-defensive-player|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=11 March 2015}}</ref> [[Terrance Knighton]] (from [[2014 Denver Broncos season|Broncos]] to [[2015 Washington Redskins season|Redskins]]),<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wesseling|first1=Chris|title=Terrance Knighton set to sign with Redskins|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000478666/article/terrance-knighton-set-to-sign-with-redskins|publisher=NFL.com|accessdate=13 March 2015}}</ref> [[Nick Fairley]] (from [[2014 Detroit Lions season|Lions]] to [[2015 St. Louis Rams season|Rams]]),<ref>{{cite web|last1=Alper|first1=Josh|title=Nick Fairley signs with Rams|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/13/nick-fairley-signs-with-rams/|date=March 13, 2015|accessdate=March 13, 2015}}</ref> [[Dan Williams (defensive tackle)|Dan Williams]] (from [[2014 Arizona Cardinals season|Cardinals]] to [[2015 Oakland Raiders season|Raiders]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000478048/article/raiders-pick-up-curtis-lofton-dan-williams-for-defense|title=Raiders pick up Curtis Lofton, Dan Williams for defense|work=NFL.com|first=Gregg|last=Rosenthal|date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> and [[Vince Wilfork]] (from [[2014 New England Patriots season|Patriots]] to [[2015 Houston Texans season|Texans]]);<ref>{{cite web|last1=McClain|first1=John|title=Veteran defensive lineman Wilfork agrees to two-year deal with Texans|url=http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2015/03/veteran-defensive-lineman-wilfork-agrees-to-deal-with-texans/#31139101=0|website=Houston Chronicle|accessdate=16 March 2015}}</ref> guards [[Mike Iupati]] (from [[2014 San Francisco 49ers season|49ers]] to [[2015 Arizona Cardinals season|Cardinals]]),<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gantt|first1=Darin|title=Mike Iupati cashes in with $40 million deal from Cardinals|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/10/mike-iupati-cashes-in-with-40-million-deal-from-cardinals/|publisher=Pro Football Talk|accessdate=10 March 2015}}</ref> [[James Carpenter (American football)|James Carpenter]] (from [[2014 Seattle Seahawks season|Seahawks]] to [[2015 New York Jets season|Jets]]),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-9/Jets-Sign-Unrestricted-FA-Guard-James-Carpenter/e559ef29-af75-49a3-8fa5-3412039c5cea|title=Jets Sign Unrestricted FA Guard James Carpenter|first=Randy|last= Lange |date=March 11, 2015|accessdate=March 11, 2015}}</ref> and [[Orlando Franklin]] (from [[2014 Denver Broncos season|Broncos]] to [[2015 San Diego Chargers season|Chargers]]);<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chargers.com/news/2015/03/10/bolts-add-orlando-franklin-beef-offensive-line|title=Bolts Add Orlando Franklin to Beef Up Offensive Line|work=SanDiegoChargers.com|date=March 10, 2015}}</ref> center [[Rodney Hudson]] (from [[2014 Kansas City Chiefs season|Chiefs]] to [[2015 Oakland Raiders season|Raiders]]);<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000477331/article/raiders-to-sign-rodney-hudson-to-5year-445m-deal|title=Raiders to sign Rodney Hudson to 5-year, $44.5M deal|last=Sessler|first=Marc|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC.|date=March 9, 2015|website=nfl.com|accessdate=August 26, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.raiders.com/news/article-1/Raiders-Sign-C-Rodney-Hudson/cdcb680a-a72c-4c18-8342-384a0a46cc39|title=Raiders Sign C Rodney Hudson|work=Raiders.com|date=March 11, 2015|accessdate=March 11, 2015}}</ref> wide receivers [[Jeremy Maclin]] (from [[2014 Philadelphia Eagles season|Eagles]] to [[2015 Kansas City Chiefs season|Chiefs]]),<ref>{{cite web|title=Chiefs ink Jeremy Maclin to 5-year, $55 million deal|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000478097/article/chiefs-ink-jeremy-maclin-to-5year-55-million-deal|website=NFL.com}}</ref> [[Eddie Royal]] (from [[2014 San Diego Chargers season|Chargers]] to [[2015 Chicago Bears season|Bears]]),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-ink-free-agents-Royal-Rolle/9ded44c1-c158-4bc9-b545-7420c37bdd30|title=Bears ink free agents Royal, Rolle|first= Larry|last= Mayer |work=ChicagoBears.com|date=March 11, 2015|accessdate=March 12, 2015}}</ref> [[Torrey Smith]] (from [[2014 Baltimore Ravens season|Ravens]] to [[2015 San Francisco 49ers season|49ers]]),<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sessler|first1=Marc|title=49ers, Torrey Smith strike five-year, $40M deal|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000477785/article/49ers-torrey-smith-strike-fiveyear-40m-deal|publisher=NFL.com|accessdate=10 March 2015}}</ref> and [[Andre Johnson]] (from [[2014 Houston Texans season|Texans]] to [[2015 Indianapolis Colts season|Colts]]);<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000478244/article/andre-johnson-announces-hes-signed-with-colts|title=Andre Johnson announces he's signed with Colts|last=Wesseling|first=Chris|work=NFL.com|date=March 11, 2015|accessdate=March 11, 2015}}</ref> running backs [[DeMarco Murray]] (from [[2014 Dallas Cowboys season|Cowboys]] to [[2015 Philadelphia Eagles season|Eagles]]),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/Its-Official-RB-Murray-Signs-With-Eagles/d00ce62f-cb87-4dd0-b93e-3bb49498deef|title=It's Official: RB Murray Signs With Eagles|work=PhiladelphiaEagles.com|date=March 12, 2015|accessdate=August 21, 2015}}</ref> [[Frank Gore]] (from [[2014 San Francisco 49ers season|49ers]] to [[2015 Indianapolis Colts season|Colts]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000477870/article/frank-gore-agrees-to-terms-with-colts|title=Frank Gore agrees to terms with Colts|work=NFL.com|date=March 10, 2015|accessdate=March 10, 2015}}</ref> and [[Ryan Mathews (American football)|Ryan Mathews]] (from [[2014 San Diego Chargers season|Chargers]] to [[2015 Philadelphia Eagles season|Eagles]]);<ref>{{cite web|last=Spadaro |first=Dave |url=http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/RB-Ryan-Mathews-Signs-Three-Year-Deal/e7462c26-5f10-4752-9218-7e3dc0a58a2c |title=RB Ryan Mathews Signs Three-Year Deal |website=Philadelphiaeagles.com |date=2015-03-12 |accessdate=2015-12-02}}</ref> and linebackers [[Brian Orakpo]] (from [[2014 Washington Redskins season|Redskins]] to [[2015 Tennessee Titans season|Titans]]),<ref>{{cite web|last1=Jones|first1=Mike|title=Brian Orakpo agrees to terms with the Titans|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2015/03/13/brian-orakpo-agrees-to-terms-with-the-titans/|publisher=Washington Post|accessdate=13 March 2015}}</ref> and [[Nate Irving]] (from [[2014 Denver Broncos season|Broncos]] to [[2015 Indianapolis Colts season|Colts]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000480272/article/indianapolis-colts-agree-to-terms-with-ilb-nate-irving|title=Indianapolis Colts agree to terms with ILB Nate Irving|last=Patra|first=Kevin|work=NFL.com|date=March 20, 2015|accessdate=March 20, 2015}}</ref> ===Trades=== An unusually large number of big name players switched teams via trade prior to the 2015 season.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Schalter|first1=Ty|title=Why Has the NFL Finally Started Embracing the Art of Trading Players?|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2403865-why-has-the-nfl-finally-started-embracing-the-art-of-trading-players|website=[[Bleacher Report]]|accessdate=September 22, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821051658/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2403865-why-has-the-nfl-finally-started-embracing-the-art-of-trading-players|archivedate=August 21, 2015|date=March 20, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> Eagles coach Chip Kelly used his newly obtained GM powers to make many blockbuster trades. The [[2015 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]] traded 2-time All-Pro running back [[LeSean McCoy]] to the [[2015 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]] in exchange for linebacker [[Kiko Alonso]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wesseling|first1=Chris|title=Eagles, Bills to swap LeSean McCoy for Kiko Alonso|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000476192/article/eagles-bills-to-swap-lesean-mccoy-for-kiko-alonso|accessdate=September 21, 2015|publisher=[[NFL.com]]|date=March 3, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905122535/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000476192/article/eagles-bills-to-swap-lesean-mccoy-for-kiko-alonso|archivedate=September 5, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> The Eagles also traded [[Pro Bowl]] quarterback [[Nick Foles]] along with their selection in the second round of the [[2016 NFL Draft]] to the [[2015 St. Louis Rams season|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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Trade Terms For Bradford-Foles Deal Finalized|url=http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/3/10/8187783/trade-terms-for-bradford-foles-deal-finalized|website=Turf Show Times|publisher=[[SB Nation]]|accessdate=September 21, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150521001530/http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/3/10/8187783/trade-terms-for-bradford-foles-deal-finalized|archivedate=May 21, 2015|date=March 10, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> The [[2015 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]] traded All-Pro tight end [[Jimmy Graham]] along with their fourth-round selection in the [[2015 NFL Draft|draft]] to the [[2015 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]] in exchange for All-Pro center [[Max Unger]] and the Seahawks' first-round selection in the [[2015 NFL Draft|draft]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Seahawks land star TE Jimmy Graham in trade with Saints|url=http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/seattle-seahawks-new-orleans-saints-trade-jimmy-graham-max-unger-draft-picks-031015|accessdate=September 21, 2015|agency=[[Associated Press|AP]]|publisher=[[Foxsports.com]]|date=March 10, 2015|archiveurl=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|archivedate=April 1, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> The Saints also traded away Pro Bowl guard [[Ben Grubbs]] (to the [[2015 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]] for a fifth round selection in the [[2015 NFL Draft]]) and wide receiver [[Kenny Stills]] (to the [[2015 Miami Dolphins season|Miami Dolphins]] in exchange for linebacker [[Dannell Ellerbe]] and a third rounder in the [[2015 NFL Draft|2015 draft]]). The [[2015 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]] acquired All-Pro defensive tackle [[Haloti Ngata]] from the [[2015 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]] in exchange for draft picks to help make up for the loss of [[Ndamukong Suh]] in free agency.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rothstein |first=Michael |title=Ravens trade NT Haloti Ngata |url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12456178/baltimore-ravens-trade-haloti-ngata-detroit-lions |publisher=[[ESPN.com]] |date=May 4, 2015 |accessdate=May 4, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402221300/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12456178/baltimore-ravens-trade-haloti-ngata-detroit-lions|archivedate=April 2, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> ===Draft=== {{Details|2015 NFL draft}} The 2015 NFL Draft was held April 30&nbsp;– May 2, 2015, in [[Chicago]].<ref>{{cite web|title=2014 NFL Draft Notes |url=http://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/draft-notes-2014.pdf|publisher=[[National Football League]]|format=PDF|accessdate=May 6, 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506192929/http://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/draft-notes-2014.pdf |archivedate=May 6, 2014|date=May 6, 2014|deadurl=no}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Chicago">{{cite news|last=Schefter|first=Adam |title=Chicago will host 2015 NFL draft|url=http://espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/11626814/nfl-sets-dates-2015-draft |publisher=ESPN.com|date=October 2, 2014|accessdate=October 5, 2014}}</ref> The previous fifty NFL drafts (since [[1965 NFL Draft|1965]]) had been held in New York.<ref name=NYDN_draft_venue>{{cite news|last1=Myers|first1=Gary|title=2015 NFL draft will not be at Radio City Music Hall, headed to either Los Angeles or Chicago|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/nfl-draft-leaving-new-york-2015-headed-chicago-article-1.1871386|accessdate=February 10, 2015|publisher=[[Daily News (New York)]]|date=July 17, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718180720/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/nfl-draft-leaving-new-york-2015-headed-chicago-article-1.1871386|archivedate=July 18, 2014}}</ref> The 2015 NFL Draft was the first to feature an outdoor component, where fans would be able to see the [[Roger Goodell|Commissioner]] on the Auditorium Theatre stage from across the street in [[Grant Park (Chicago)|Grant Park]]; this area was called Draft Town.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Fischer|first1=Bryan|title=New, fan-friendly events planned for 2015 NFL Draft in Chicago|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000476415/article/new-fanfriendly-events-planned-for-2015-nfl-draft-in-chicago|website=NFL.com|publisher=NFL Productions LLC|accessdate=4 May 2015}}</ref> In the draft, the [[2015 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] made [[2014 Florida State Seminoles football team|Florida State University]] quarterback [[Jameis Winston]] the [[List of first overall National Football League draft picks|first overall selection]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/nfl-draft-day-jameis-winston-prepares-chapter/story?id=30710801|title=NFL Draft Day: Jameis Winston Goes to Tampa Bay Buccaneers as No. 1 NFL Draft Pick|author=''ABC News''|publisher=''ABC News''|date=April 30, 2015|accessdate=April 30, 2015}}</ref> ==Preseason== [[Training camp (National Football League)|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 [[Buffalo Bills|Bills]] practiced against the [[Cleveland Browns|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 game]]s. The [[National Football League preseason|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 [[Fawcett Stadium|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 [[NFL on NBC|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).<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sessler|first1=Marc|title=Steelers, Vikings to square off in Hall of Fame Game|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000470102/article/steelers-vikings-to-square-off-in-hall-of-fame-game|website=NFL.com|publisher=NFL|accessdate=12 February 2015}}</ref> 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 [[National Football League regular season|regular season]] will feature 256 games to be played out over a seventeen-week schedule which begins on the Thursday night following [[Labor Day]]. Each of the league's 32 teams will play a 16-game schedule with one [[Bye (sports)|bye week]] for each team scheduled between weeks four and eleven. The slate will also feature seventeen games on [[Monday Night Football|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 [[NFL on Thanksgiving Day|Thanksgiving Day]]. The regular season concludes with a full slate of 16 games on Sunday, January 3, all of which are intra-divisional matchups, as it has been since {{nfly|2010}}. ;Scheduling formula Under the NFL's [[NFL scheduling formula|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:<ref>{{cite book | title=NFL Record & Fact Book 2015 | isbn=978-1618933942 | publisher=NFL | chapter=Scheduling Formula | page=16}}</ref> {| border=0 style="margin: 0 0 0 1.5em;" |- valign="top" | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'''Intra-conference'''<br/> [[AFC East]] vs. [[AFC South]]<br/> [[AFC North]] vs. [[AFC West]]<br/> [[NFC East]] vs. [[NFC South]]<br/> [[NFC North]] vs. [[NFC West]]<br/> | style="padding-left:40px;" | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'''Inter-conference'''<br/> [[AFC East]] vs. [[NFC East]]<br/> [[AFC West]] vs. [[NFC North]]<br/> [[AFC North]] vs. [[NFC West]]<br/> [[AFC South]] vs. [[NFC South]]<br/> |} Highlights of the 2015 schedule include: * '''[[NFL Kickoff Game]]''': The 2015 season began on Thursday, September 10, 2015, with the [[Super Bowl XLIX]] champion [[2015 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]] hosting the [[2015 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]]. The Patriots defeated the Steelers, 28-21. * '''[[NFL International Series|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.<ref name="IntlSeries">{{cite web | url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000423634/article/nfl-announces-2015-international-series-lineup | title=NFL announces 2015 International Series lineup | publisher=NFL.com | date=November 6, 2014 | accessdate=November 16, 2014}}</ref> The [[2015 Miami Dolphins season|Miami Dolphins]] played the [[2015 New York Jets season|New York Jets]] on Sunday, October 4, the first ever divisional game played in the International Series.<ref name="IntlSeries"/> The [[2015 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]] then hosted the [[2015 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]] on Sunday, October 25, in the third of four consecutive home games for the Jaguars in the International Series. Finally, the [[2015 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]] hosted the [[2015 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]] on Sunday, November 1,<ref name="IntlSeries"/> making 2015 the Lions' second consecutive year in the International Series. All three games began at 9:30&nbsp;a.m. ET.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12149788/buffalo-bills-jacksonville-jaguars-october-game-london-kick-early | title=Bills-Jaguars game to kick off early | publisher=ESPN.com | date=January 11, 2015 | accessdate=January 11, 2015}}</ref> * '''[[NFL on Thanksgiving Day|Thanksgiving Day games]]''': These games occurred on Thursday, November 26, 2015. For the second consecutive season, the [[American Football Conference|AFC]] was shut out of Thanksgiving, with all six slots going to NFC teams. As usual, three consecutive games were played, with the [[2015 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]] hosted the [[2015 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]] in the early slot on Fox and the [[2015 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]] hosted the [[2015 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]] in the middle slot on CBS; this was the Panthers' first ever Thanksgiving appearance. The [[2015 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]] hosted the [[2015 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]] in the primetime game, where the Packers [[List of National Football League retired numbers|retired]] longtime quarterback [[Brett Favre]]'s No. 4 jersey. * '''[[National Football League Christmas games|Christmas]]''': The [[2015 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]] played host to the [[2015 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]] at 8:25&nbsp;p.m. EST (5:25&nbsp;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 in 2015. ===In-season scheduling changes=== * '''Week 10:''' The [[2015 Chicago Bears season|Bears]]–[[2015 St. Louis Rams season|Rams]] game was "cross-flexed" from [[Fox NFL|Fox]] to [[NFL on CBS|CBS]] (still at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. [[Eastern Time Zone|ET]]).<ref name="Week11Flex">{{cite web |title=Week 11 Flex Scheduling - November 22 Bengals-Cardinals Game Moves to NBC Sunday Night Football |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-11-Flex-Scheduling---November-22-Bengals-Cardinals-Game-Moves-to-NBC-Sunday-Night-Football.aspx |work=NFL Communications |date=November 2, 2015 |accessdate=November 2, 2015}}</ref> * '''Week 11:''' The [[2015 Cincinnati Bengals season|Bengals]]–[[2015 Arizona Cardinals season|Cardinals]] game, originally scheduled at 4:05&nbsp;p.m. [[Eastern Time Zone|ET]] on CBS, was flexed into the 8:30&nbsp;p.m. ET slot on [[NBC Sunday Night Football|NBC's Sunday Night Football]], in place of the originally-scheduled [[2015 Kansas City Chiefs season|Chiefs]]–[[2015 San Diego Chargers season|Chargers]] game, which was moved to 4:05&nbsp;p.m. ET on CBS. The [[2015 Green Bay Packers season|Packers]]–[[2015 Minnesota Vikings season|Vikings]] game, originally scheduled at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET, was moved to 4:25&nbsp;p.m. ET (still on Fox).<ref name="Week11Flex"/> * '''Week 13:''' The [[2015 Carolina Panthers season|Panthers]]–[[2015 New Orleans Saints season|Saints]] game, originally scheduled at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET, was moved to 4:25&nbsp;p.m. ET (still on Fox), while the Bengals–[[2015 Cleveland Browns season|Browns]] game was "cross-flexed" from CBS to Fox (still at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET).<ref>{{cite web |title=Week 13 Flex Scheduling: Panthers-Saints Moves To 4:25 PM ET On FOX |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-13-Flex-Scheduling---Panthers-Saints-Moves-To-425-PM-ET-On-FOX.aspx |work=NFL Communications |date=November 23, 2015 |accessdate=November 23, 2015}}</ref> * '''Week 14:''' The [[2015 New England Patriots season|Patriots]]–[[2015 Houston Texans season|Texans]] game, originally scheduled at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET on CBS, was flexed into the 8:30&nbsp;p.m. ET slot on NBC's Sunday Night Football, in place of the originally-scheduled [[2015 Seattle Seahawks season|Seahawks]]–[[2015 Baltimore Ravens season|Ravens]] game, which was moved to 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET on Fox.<ref>{{cite web|title=Week 14 Flex Scheduling: Patriots-Texans Moves To NBC's Sunday Night Football On December 13|url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-14-Flex-Scheduling---Patriots-Texans-Moves-To-NBC's-Sunday-Night-Football-On-December-13.aspx|work=NFL Communications|date=November 29, 2015|accessdate=November 29, 2015}}</ref> * '''Week 15:''' The Cardinals–[[2015 Philadelphia Eagles season|Eagles]] game, originally scheduled at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET on Fox, was flexed into the 8:30&nbsp;p.m. ET slot on NBC's Sunday Night Football, in place of the originally-scheduled Bengals–[[2015 San Francisco 49ers season|49ers]] game, which was moved to 4:25&nbsp;p.m. ET on CBS, while the [[2015 Buffalo Bills season|Bills]]–[[2015 Washington Redskins season|Redskins]] game was "cross-flexed" from CBS to Fox (still at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET).<ref>{{cite web |title=Week 15 (December 20) Flex Scheduling: Cardinals-Eagles Moves To NBC Sunday Night Football|url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-15-%28December-20%29-Flex-Scheduling---Cardinals-Eagles-Moves-To-NBC-Sunday-Night-Football.aspx|work=NFL Communications|date=December 7, 2015 |accessdate=December 7, 2015}}</ref> * '''Week 16:''' The [[2015 New York Giants season|Giants]]–Vikings game, originally scheduled at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET on Fox, was flexed into the 8:30&nbsp;p.m. ET slot on NBC's Sunday Night Football, in place of the originally-scheduled Steelers–Ravens game, which was moved to 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET on CBS, while the [[2015 Indianapolis Colts season|Colts]]–[[2015 Miami Dolphins season|Dolphins]] game was "cross-flexed" from CBS to Fox (still at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET). In addition, the [[2015 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jaguars]]-Saints game was moved from 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET to 4:05&nbsp;p.m. ET (still on CBS).<ref>{{cite web |title=Week 16 (December 27) Flex Scheduling Note: Sunday Night Football Matchup Contingent on Tonight's New York Giants-Miami Dolphins Game|url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-16-%28December-27%29-Flex-Scheduling-Note.aspx|work=NFL Communications|date=December 14, 2015|accessdate=December 14, 2015}}</ref> * '''Week 17:'''<ref>{{cite web | title=Week 17 Flex Schedule: Minnesota at Green Bay to be NBC Sunday Night Football Game on January 3 | url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-17-Flex-Schedule---Monday.aspx|work=NFL Communications|date=December 28, 2015|accessdate=December 29, 2015}}</ref> ** The Vikings–Packers game, originally scheduled at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET on Fox, was selected as the final 8:30&nbsp;p.m. ET ''NBC Sunday Night Football'' game of the season, which will decide the [[NFC North]] division champion. ** The Ravens–Bengals game, originally scheduled at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET on CBS, was "cross-flexed" to Fox (keeping the same kickoff time). ** The Buccaneers–Panthers game, originally scheduled at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET on Fox, was moved to 4:25&nbsp;p.m. ET (still on Fox). ** The Raiders–Chiefs game, originally scheduled at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET on CBS, was "cross-flexed" to 4:25&nbsp;p.m. ET on Fox. ** The Rams–49ers game, originally scheduled at 4:25&nbsp;p.m. ET on Fox, was "cross-flexed" to CBS (keeping the same kickoff time). ==Standings== ===Division=== {{col-begin}} {{col-2}} {{2015 AFC East standings}} {{2015 AFC North standings}} {{2015 AFC South standings}} {{2015 AFC West standings}} {{col-2}} {{2015 NFC East standings}} {{2015 NFC North standings}} {{2015 NFC South standings}} {{2015 NFC West standings}} {{col-end}} ===Conference=== {{2015 AFC standings}} {{2015 NFC standings}} ==Postseason== {{main|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 will then be played on the weekend of Saturday, January 16 and Sunday, January 17, 2016. The Conference championships will be held on Sunday, January 24, 2016 with the [[AFC Championship Game]] and the [[NFC Championship Game]]. The [[2016 Pro Bowl]] will be held on January 31, 2016 at the [[Aloha Stadium]] in [[Honolulu]], [[Hawaii]]. The game will continue the "unconferenced/draft" format that was started in [[2014 Pro Bowl|2014]], with [[Jerry Rice]] and [[Michael Irvin]] serving as the alumni captains. [[Super Bowl 50]] will decide the 2015 NFL Champion and will be played at [[Levi's Stadium]] in [[Santa Clara, California|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 will be marketed with the [[Arabic numerals|Arabic numeral]] "50".<ref name="ESPN20140604">{{cite news|last1=Rovell|first1=Darren|title=NFL: It's Super Bowl 50, not L|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11031941/nfl-take-one-year-hiatus-roman-numerals-super-bowl-50|accessdate=June 4, 2014|publisher=ESPN.com|date=June 4, 2014}}</ref> 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".<ref name="ESPN20140604"/> ===Playoffs bracket=== {{2015–16 NFL playoffs}} ==Notable events== Some NFL-related events that made headlines in 2015 include: ;Aftermath of Deflategate scandal {{further|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.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Farmer|first1=Sam|title=Tom Brady suspended four games, Patriots lose draft picks for Deflategate|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-tom-brady-punishment-deflategate-20150511-story.html|accessdate=September 17, 2015|publisher=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=May 11, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619025140/http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-tom-brady-punishment-deflategate-20150511-story.html|archivedate=June 19, 2015}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=New York Southern District Court Case No. 1:15-cv-05916 National Football League Management Council v. National Football League Players Association|url=http://www.plainsite.org/dockets/download.html?id=214166422&z=0cce4040|website=Plainsite.org|accessdate=September 21, 2015}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hohler|first1=Bob|title=Judge voids Brady’s four-game suspension|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/09/03/brady/Sa903csR1QpQesR0s6b0XO/story.html|accessdate=September 21, 2015|publisher=The Boston Globe|date=September 3, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905104150/http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/09/03/brady/Sa903csR1QpQesR0s6b0XO/story.html|archivedate=September 5, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Reyes|first1=Lorenzo|last2=Axon|first2=Rachel|title=NFL files an appeal of Deflategate decision that erased Tom Brady suspension|url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/patriots/2015/09/03/deflategate-tom-brady-roger-goodell-judge-richard-overturned-berman-new-england/71504142/|accessdate=September 21, 2015|publisher=[[USA Today]]|date=September 3, 2015}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Volin|first1=Ben|title=NFL allows Patriots to reinstate suspended employees|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/09/16/nfl-reinstates-suspended-patriots-employees/Sy3ZSgdFXcUW5wtemJMFFL/story.html|accessdate=September 22, 2015|publisher=The Boston Globe|date=September 16, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922160551/https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/09/16/nfl-reinstates-suspended-patriots-employees/Sy3ZSgdFXcUW5wtemJMFFL/story.html|archivedate=September 22, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> ;Surprising retirements of several players A number of relatively young NFL players walked away from the game prior to the 2015 season. The [[2015 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]] lost three potential starters as linebackers [[Patrick Willis]] and [[Chris Borland]] and offensive tackle [[Anthony Davis (offensive tackle, born 1989)|Anthony Davis]] all announced their retirements. Former [[2014 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]] linebacker [[Jason Worilds]] and [[2014 Tennessee Titans season|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 San Francisco 49ers season|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.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Branch|first1=Eric|title=Patrick Willis: Decision to retire was about his health and heart|url=http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/Patrick-Willis-Decision-to-retire-was-about-his-6126284.php|accessdate=September 22, 2015|publisher=San Francisco Chronicle|date=March 10, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812141012/http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/Patrick-Willis-Decision-to-retire-was-about-his-6126284.php|archivedate=August 12, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> 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 NFL Draft#Pick 77|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.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fainaru|first1=Steve|last2=Fainaru-Wada|first2=Mark|title=Why former 49er Chris Borland is the most dangerous man in football|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13463272/how-former-san-francisco-49ers-chris-borland-retirement-change-nfl-forever|accessdate=September 22, 2015|publisher=[[ESPN The Magazine]]|date=August 21, 2015|archiveurl=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|archivedate=September 11, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Branch|first1=Eric|title=49ers starting tackle Anthony Davis quits after 1st concussion|url=http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-starting-tackle-Anthony-Davis-quits-after-6310320.php|accessdate=September 22, 2015|publisher=San Francisco Chronicle|date=June 5, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914015429/http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-starting-tackle-Anthony-Davis-quits-after-6310320.php|archivedate=September 14, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bouchette|first1=Ed|title=Worilds gives up football for faith|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2015/03/11/Steelers-free-agent-Jason-Worilds-announces-his-departure-from-football/stories/201503110155|accessdate=September 22, 2015|publisher=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date=March 11, 2015|archiveurl=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|archivedate=April 8, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> Locker played four years for the Titans after they made him the eighth overall selection in [[2011 NFL Draft#Pick 8|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."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wyatt|first1=Jim|title=Jake Locker retiring from NFL|url=http://www.tennessean.com/story/titansinsider/2015/03/10/titans-jake-locker-nfl/24718947/|accessdate=September 22, 2015|publisher=[[The Tennessean]]|date=March 10, 2015|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6bjot1Eoz|archivedate=September 22, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> ;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. [[Jennifer Welter|Jen Welter]] was hired by the [[2015 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]] as a coaching intern. Welter worked with the team's inside linebackers through the off-season and pre-season.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Latzman|first1=Phil|title=Meet Jen 'Dr. J' Welter, The NFL's First Female Coach|url=http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2015/08/22/jen-welter-arizona-cardinals-nfl|accessdate=October 15, 2015|work=Only a Game with Bill Littlefield (blog)|publisher=[[WBUR-FM]]|date=August 22, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905053510/http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2015/08/22/jen-welter-arizona-cardinals-nfl|archivedate=September 5, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> Welter's internship with the Cardinals expired after the team's third preseason game on August 30.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bieler|first1=Des|title=Jen Welter is no longer an NFL coach after her Cardinals internship ended|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2015/09/02/jen-welter-is-no-longer-an-nfl-coach-after-her-cardinals-internship-ended/|accessdate=October 15, 2015|work=Early Lead (blog)|publisher=The Washington Post|date=September 2, 2015|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6cIcMt9z0|archivedate=October 15, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> [[Sarah Thomas (American football official)|Sarah Thomas]] became the NFL's first female on-field official when she was hired by the league in April.{{refn|group=note|name=SarahThomas|[[Shannon Eastin]] was the first woman to officiate an NFL game as a temporary non-union official during the [[2012 NFL referee lockout]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/eye-on-football/19738736/shannon-eastin-will-be-first-woman-to-work-nfl-officiating-crew|publisher=[[CBS Sports]]|title=Shannon Eastin will be first woman to work NFL officiating crew|date=August 6, 2012|first=Ryan|last=Wilson|accessdate=November 10, 2015| archiveurl=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 |archivedate=April 13, 2012 |deadurl=no}}</ref>}} Thomas had previously become the first female to officiate a major college football game as well as the first to officiate a [[bowl game]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fox|first1=Ashley|title=Meet Sarah Thomas, NFL's first female official|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12669370/meet-sarah-thomas-first-female-nfl-official-referee|accessdate=October 15, 2015|work=[[ESPN.com]]|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=April 17, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150819031226/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12669370/meet-sarah-thomas-first-female-nfl-official-referee|archivedate=August 19, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> ;Official suspended one game due to timekeeping gaffe The NFL suspended side judge Rob Vernatchi (from [[Pete Morelli]]'s crew) for week six of the regular season due to a timekeeping blunder that occurred during a game the previous week. During week five's [[Monday Night Football]] game, the host [[2015 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]] kicked a field goal to take a 3-point lead over the [[2015 Pittsburgh Steelers season|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.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Alper|first1=Josh|title=NFL confirms suspension of side judge Rob Vernatchi|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/10/15/nfl-confirms-suspension-of-side-judge-rob-vernatchi/|accessdate=October 16, 2015|work=[[Profootballtalk.com]]|publisher=[[NBC Sports]]|date=October 15, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016204728/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/10/15/nfl-confirms-suspension-of-side-judge-rob-vernatchi/|archivedate=October 16, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> ;Referee crew demoted following questionable calls The referee crew led by Pete Morelli had been assigned to officiate a prime-time [[NBC Sunday Night Football|NBC Sunday Night]] game between the [[2015 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]] and [[2015 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]] in Week 13, but was re-assigned to a different game ([[2015 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]] at [[2015 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]]), due to heavy criticism for questionable calls made during the [[2015 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]]–[[2015 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]] game during the previous week. Morelli's crew drew the ire of Cardinals' head coach [[Bruce Arians]] and 49ers' safety [[Eric Reid (American football)|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 [[Monday Night Football|Monday Night]] game in Week 5 — ''see above''.<ref>{{cite news |author=Joseph, Andrew |title=NFL demotes Cardinals-49ers officials for next game |url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/heat-index/2015/12/01/nfl-demotes-cardinals-49ers-officials-next-game/76604552/ |newspaper=[[The Arizona Republic]] |date=December 1, 2015 |accessdate=December 1, 2015}}</ref> In addition, Morelli's crew was involved in a missed call at the end of the [[2015 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]]–[[2015 Baltimore Ravens season|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.<ref>{{cite web |author=Gantt, Darin |title=Report: No suspension of officials for Jags-Ravens screwup |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/11/18/report-no-suspension-of-officials-for-jags-ravens-screwup/ |work=[[NBC Sports]] |date=November 8, 2015 |accessdate=November 8, 2015}}</ref> ===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 drugs|performance-enhancing drug (PED)]], substance abuse and personal conduct policies.<ref>{{cite news|title=26 Players Start Season on the Suspension List|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/10/sports/football/26-players-start-season-on-the-suspension-list.html?partner=rss&emc=rss|accessdate=September 17, 2015|agency=[[Associated Press|AP]]|publisher=The New York Times|date=September 10, 2015}}</ref> ;Browns GM suspended for texting scandal [[2015 Cleveland Browns season|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 {{nfly|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.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Grossi|first1=Tony|title=Browns' Textgate fallout: Four-game suspension for GM Ray Farmer, fine for Browns, and no loss of draft pick|url=http://espncleveland.com/common/more.php?m=49&post_id=43611|accessdate=September 23, 2015|work=ESPNCleveland.com|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=March 30, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923184455/http://espncleveland.com/common/more.php?m=49&post_id=43611|archivedate=September 23, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> ;Falcons stripped of draft pick after being caught supplementing crowd noise The league stripped the [[2015 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]] of their selection in the fifth round of the [[2016 NFL draft|2016 draft]] after it was determined that they had been using pre-recorded crowd noise during the team's home games throughout {{nfly|2013}} and into {{nfly|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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Statement by NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent on Atlanta Falcons Matter|url=https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/nfl-atlanta-statement.pdf|publisher=[[National Football League]]|accessdate=September 23, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908025954/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/nfl-atlanta-statement.pdf|archivedate=September 8, 2015|format=PDF|date=March 30, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Thele|first1=Kyle|title=Falcons fire Roddy White for crowd noise fiasco... Not that Roddy White|url=http://atlanta.suntimes.com/atlanta-falcons/7/78/114356/falcons-fire-roddy-white-crowd-noise|accessdate=September 23, 2015|publisher=Atlanta Sun Times|date=April 30, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923194026/http://atlanta.suntimes.com/atlanta-falcons/7/78/114356/falcons-fire-roddy-white-crowd-noise|archivedate=September 23, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> ;Bills suspend assistant coach Aaron Kromer after assault arrest [[2015 Buffalo Bills season|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.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Akopyan|first1=Manouk|title=Buffalo Bills suspend Aaron Kromer six games|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000505967/article/buffalo-bills-suspend-aaron-kromer-six-games|accessdate=September 24, 2015|publisher=[[NFL.com]]|date=August 2, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907233136/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000505967/article/buffalo-bills-suspend-aaron-kromer-six-games|archivedate=September 7, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Patra|first1=Kevin|title=Bills' Aaron Kromer arrested for assault and battery|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000501116/article/bills-aaron-kromer-arrested-for-assault-and-battery|accessdate=September 24, 2015|work=Around the League (blog)|publisher=[[NFL.com]]|date=July 13, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913075204/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000501116/article/bills-aaron-kromer-arrested-for-assault-and-battery|archivedate=September 13, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Rodak|first1=Mike|title=Charges against Bills assistant coach Aaron Kromer, son dropped|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13356229/charges-dropped-buffalo-bills-coach-aaron-kromer|accessdate=September 24, 2015|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=July 31, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150818173730/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13356229/charges-dropped-buffalo-bills-coach-aaron-kromer|archivedate=August 18, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> ;Browns assistant coach Andy Moeller suspended following an alleged domestic incident [[2015 Cleveland Browns season|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.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Cabot|first1=Mary Kay|title=Cleveland Browns offensive line coach Andy Moeller suspended indefinitely|url=http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/09/cleveland_browns_offensive_lin_16.html|accessdate=September 24, 2015|publisher=[[The Plain Dealer]]|date=September 7, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924190547/http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/09/cleveland_browns_offensive_lin_16.html|archivedate=September 24, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> Prosecutors declined to press charges related to the incident despite their conclusion that "it is quite clear an incident of volatile nature took place."<ref>{{cite news|last1=MacDonal|first1=Evan|title=Cleveland Browns assistant coach Andy Moeller will not be charged after woman accused him of assault |url=http://www.cleveland.com/berea/index.ssf/2015/09/browns_offensive_line_coach_wi.html |accessdate=September 24, 2015|publisher=[[The Plain Dealer]]|date=September 23, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924191101/http://www.cleveland.com/berea/index.ssf/2015/09/browns_offensive_line_coach_wi.html|archivedate=September 24, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> On September 29, 2015, the Browns officially parted ways with Moeller.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sessler|first1=Marc|title=Browns part ways with O-line coach Andy Moeller|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000542287/article/browns-part-ways-with-oline-coach-andy-moeller|accessdate=September 30, 2015|publisher=nfl.com|date=September 29, 2015}}</ref> ===2015 deaths=== The following people associated with the NFL (or [[American Football League|AFL]]) died in 2015.<ref name=PFR_2015_deaths>{{cite web |title=2015 Pro Football Deaths |url=http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/deaths.htm |publisher=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]] |accessdate=February 9, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6WDjPJVcp |archivedate=February 9, 2015 |deadurl=no}}</ref><ref name=OLPF_2015_deaths>{{cite web |title=2015 Pro Football Deaths |url=http://www.oldestlivingprofootball.com/present2010necrology.htm#946969371 |website=Oldest Living Pro Football Players |accessdate=February 9, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6WDjkDARu |archivedate=February 9, 2015 |deadurl=no}}</ref> ;Frank Gifford [[File:FrankGifford.jpg|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 [[History of the New York Giants (1925–78)#Jim Lee Howell and the Hall of Famers: 1954-1958|New York Giants]] in the 1950s and 1960s. He was a 4-time [[All-Pro]], played in eight [[Pro Bowl]]s and was named to the [[National Football League 1950s All-Decade Team|1950s All-Decade Team]]. In {{nfly|1956}} Gifford was named the NFL's [[National Football League Most Valuable Player Award|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 [[Sports commentator#Main/Play-by-play commentator|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]].<ref name=Gifford_NYT_obit>{{cite news|last1=Goldstein|first1=Richard|last2=Weber|first2=Bruce|title=Frank Gifford, Star for Giants and in the Broadcast Booth, Dies at 84|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/10/sports/football/frank-gifford-early-nfl-celebrity-as-player-and-broadcaster-dies-at-84.html|accessdate=September 18, 2015|publisher=The New York Times|date=August 9, 2015}}</ref><ref name=Gifford_PFR>{{cite web|title=Frank Gifford|url=http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GiffFr00.htm|website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]]|accessdate=September 18, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905131133/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GiffFr00.htm|archivedate=September 5, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> [[File:ChuckBednarik1952Bowman.jpg|thumb|left|125px|Bednarik in 1952.]] [[File:Ken Stabler 2007 Alabama Broadcasters Convention.jpg|thumb|right|125px|Stabler in 2007.]] [[File:CharlieSanders-HOFCeremony.jpg|thumb|left|125px|Sanders (far right) in 2007.]] [[File:Garo Yepremian 2013.jpg|thumb|right|125px|Yepremian in 2013.]] [[File:Bob St. Clair at 49ers Family Day 2009.JPG|thumb|left|125px|St. Clair in 2009.]] [[File:Wellington and Ann Mara 1954.JPG|thumb|right|125px|Mara (right) in 1954.]] ;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 (American and Canadian football)|center]] for the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] for fourteen seasons. He won championships with the Eagles in [[1949 NFL Championship Game|1949]] and [[1960 NFL Championship Game|1960]]. He was a 5-time first team [[All-Pro]] and played in eight [[Pro Bowl]]s. Bednarik was selected as a member of the [[National Football League 75th Anniversary All-Time Team#75th Anniversary All-Time Two Way Team|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]].<ref name=Bednarik_PhillyInq_obit>{{cite news|last1=Fitzpatrick|first1=Frank|title=Eagles Hall of Famer Chuck Bednarik dies|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/obituaries/20150322_Eagles_Hall_of_Famer_Chuck_Bednarik_dies.html#96AmtgZPLvfR7u72.99|accessdate=September 18, 2015|publisher=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]|date=March 22, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602095934/http://www.philly.com/philly/obituaries/20150322_Eagles_Hall_of_Famer_Chuck_Bednarik_dies.html|archivedate=June 5, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref name=Bednarik_PFR>{{cite web|title=Chuck Bednarik|url=http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BednCh00.htm|website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]]|accessdate=September 18, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905064021/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BednCh00.htm|archivedate=September 5, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> ;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#1972–1978: First World Championship (Super Bowl XI–1976)|Oakland Raiders]], [[History of the Houston Oilers#1980s|Houston Oilers]] and [[New Orleans Saints]] in the 1970s and 1980s. He was named the league's [[National Football League Most Valuable Player Award|MVP]] in {{nfly|1974}}, led the Raiders to their first championship in [[Super Bowl XI]] and was a member of the [[National Football League 1970s All-Decade Team|1970s All-Decade Team]].<ref name=Stabler_LATimes_obit>{{cite news|last1=Farmer|first1=Sam|title=Ken Stabler dies at 69; elusive Raiders quarterback known as 'The Snake'|url=http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-ken-stabler-20150710-story.html|accessdate=September 18, 2015|publisher=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=July 9, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150818224420/http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-ken-stabler-20150710-story.html|archivedate=August 8, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref name=Stabler_PFR>{{cite web|title=Ken Stabler|url=http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StabKe00.htm|website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]]|accessdate=September 18, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905074838/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StabKe00.htm|archivedate=September 5, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> ;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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ed Sabol, 1916-2015|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/story/2015/2/9/ed-sabol-1916-2015/|website=ProFootballHOF.com|publisher=[[Pro Football Hall of Fame]]|accessdate=September 18, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918153149/http://www.profootballhof.com/story/2015/2/9/ed-sabol-1916-2015/|archivedate=September 18, 2015|date=February 9, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> ;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 [[National Football League 1970s All-Decade Team|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.<ref name=Sanders_DetroitFP_obit>{{cite news|last1=Birkett|first1=Dave|title=Lions legend Charlie Sanders dies at 68|url=http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/07/02/charlie-sanders-death-detroit-lions/29634347/|accessdate=September 18, 2015|publisher=[[Detroit Free Press]]|date=July 3, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703104625/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/07/02/charlie-sanders-death-detroit-lions/29634347/|archivedate=July 3, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Charlie Sanders|url=http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandCh01.htm|publisher=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]]|accessdate=September 18, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905053515/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandCh01.htm|archivedate=September 5, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> ;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 [[National Football League 1970s All-Decade Team|1970s All-Decade Team]].<ref name=Yepremian_obit>{{cite news|last1=Jackson|first1=Barry|title=Miami Dolphins legendary kicker Garo Yepremian dies at 70|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article21153423.html|accessdate=September 18, 2015|publisher=[[Miami Herald]]|date=May 16, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530144020/http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article21153423.html|archivedate=May 30, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref name=Yepremian_PFR>{{cite web|title=Garo Yepremian|url=http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/Y/yepregar01.htm|website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]]|accessdate=September 18, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905115122/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/Y/yepregar01.htm|archivedate=September 5, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> ;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 [[National Football League 1950s All-Decade Team|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.<ref name=StClair_obit>{{cite news|last1=Branch|first1=Eric|title=Bob St. Clair, Hall of Fame 49ers lineman, dies at 84|url=http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/Bob-St-Clair-dies-at-84-6212538.php|accessdate=September 18, 2015|publisher=San Francisco Chronicle|date=April 20, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150814195812/http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/Bob-St-Clair-dies-at-84-6212538.php|archivedate=August 14, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref name=StClair_HOF_obit>{{cite web|title=Bob St. Clair, 1931-2015|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/2015/4/20/bob-st-clair-1931-2015/|accessdate=September 18, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905194012/http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/2015/4/20/bob-st-clair-1931-2015/|archivedate=September 5, 2015|date=April 20, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref name=StClair_PFR>{{cite web|title=Bob St. Clair|url=http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/St.CBo00.htm|website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]]|accessdate=September 18, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905072533/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/St.CBo00.htm|archivedate=September 5, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> ;Other 2015 deaths <!--ALPHABETIZED BY LAST NAME--> [[Bill Arnsparger]], [[Pete Athas]], [[George Atkins (American football)|George Atkins]], [[Billy Baggett]], Monk Bailey, [[Tom Bettis]], M. L. Brackett, C. O. Brocato, [[Curtis Brown (running back, born 1954)|Curtis Brown]], [[Doug Buffone]], [[Bryan Caldwell]], [[Henry Carr]], [[Sam Cathcart]], [[Damion Cook]], [[John David Crow]], [[Doug Cunningham (American football)|Doug Cunningham]], [[Willie Daniel]], [[Jack Davis (guard, born 1933)|Jack Davis]], [[JaJuan Dawson]], [[Clyde Duncan]], [[Bill Enyart]], [[Mel Farr]], [[Jesse Freitas (American football, born 1951)|Jesse Freitas, Jr.]], [[Ed Fullerton]], [[Mike Gaechter]], [[Jim Gaffney]], [[Gary Glick]], [[Ray Graves]], [[Jimmy Gunn]], [[Rip Hawkins]], [[Dick Hensley]], Gary Henson, [[Ray Hill (American football)|Ray Hill]], [[Gordy Holz]], [[Marv Hubbard]], [[Tommy Hudspeth]], [[Kevin Hunt (American football)|Kevin Hunt]], [[Lindy Infante]], [[Bill Jessup]], [[Sonny Karnofsky]], [[Bill Keating (American football)|Bill Keating]], [[Vince Kendrick]], [[Mike Kostiuk]], [[Jim LaRue]], [[Eddie LeBaron]], [[Dan Lewis (American football)|Dan Lewis]], [[Jack Linn]], [[Tom Longo]], [[Don Looney]], [[Ann Mara]], [[Tommy Mason]], [[Jim McCusker]], [[Ralph McGill (American football)|Ralph McGill]], [[Steve Meilinger]], [[John Mellekas]], [[Terdell Middleton]], [[Ed Modzelewski]], [[Jim Mutscheller]], [[Ray Nagel]], [[Joe O'Malley]], [[John Papit]], [[Pat Peppler]], [[Jim Phillips (American football)|Jim Phillips]], John Polonchek, [[Art Powell (wide receiver)|Art Powell]], [[Bob Priestley (American football)|Bob Priestley]], [[Steve Pritko]], [[Jethro Pugh]], [[Mike Pyle]], [[Lee Remmel]], [[Adrian Robinson]], [[William Roffler]], [[Tyler Sash]], [[Tom Scott (linebacker)|Tom Scott]], [[Allie Sherman]], [[John Siegal]], [[Joe Skibinski]], [[J. D. Smith (fullback, born 1931)|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 (defensive end)|Jerry Wilson]], [[Dick Wood]]. ==Rule changes== The following rule changes were passed for the 2015 NFL season at the owner's meeting on March 25, 2015:<ref>[http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12551912/nfl-owners-vote-allow-medical-out NFL owners vote to allow a medical timeout]. ''ESPN.com''. Retrieved March 25, 2015.</ref> * Allow a certified medical trainer to call a medical time-out when a player appears disoriented and/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-11 offense|a receiver declared ineligible lining up in the]] [[slotback|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#AFC: New England Patriots 35, Baltimore Ravens 31|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/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. * Linebackers can now be numbered 40-49. * 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'.<ref>[http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25249589/nfl-rewrites-dez-bryant-rule-and-it-might-actually-be-more-confusing "NFL rewrites Dez Bryant rule and it might actually be more confusing"]. ''CBSsports.com''. Retrieved September 14, 2015.</ref> The following changes to the [[Conversion (gridiron football)|extra point rules]] were passed for the 2015 NFL season at the owner's meeting on May 19, 2015:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12915634/nfl-change-extra-point-kicks-longer-distance|title=NFL to change extra points to longer distance in 2015|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|website=ESPN.com|date=May 19, 2015|accessdate=May 19, 2015}}</ref> * 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 NCAA Division I-A football season|1988 season]]. Furthermore, a [[Conversion safety|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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/11/sports/football/a-1-point-score-in-the-nfl-now-its-possible.html?_r=0|title=N.F.L. Team Scoring Just 1 Point? Now It’s Possible|last=Mather|first=Victor|publisher=The New York Times|date=September 10, 2015|website=nytimes.com|accessdate=September 11, 2015}}</ref> The following changes to game ball protocol were passed for the 2015 NFL season on July 27, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2015/07/27/nfls-post-deflategate-rule-changes-undermine-leagues-punishment-of-tom-brady/|title=NFL’s post-DeflateGate rule changes undermine league’s punishment of Tom Brady|last=Kilgore|first=Adam|publisher=The Washington Post|date=July 27, 2015|website=washingtonpost.com|accessdate=July 30, 2015}}</ref> *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. ==Records, milestones, and notable statistics== {{overly detailed|date=December 2015}} ;Week 1 *[[Tom Brady]] became the quarterback with the most regular season wins for a single franchise in NFL history ([[List of most wins by a National Football League starting quarterback|161 victories]]), breaking the record held by [[Brett Favre]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Wilner|first=Barry|title=Tom Brady throws 4 TDs as Patriots beat Steelers|url=http://www.bcsn.tv/news_article/show/552707|accessdate=September 14, 2015|work=AP Sports|agency=[[Associated Press]]|publisher=BCSN|date=September 11, 2015}}</ref> *[[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.<ref>{{cite news|last=|first=|title=Mariota outplays Winston|url=http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/cp/nfl-live/week-1/tennessee-titans-marcus-mariota-jameis-winston|publisher=New York Times|date=September 13, 2015|accessdate=September 13, 2015}}</ref> He also became the youngest quarterback to gain a perfect passer rating (21 years, 318 days) surpassing [[Robert Griffin III]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Chase|first=Chris|title=11 titanic facts about Marcus Mariota's magical NFL debut|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/09/marcus-mariota-four-touchdowns-titans-facts-stats-nfl-debut-record-rookie-quarterback-jameis-winston|accessdate=September 14, 2015|work=[[USA Today]]|publisher=Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc.|date=September 13, 2015}}</ref> *[[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 (American football)|Greg Zuerlein]], who achieved that feat in {{nfly|2012}}.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wolfe|first1=Cameron|last2=Jhabvala|first2=Nicki|title=Broncos’ bests/worsts vs. Ravens: Brandon McManus and C.J. Anderson |url=http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2015/09/13/broncos-bestsworsts-vs-ravens-brandon-mcmanus-and-c-j-anderson/35465/ |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=September 13, 2015 |accessdate=September 13, 2015}}</ref> ;Week 2 *[[Peyton Manning]] became the second quarterback in NFL history to reach 70,000 regular season passing yards, joining [[Brett Favre]].<ref>{{cite web|title= Broncos complete stunning comeback, beat Chiefs 31–24|work=Associated Press|url= http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015091700/2015/REG2/broncos@chiefs#menu=gameinfo%7CcontentId%3A0ap3000000533404&tab=recap&recap=fullstory|accessdate = October 5, 2015}}</ref> *The [[2015 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]] set a new NFL record for consecutive divisional road wins with 13, surpassing the previous record that the [[San Francisco 49ers]] set between 1987–90.<ref>{{cite news |author=Renck, Troy |title=Peyton Manning, Broncos steal win from Chiefs late in Kansas City |url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_28834419/broncos-steal-win-from-chiefs-late-kansas-city?_requestid=303670 |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=September 17, 2015 |accessdate=September 17, 2015}}</ref> *[[Travis Benjamin]] became the third player in NFL history to have three TD of 50 yards or longer in a single game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Seven-From-Sunday---Week-2.aspx |title=Seven From Sunday - Week 2 |website=Nflcommunications.com |date= |accessdate=2015-12-02}}</ref> *The [[2015 New York Giants season|New York Giants]] became the first team in NFL history to go 0–2 while holding double digit leads in the fourth quarter in both games.<ref>{{cite news|last=Chase|first=Chris|title=The New York Giants had another historic meltdown|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/09/new-york-giants-lose-atlanta-falcons-delay-of-game-eli-manning-tom-coughlin-hot-seat-0-2|accessdate=December 2, 2015|work=[[USA Today]]|publisher=Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc.|date=September 20, 2015}}</ref> *For the first time since 1992, a team had five takeaways in each of its first two games of the season (the [[2015 New York Jets season|New York Jets]]).<ref>{{cite web|last=Slater|first=Darryl|title=Jets' suffocating defense reminds Calvin Pace of the last time the team was any good|url=http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/09/jets_colts_defense.html|website=nj.com|publisher=New Jersey On-Line LLC|accessdate=December 2, 2015|location=[[Indianapolis]]|date=September 22, 2015}}</ref> *[[Marcus Mariota]] became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw six TD passes in his first two career games.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mariota Sets Two-Game Mark for TD Passes |url=http://www.titansonline.com/news/article-4/Mariota-Sets-Two-Game-Mark-for-TD-Passes/8de38594-6eb2-4bb8-bada-910e1187ce6d |publisher=titansonline.com |date=September 20, 2015 |accessdate=September 26, 2015}}</ref> *[[David Johnson (running back)|David Johnson]] became the first player in NFL history with a 50-plus-yard touchdown catch and 100-plus-yard kickoff return for a TD in his first two NFL games. He also became the first player in NFL history to record a rushing, receiving and return touchdown in his first two games.<ref>{{cite news |title=Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson's jersey, shoes headed to Pro Football Hall of Fame |url=http://www.abc15.com/sports/sports-blogs-local/arizona-cardinals-running-back-david-johnsons-jersey-shoes-headed-to-pro-football-hall-of-fame |publisher=abc15.com |date=September 21, 2015 |accessdate=September 27, 2015}}</ref> ;Week 3 *[[Tom Brady]] became the fourth quarterback in NFL history to throw [[List of National Football League passing touchdowns leaders|400 touchdown passes]] in his career, joining [[Peyton Manning]], [[Brett Favre]], and [[Dan Marino]].<ref name="Career Passing Touchdowns">{{cite web|title = NFL Career Passing Touchdowns Leaders|work=www.pro-football-reference.com|url = http://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_td_career.htm|accessdate = October 5, 2015}}</ref> *[[Peyton Manning]] became the second quarterback in NFL history to reach 6,000 pass completions, joining Brett Favre.<ref name="Career Passes Completed">{{cite web|title = NFL Career Passes Completed Leaders|work=www.pro-football-reference.com|url = http://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_cmp_career.htm|accessdate = October 5, 2015}}</ref> *[[Marcus Mariota]] tied the NFL record set by [[Mark Rypien]] in 1988 with eight TD passes in his first three career games.<ref>{{cite news |title=Marcus Mariota sets record for TDs in first three games |url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13754352/marcus-mariota-tennessee-titans-tosses-first-career-interception-vs-indianapolis-colts |publisher=espn.com |date=September 27, 2015 |accessdate=September 27, 2015}}</ref> *[[Julio Jones]] had the most receptions in the first three games of a season in NFL history, with 34.<ref>{{cite news |title=Julio Jones sets NFL record in Atlanta Falcons' victory over Dallas Cowboys |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/09/julio_jones_sets_nfl_record_in.html |publisher=al.com |date=September 27, 2015 |accessdate=September 27, 2015}}</ref> *[[Colin Kaepernick]] became the fastest quarterback to throw two pick-sixes since 1925. He did so in 5:57.<ref>{{cite web|title=Niners' Kaepernick does something no quarterback has since 1925|url=http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/san-francisco-49ers-colin-kaepernick-interceptions-092715|website=FoxSports.com|publisher=Fox Sports Interactive Media, LLC.|accessdate=December 2, 2015|date=September 27, 2015}}</ref> *Through the first three weeks of the season there were a total of 730 penalties accepted, a new NFL record. The previous record for most penalties over the first three weeks of a season was 716 penalties during the first three weeks of the 2005 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13770733/record-730-penalties-accepted-week-3|title=NFL record set with 730 penalties accepted through three weeks|date=September 30, 2015|publisher=[[ESPN.com]]|last=Seifert|first=Kevin}}</ref> *The [[2015 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]] became the first team in NFL history to go 3–0 after trailing in the fourth quarter in all three games.<ref>{{cite news |title=Falcons become first team in NFL history to accomplish impressive feat |url=http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/atlanta-falcons-dallas-cowboys-nfl-week-3-092715 |publisher=foxsports.com |date=September 27, 2015 |accessdate=October 1, 2015}}</ref> ;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.<ref name="Career Passing Touchdowns"/><ref name="Career Passes Completed"/> *The overtime period in the [[NBC Sunday Night Football|Sunday Night Football]] game between the [[2015 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]] and the [[2015 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]] ended after just 13 seconds, making this the fastest overtime period in a regular season game in NFL history. *[[Adam Vinatieri]] became the [[2015 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]] all-time leading scorer and the first player in NFL history to score 1,000 points with two different teams (the other team he played for was the [[New England Patriots]]).<ref>{{cite web|title = Adam Vinatieri's field goals leads Colts past Jaguars in OT|work=espn.go.com|url = http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400791671|accessdate = October 5, 2015}}</ref> ;Week 5 *The [[2015 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]] recorded an NFL record 16th consecutive divisional win.<ref>{{cite web|title=Colts Set NFL Record, Neutralize J.J. Watt |work=colts.com|url=http://www.colts.com/news/article-1/ColtsTexans-Notebook-Colts-Set-NFL-Record-Neutralize-JJ-Watt/71598c49-66f5-4443-a815-a05cf41da3c4|accessdate=October 9, 2015}}</ref> *[[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 [[2015 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]].<ref>{{cite web|title=NFL: Palmer throws 3 TDs to help Cardinals dominate Lions 42–17|work=stlrib.com|url=http://www.sltrib.com/home/3053044-155/nfl-palmer-throws-3-tds-to|accessdate=October 12, 2015}}</ref> *[[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.<ref name="scout.com">{{cite web|title=Essentials from Sunday: Extending the NFL streaks|work=scout.com|url=http://www.scout.com/nfl/story/1598296-essentials-from-sunday-extending-the-streaks|accessdate=October 12, 2015}}</ref> *[[Antonio Gates]] caught his 100th receiving touchdown and became the ninth player and second tight end to reach this mark in NFL history.<ref>{{cite web|title=NFL Career Receiving Touchdowns Leaders|work=pro-football-reference.com|url=http://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rec_td_career.htm|accessdate=October 12, 2015}}</ref> *[[Peyton Manning]] surpassed Brett Favre as the NFL's all time leader in combined regular season and postseason passing yardage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2015/10/12/peyton-manning-breaks-combined-nfl-passing-yards-record/35940/ |title=Peyton Manning breaks combined NFL passing yards record |website=Blogs.denverpost.com |date= |accessdate=2015-12-02}}</ref> ;Week 6 *[[Philip Rivers]] became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 500 or more yards with no interceptions and still lose the game.<ref>{{cite web|title=Perpetually underrated Philip Rivers sets a depressing record Sunday|work=cbssports.com|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25345104/perpetually-underrated-philip-rivers-sets-a-depressing-record-sunday|accessdate=October 19, 2015}}</ref> *[[Aaron Rodgers]] became the fastest quarterback in NFL history to throw for 30,000 yards, needing only 3,652 attempts to reach the mark.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/green-bay-packers-aaron-rodgers-30000-yards-fastest-nfl-history-101815 |title=Rodgers becomes fastest quarterback to 30,000 yards in NFL history |publisher=FOX Sports |date=2015-10-18 |accessdate=2015-12-02}}</ref> *The [[2015 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]] became the second original [[American Football League]] (AFL) franchise to record 450 all-time regular season victories, joining the [[New England Patriots]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://media.denverbroncos.com/images/9008/Releases/151018_release_Cleveland.pdf |title=Denver Broncos Weekly Release |quote=NOTE: Search for page 5; the Broncos achieved this milestone with their [[2015 Denver Broncos season#Week 6: at Cleveland Browns|Week 6 win over the Cleveland Browns]].}}</ref> ;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. It was the first time in franchise history that the Panthers started a season 6–0.<ref name="wk7">{{cite web|url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/The-Week-That-Was---Week-7.aspx |title=The Week That Was - Week 7 |website=Nflcommunications.com |date= |accessdate=2015-12-02}}</ref> *[[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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dolphins' Ryan Tannehill sets NFL record with 25 straight completions|work=cbssports.com|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25353208/dolphins-ryan-tannehill-sets-nfl-record-with-25-consecutive-completions|date=October 25, 2015|accessdate=October 25, 2015}}</ref> *[[Tom Brady]] became the fifth quarterback in NFL history to pass for over 55,000 yards..<ref name="wk7"/> ;Week 8 *In a game between the [[2015 New York Giants season|New York Giants]] and the [[2015 New Orleans Saints season|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 (the 101 combined points scored are tied for [[Highest scoring NFL games|the third highest combined points scored in a game]]). [[Drew Brees]] became only the eighth quarterback to throw seven TD passes in a single game and [[Eli Manning]] became the first quarterback to throw six TD passes with no interceptions and still lose the game in NFL history.<ref>{{cite web|title = Eli Manning becomes first QB in NFL history to lose a game with this stat line|work=foxsports.com|url = http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/new-york-giants-eli-manning-first-quarterback-in-history-110215|accessdate = November 4, 2015}}</ref> 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. *[[Peyton Manning]] tied Brett Favre for the record for most regular season career victories all-time by a starting quarterback with the [[2015 Denver Broncos season|Broncos]]' 29–10 win on [[NBC Sunday Night Football|Sunday Night Football]] against the [[2015 Green Bay Packers season|Packers]] with [[List of most wins by a National Football League starting quarterback|186 wins]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015110111/2015/REG8/packers@broncos?icampaign=GC_schedule_rr#menu=gameinfo%7CcontentId%3A0ap3000000574552&tab=recap&recap=fullstory |title=Watch Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos [11/01/2015 |website=NFL.com |date= |accessdate=2015-12-02}}</ref> *With their 29–26 overtime victory over the [[2015 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]] on [[Monday Night Football]], the [[2015 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]] became the fourth team to start 7–0, setting a new NFL record for most teams to start a season 7–0 or better.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/The-Week-That-Was---Week-8.aspx |title=The Week That Was - Week 8 |website=Nflcommunications.com |date=2004-11-28 |accessdate=2015-12-02}}</ref> ;Week 9 *For the first time in NFL history, three teams (the [[2015 Cincinnati Bengals season|Bengals]], [[2015 New England Patriots season|Patriots]], and [[2015 Carolina Panthers season|Panthers]]) started the same season 8–0.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/The-Week-That-Was---Week-9.aspx |title=The Week That Was - Week 9 |website=Nflcommunications.com |date=2004-10-10 |accessdate=2015-12-02}}</ref> *The [[2015 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]] tied an NFL record of scoring in 31 consecutive quarters. That mark was set by the [[2005 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]] in 2005 and previously equaled by the [[2000 St. Louis Rams season|St. Louis Rams]], who did it spanning the 1999 and 2000 seasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/espn/elias?date=20151109 |title=ESPN - Elias Says: Sports Statistics - Stats from the Elias Sports Bureau - ESPN |website=Espn.go.com |date=2015-11-09 |accessdate=2015-12-02}}</ref> *The [[2015 Buffalo Bills season|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 (American football)|Sammy Watkins]]) in the same game.<ref>{{cite web|title = Next Gen Stats: Bills skill-position players come alive|work=NFL.com|url = http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000577405/article/next-gen-stats-bills-skillposition-players-come-alive}}</ref> *[[Marcus Mariota]] became the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to have two games with four touchdowns and no interceptions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/espn/elias?date=20151109 |title=ESPN - Elias Says: Sports Statistics - Stats from the Elias Sports Bureau - ESPN |publisher=Espn.go.com |date=2015-11-09 |accessdate=2015-12-02}}</ref> ;Week 10 *[[Peyton Manning]] became the NFL's all-time leader in [[List of National Football League passing yards leaders|regular season passing yardage]], surpassing [[Brett Favre]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015111510/2015/REG10/chiefs@broncos?icampaign=GC_schedule_rr#menu=gameinfo%7CcontentId%3A0ap3000000583250&tab=recap&recap=fullstory |title=Watch Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos [11/15/2015 |website=NFL.com |date= |accessdate=2015-12-02}}</ref> *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]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/espn/elias?date=20151116 |title=ESPN - Elias Says: Sports Statistics - Stats from the Elias Sports Bureau - ESPN |website=Espn.go.com |date=2015-11-16 |accessdate=2015-12-02}}</ref> *[[Adrian Peterson]] tied [[O. J. Simpson]] for an NFL record sixth career game with 200+ yard rushing.<ref>{{cite web |title=Adrian Peterson explodes for sixth-career 200-yard game in Vikings' win |url=http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/minnesota-vikings-oakland-raiders-adrian-peterson-explodes-for-sixth-career-200-yard-game-111515 |work=FoxSports.com |date=November 15, 2015 |accessdate=November 16, 2015}}</ref> *The [[2015 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]] set a new NFL record by scoring in 35 consecutive quarters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015111509/2015/REG10/patriots@giants#menu=gameinfo%7CcontentId%3A0ap3000000584331&tab=recap&recap=fullstory |title=Watch New England Patriots vs. New York Giants [11/15/2015 |website=NFL.com |date= |accessdate=2015-12-02}}</ref> *The [[2015 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]]' road win over the [[2015 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]] snapped the Lions' 24-game losing streak at [[Lambeau Field]] (both regular season and postseason games), which was the longest road losing streak by one NFL team against another.<ref>{{cite news |author=Ahern, Gerry |title=Lions hang on to shock Packers, end record futility at Lambeau Field |url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2015/11/15/lions-packers-lambeau-streak-aaron-rodgers/75837044/ |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |date=November 15, 2015 |accessdate=November 15, 2015}}</ref> ;Week 11 *[[Jameis Winston]] became the third quarterback in NFL history to throw five TDs in a game during his rookie season, joining current Detroit Lions quarterback [[Matthew Stafford]] and former Chicago Bears quarterback [[Ray Buivid]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Bucs QB Jameis Winston ties NFL rookie record with 5 TD passes|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14195902/tampa-bay-buccaneers-qb-jameis-winston-ties-nfl-rookie-record-5-td-passes|work=ESPN.go.com |date=November 22, 2015 |accessdate=November 23, 2015}}</ref> *The Patriots' streak of consecutive quarters with a score ended at 38 consecutive quarters after the Patriots were held scoreless in the fourth quarter .<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015112300/2015/REG11/bills@patriots?icampaign=GC_schedule_rr#menu=gameinfo%7CcontentId%3A0ap3000000588421&tab=recap&recap=fullstory |title=Watch Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots [11/23/2015 |website=NFL.com |date= |accessdate=2015-12-02}}</ref> ;Week 12 *[[Tom Brady]] tied [[Dan Marino]] for third place on the all-time passing touchdowns list.<ref>{{cite news|last=Pells|first=Eddie|title=Imperfect: Pats defense folds in 30–24 OT loss to Broncos|url=http://pro32.ap.org/article/imperfect-pats-defense-folds-30-24-ot-loss-broncos|accessdate=December 12, 2015|work=Associated Press|agency=[[Associated Press]]|publisher=AP Sports|date=November 30, 2015|location=[[Denver]]}}</ref> *[[Travis Coons]] of the [[2015 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]] set a new NFL record for most consecutive field goals made to open a career with 18.<ref>{{cite web|title=Stats and Facts: Browns vs. Ravens|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Stats-and-Facts-Browns-vs-Ravens/54383668-06dd-436d-b5e5-14bd9809c8b7|work=clevelandbrowns.com|accessdate=December 1, 2015}}</ref> ;Week 13 *[[2015 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]] rookie [[Stephone Anthony]] scored the first ever defensive two-point conversion in NFL history by returning a blocked PAT (point after touchdown) attempt by [[2015 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]] kicker [[Graham Gano]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Wesselling|first=Chris|title=Cam Newton bolsters MVP case in Panthers' wild win|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000595912/article/cam-newton-bolsters-mvp-case-in-panthers-wild-win|website=NFL.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC.|accessdate=December 12, 2015|date=December 6, 2015}}</ref> *[[Larry Fitzgerald]] became the youngest person in NFL history to reach 1,000 career catches. Fitzgerald (32 years, 97 days old on game day) broke the record that was held by [[Andre Johnson]] (33 years, 163 days).<ref>{{cite web|title=Week 13 What To Look For - A Look Back|url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-13-What-To-Look-For---A-Look-Back.aspx|website=nflcommunications.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC.|accessdate=December 12, 2015|date=December 8, 2015}}</ref> *[[Andy Dalton]] joined [[Peyton Manning]] as one of only two quarterbacks in NFL history to throw for at least 3,000 passing yards in each of their first five seasons.<ref name="Quick hits: Green, Dalton in select company; Rookies ride" >{{cite web|last=Hobson|first=Geoff|title=Quick hits: Green, Dalton in select company; Rookies ride|url=http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Quick-hits-Green-Dalton-in-select-company-Rookies-ride/0db1ab7c-9143-40ae-9977-6a74fac43e80|website=bengals.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC.|accessdate=December 12, 2015|location=[[Cleveland]]|date=December 6, 2015}}</ref> *[[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.<ref name="Quick hits: Green, Dalton in select company; Rookies ride" /> *[[Jason Witten]] became the second tight end in NFL history to record 1,000 catches (joining [[Tony Gonzalez (American football)|Tony Gonzalez]]).<ref>{{cite web|last=Archer|first=Todd|title=Jason Witten happy to share special moment with family|url=http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas-cowboys/post/_/id/4747845/jason-witten-happy-to-share-special-moment-with-family|website=[[ESPN.com]]|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|accessdate=December 12, 2015|location=[[Landover, Maryland]]|date=December 8, 2015}}</ref> ;Week 14 * [[Adrian Peterson]] scored his 100th career touchdown, making him the 13th running back to reach this mark in NFL history.<ref>{{cite web|title=Adrian Peterson scores 100th career touchdown in first quarter|work=espn.go.com|url=http://espn.go.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/17076/adrian-peterson-scores-100th-career-touchdown-in-first-quarter|accessdate=December 11, 2015}}</ref> * [[Drew Brees]] surpassed [[Dan Marino]] for fourth place on the NFL's all-time passing touchdowns list with two passing touchdowns.<ref name="Wk14SevenFromSunday">https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Seven-From-Sunday---Week-14.aspx</ref> * The [[2015 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]] became the first NFL franchise to have at least 90 wins under three different head coaches ([[Chuck Noll]], [[Bill Cowher]], and [[Mike Tomlin]]).<ref name="Wk14SevenFromSunday" /> * [[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]].<ref name="Wk14SevenFromSunday" /> * The [[2015 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]] clinched the [[AFC East]] division title for the seventh straight season, tying them with the [[Los Angeles Rams|Rams franchise]], which won seven straight [[NFC West]] division titles from the [[1973 NFL season|1973 season]] through the [[1979 NFL season|1979 season]], for the NFL record of most consecutive division titles won by one franchise.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wagner-McGough|first=Sean|title=Giants' win secures the Patriots' seventh straight AFC East title|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25414226/giants-win-secures-the-patriots-seventh-straight-afc-east-title|website=[[CBSSports.com]]|publisher=CBS Interactive|accessdate=December 15, 2015|date=December 15, 2015}}</ref> * 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.<ref name="Wk14WeekThatWas">https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/The-Week-That-Was---Week-14.aspx</ref> * [[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]].<ref name="Wk14WeekThatWas" /> * [[Russell Wilson]] became the first quarterback in NFL history to have at least a 138.5 QB rating in four straight games.<ref>{{cite news|last=Condotta|first=Bob|title=Seahawks’ statistics continue to look better and better and better|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seahawks-statistics-continue-to-look-better-and-better-and-better/|accessdate=December 25, 2015|work=[[The Seattle Times]]|publisher=[[The Seattle Times Company]]|date=December 15, 2015}}</ref> * [[Cam Newton]] became the third quarterback in NFL history to throw for at least 3,000 passing yards in each of his first five seasons, joining [[Andy Dalton]] and [[Peyton Manning]]. ;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.<ref>{{cite web|title = Most consecutive games 3+ TD passes & no INT|work=pro-football-reference.com|url = http://pfref.com/tiny/OBhbl|accessdate = December 21, 2015}}</ref> * [[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.<ref name="Wk15ThatWas">https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/The-Week-That-Was---Week-15.aspx</ref> * [[Tom Brady]] joined [[Peyton Manning]] as one of only two quarterbacks in NFL history to throw at least 35 touchdown passes in a single season four times.<ref>http://www.patriots.com/news/2015/12/20/game-notes-patriots-win-12-games-sixth-straight-season</ref> * [[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).<ref name="Wk15ThatWas"/> * [[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 2000–2002 seasons.<ref>http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Post-game-notes-vs-Broncos/639e41f7-1471-4bdb-8d33-aae97a00669b</ref> * The [[2015 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]] became the first team in NFL history to follow up a five game losing streak with an eight game winning streak.<ref name="Wk15ThatWas"/> ;Week 16 * [[Brandon Marshall]] reached 100 catches for a NFL record sixth season. He is also became the first Jets player to reach 100 catches in a season.<ref name="Wk16Seven">https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Seven-From-Sunday---Week-16.aspx</ref> * [[Anquan Boldin]] became the 13th player in NFL history to reach 1,000 career catches.<ref name="Wk16Seven"/> * In their loss to the [[2015 St. Louis Rams season|St. Louis Rams]], the [[2015 Seattle Seahawks season|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 a 23–20 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in the final week of the 2011 season.<ref>http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400791569</ref> Additionally, the Seahawks' streak of consecutive games of having 100 yards rushing as a team also came to an end at 25 consecutive games, an NFL record. * The [[2015 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]] became only 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 season|1970 Cincinnati Bengals]].<ref>http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000610146/article/chiefs-earn-playoff-berth-with-win-over-browns</ref> * [[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 single season.<ref name="Wk16Seven"/> * [[Antonio Brown]] became only 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 2011–2012. Brown also became only the second player in NFL history to record 120 catches in back to back seasons, joining [[Cris Carter]] (1994–1995).<ref>http://www.steelers.com/news/by-the-numbers/article-1/By-the-Numbers-Williams-goes-for-100/4c1ad1dd-3bb3-4432-bb21-64c1fd8ebc1c</ref> * [[Adam Vinatieri]] became the third placekicker in NFL history to make 500 field goals in a career, joining [[Morten Andersen]] and [[Gary Anderson (placekicker)|Gary Anderson]].<ref>http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20151227_IND@MIA</ref> * As of the end of this week, the [[2015 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]] had surrendered 43 total passing touchdowns during the season, setting a new NFL record for most passing touchdowns surrendered during a single season.<ref>http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000611187/article/saints-d-sets-record-for-td-passes-allowed-in-season</ref> *[[Kirk Cousins]] finished the season posting the highest completion percentage (74.7) in home games in NFL history, with a minimum of 100 attempts.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tandler|first1=Rich|title=One stat puts Cousins ahead of Brady, Manning, Brees, others|url=http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/redskinsblog/one-stat-puts-cousins-ahead-brady-manning-brees-others|website=CSNWashington.com|accessdate=22 December 2015}}</ref> ;Week 17 * The NFL set a new record for touchdowns in a season with its 808th TD of the season.<ref>https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/nfl-sets-new-total-touchdown-record-with-808-and-counting-203813561.html</ref> * 2015 was the first season since the NFL was [[2002 NFL season#Expansion and realignment|realigned]] in 2002 that no team finished with a strength of victory percentage of .500 or greater. The [[2015 St. Louis Rams season|St. Louis Rams]] had the highest SOV in the league at .482 (54-58). * [[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.<ref>{{cite web|title = Seahawks dominate Cardinals in statement game|work=nflcom|url = http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000615063/article/seahawks-dominate-cardinals-in-statement-game|accessdate = January 4, 2016}}</ref> * [[Antonio Brown]] became the first player in NFL history with at least 125 catches in two seasons. He also set a 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.<ref>http://www.steelers.com/news/by-the-numbers/article-1/By-the-Numbers-Jaw-dropping-stats/287c960c-cf4c-4587-abed-8db64f4e92fe</ref> * [[Frank Gore]] became the 15th player in NFL history to eclipse 12,000 career rushing yards.<ref>http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400791645</ref> * [[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 a NFL record for most seasons leading the league, breaking the record of five that was held by [[Sonny Jurgensen]] and [[Dan Marino]].<ref name="Wk17SevenSunday">https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Seven-From-Sunday---Week-17.aspx</ref> 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 [[2015 New England Patriots season|Patriots']] loss to the [[2015 Miami Dolphins season|Miami Dolphins]]. * Eleven different quarterbacks passed for 30 or more touchdowns setting a NFL single season record. The previous record was nine quarterbacks set in 2014.<ref>https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-17-What-To-Look-For---A-Look-Back.aspx</ref> ;Wild Card Weekend * For the first time in NFL history, all four playoff games in a given weekend were won by the visiting teams. It also marked the first time in NFL history that all of the wild card teams advanced past the first round of the playoffs. * With their win, the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] tied the [[Dallas Cowboys]] for the most all-time postseason victories by a franchise in NFL history (34). ;Divisional Weekend * With their win, the [[2015 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]] advanced to their fifth consecutive AFC Championship Game, tying them with the 1973–1977 [[Oakland Raiders]] for the record of most consecutive Conference Championship Game appearances. * [[Tom Brady]] tied [[Adam Vinateri]] for the most career postseason game appearances in NFL history (30). * The [[Arizona Cardinals]] extended their all-time postseason home record to 5–0; with the [[Houston Texans]]' loss during Wild Card Weekend, the Cardinals became the only remaining active NFL team that has never lost a home playoff game. * [[2015 Denver Broncos season|Broncos']] kicker [[Brandon McManus]] kicked five field goals in the Broncos' victory over the [[2015 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]], tying the NFL record for most field goals made in a postseason game. ;Conference Championship Weekend * The [[AFC Championship Game]] will mark the [[Brady-Manning rivalry|17th overall meeting between Peyton Manning and Tom Brady]] and the fourth meeting between the two quarterbacks in a Conference Championship Game, setting an NFL record for the most meetings between any two quarterbacks in a Conference Championship Game. It will also be the fifth overall playoff meeting between the two quarterbacks, setting an NFL record for the most playoff meetings between any two quarterbacks in NFL history. [[Tom Brady|Brady]] will also be playing in his 31st career postseason game, surpassing [[Adam Vinateri]] for the NFL record of most postseason game appearances by any NFL player at any position. * The [[NFC Championship Game]] will be the first ever postseason game in NFL history in which both starting quarterbacks ([[Carson Palmer]] and [[Cam Newton]] of the [[Arizona Cardinals]] and [[Carolina Panthers]], respectively) are [[List of Heisman Trophy winners|prior Heisman Trophy winners]]. * For the first time in NFL history, the Conference Championship Weekend will feature three starting quarterbacks who were [[List of first overall National Football League draft picks|selected with the first overall pick in an NFL draft]] - the [[2015 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos']] [[Peyton Manning]], the [[2015 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals']] [[Carson Palmer]], and the [[2015 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers']] [[Cam Newton]], who were selected as the first overall picks of the [[1998 NFL draft]], the [[2003 NFL draft]], and the [[2011 NFL draft]], respectively. ==Head coach/front office personnel changes== ===Head coach=== ====Offseason==== {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! style="width:12%;"| Team ! style="width:10%;"| 2014 head coach ! style="width:10%;"| 2014 interim head coach ! style="width:8%;"| Reason for leaving ! style="width:10%;"| 2015 replacement ! class="unsortable"| Story/Accomplishments |- |style="text-align:center;"|[[Atlanta Falcons]] |style="text-align:center;" colspan=2|[[Mike Smith (American football coach)|Mike Smith]] |style="text-align:center;"|Fired |style="text-align:center;"|[[Dan Quinn (American football)|Dan Quinn]] |Smith 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.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Patra|first1=Kevin|title=Atlanta Falcons fire coach Mike Smith|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000451246/article/atlanta-falcons-fire-coach-mike-smith|work=NFL.com|accessdate=29 September 2014}}</ref> Quinn, who never held a head coaching position prior to 2015, had served as defensive coordinator for the [[Seattle Seahawks]]. Due to league anti-[[tapping up|tampering]] rules, the Falcons had to wait until after the completion of the Seahawks' playoff run, before formally hiring Quinn.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12266193/dan-quinn-atlanta-falcons-introduction|title=Falcons to introduce Dan Quinn|last=McClure|first=Vaughan|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|date=February 2, 2015|website=ESPN.com|accessdate=April 25, 2015}}</ref> |- |style="text-align:center;"|[[Buffalo Bills]] |style="text-align:center;" colspan=2|[[Doug Marrone]] |style="text-align:center;"|Resigned |style="text-align:center;"|[[Rex Ryan]] |Marrone compiled a record of 15–17 (.469) in two seasons with the Bills and resigned on December 31, 2014.<ref>[http://www.allsportswny.com/statement-from-buffalo-bills-owner-terry-pegula-regarding-marrone-opt-out/ Statement from Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula regarding Marrone opt-out]. ''WBBZ-TV''. Retrieved December 31, 2014.</ref> 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 (wide receiver, born 1987)|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.<ref>Long, Mark (January 20, 2015). [http://www.oleantimesherald.com/sports/article_40438a42-a137-11e4-b975-2baea0124b48.html Jaguars hire Marrone as assistant head coach]. ''Associated Press''. Retrieved January 21, 2015.</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Patra|first1=Kevin|title=Buffalo Bills hire Rex Ryan as head coach|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000456519/article/buffalo-bills-hire-rex-ryan-as-head-coach|website=NFL.com|accessdate=12 January 2015}}</ref> |- |style="text-align:center;"|[[Chicago Bears]] |style="text-align:center;" colspan=2|[[Marc Trestman]] |style="text-align:center;"|Fired |style="text-align:center;"|[[John Fox (American football)|John Fox]] |Trestman 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 (American football)|Phil Emery]] were both dismissed on December 29, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rosenthal|first1=Gregg|title=Chicago Bears fire Marc Trestman|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000451258/article/chicago-bears-fire-marc-trestman|work=NFL.com|accessdate=29 September 2014}}</ref> Trestman then became offensive coordinator for the [[Baltimore Ravens]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000461175/article/ravens-hire-marc-trestman-as-offensive-coordinator |title=Ravens hire Marc Trestman as offensive coordinator |publisher=NFL.com |date= |accessdate=2015-05-19}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sessler|first1=Marc|title=Chicago Bears hire John Fox as head coach|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000459551/article/chicago-bears-hire-john-fox-as-head-coach|website=NFL.com|accessdate=17 January 2015}}</ref> |- |style="text-align:center;"|[[Denver Broncos]] |style="text-align:center;" colspan=2|[[John Fox (American football)|John Fox]] |style="text-align:center;"|Mutual decision |style="text-align:center;"|[[Gary Kubiak]] |In 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.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wesseling|first1=Chris|title=John Fox, Denver Broncos part ways after four years|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000457308/article/john-fox-denver-broncos-part-ways|website=NFL.com|accessdate=12 January 2015}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Patra|first1=Kevin|title=Gary Kubiak hired as Denver Broncos head coach|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000460494/article/gary-kubiak-hired-as-denver-broncos-head-coach|website=NFL.com|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref> |- |style="text-align:center;"|[[New York Jets]] |style="text-align:center;" colspan=2|[[Rex Ryan]] |style="text-align:center;" |Fired |style="text-align:center;"|[[Todd Bowles]] |Ryan 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.<ref name=NYJfire>{{cite web|last1=Orr|first1=Conor|title=New York Jets fire Rex Ryan, John Idzik|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000451236/article/new-york-jets-fire-rex-ryan-john-idzik|website=NFL.com|accessdate=9 January 2015}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wesseling|first1=Chris|title=New York Jets hiring Todd Bowles as head coach|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000458689/article/new-york-jets-hiring-todd-bowles-as-head-coach|website=NFL.com|accessdate=14 January 2015}}</ref> |- |style="text-align:center;"|[[Oakland Raiders]] |style="text-align:center;"|[[Dennis Allen (American football)|Dennis Allen]] |style="text-align:center;"|[[Tony Sparano]] |style="text-align:center;"|Fired |style="text-align:center;"|[[Jack Del Rio]] |Allen 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.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rosenthal|first1=Gregg|title=Raiders fire Dennis Allen after two-plus seasons|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000403246/article/raiders-fire-dennis-allen-after-twoplus-seasons|website=NFL.com|accessdate=29 September 2014}}</ref> Allen joined the staff of the [[New Orleans Saints]] for the 2015 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/20/dennis-allen-joins-saints-staff/|title=Dennis Allen joins Saints’ staff|last=Smith|first=Michael D.|publisher=NBC Sports|date=January 20, 2015|website=profootballtalk.nbcsports.com|accessdate=April 24, 2015}}</ref> Sparano, formerly head coach of the Miami Dolphins, finished the season as interim head coach, compiling a record of 3–9.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hanzus|first1=Dan|title=Tony Sparano named Raiders' interim head coach|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000403464/article/tony-sparano-named-raiders-interim-head-coach|work=NFL.com|accessdate=30 September 2014}}</ref> He then became tight ends coach for the [[San Francisco 49ers]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Tony Sparano new 49ers TE coach|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12211782/tony-sparano-joins-san-francisco-49ers-staff-tight-ends-coach|publisher=ESPN|date=22 January 2015}}</ref> 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 2003–2011.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Orr|first1=Conor|title=Oakland Raiders hire Jack Del Rio as next head coach|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000458717/article/oakland-raiders-hire-jack-del-rio-as-next-head-coach|website=NFL.com|accessdate=14 January 2015}}</ref> |- |style="text-align:center;"|[[San Francisco 49ers]] |style="text-align:center;" colspan=2|[[Jim Harbaugh]] |style="text-align:center;"|Mutual decision |style="text-align:center;"|[[Jim Tomsula]] |Harbaugh 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 [[Michigan Wolverines football|University of Michigan]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rosenthal|first1=Gregg|title=Jim Harbaugh, San Francisco 49ers mutually part ways|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000450865/article/jim-harbaugh-san-francisco-49ers-mutually-part-ways|work=NFL.com|accessdate=29 September 2014}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Patra|first1=Kevin|title=Niners choose to promote Jim Tomsula to head coach|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000458952/article/niners-choose-to-promote-jim-tomsula-to-head-coach|website=NFL.cpm|accessdate=14 January 2015}}</ref> |} ====In-season==== {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! style="width:12%;"| Team ! style="width:10%;"| 2015 head coach ! style="width:8%;"| Reason for leaving ! style="width:8%;"| Interim replacement ! class="unsortable"| Story/Accomplishments |- |style="text-align:center;"|[[Miami Dolphins]] |style="text-align:center;"|[[Joe Philbin]] | rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;" |Fired |style="text-align:center;"|[[Dan Campbell]] |Philbin compiled a record of 24–28 ({{winning percentage|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, will take over for the rest of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13814560/miami-dolphins-fire-joe-philbin|title=Dolphins fire coach Joe Philbin after team stumbles to 1-3 start|last=Walker|first=James|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|date=October 5, 2015|website=ESPN.com|accessdate=October 5, 2015}}</ref> |- |style="text-align:center;"|[[Tennessee Titans]] |style="text-align:center;"|[[Ken Whisenhunt]] |style="text-align:center;"|[[Mike Mularkey]] |Whisenhunt compiled a record of 3–20 ({{winning percentage|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, will take 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).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000572205/article/whisenhunt-relieved-of-duties-as-titans-head-coach|title=Tennessee Titans fire head coach Ken Whisenhunt|last=Orr|first=Conor|publisher=nfl.com|date=November 3, 2015|website=NFL.com|accessdate=November 3, 2015}}</ref> |- |style="text-align:center;"|[[Philadelphia Eagles]] |style="text-align:center;"|[[Chip Kelly]] |style="text-align:center;"|[[Pat Shurmur]] |Kelly compiled a record of 26–21 ({{winning percentage|26|21}}) in almost three years with the Eagles. He led the team to the playoff 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, will fill in as head coach for the team's last game; he previously coached the [[Cleveland Browns]] from 2011–12.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rosenthal|first1=Gregg|title=Chip Kelly released by Philadelphia Eagles|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000612168/article/philadelphia-eagles-let-go-of-chip-kelly|website=NFL.com|accessdate=30 December 2015}}</ref> |} ===Front office=== ====Offseason==== {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! style="width:12%;"| Team ! style="width:5%;"| Position ! style="width:12%;"| 2014 office holder ! style="width:9%;"| Reason for leaving ! style="width:12%;"| 2015 replacement ! class="unsortable" | Story/Accomplishments |- | style="text-align:center;"| [[2014 New York Jets season|New York Jets]] | style="text-align:center;"| [[General manager (American football)|GM]] | style="text-align:center;"| [[John Idzik, Jr.|John Idzik]] | rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;"|Fired | style="text-align:center;"| [[Mike Maccagnan]] | Idzik was fired after two seasons with the New York Jets.<ref name=NYJfire/> He then joined the staff of the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] as a consultant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.si.com/nfl/2015/02/25/jaguars-jets-john-idzik-gm-consultant?xid=si_nfl|title=Report: Jaguars expected to hire ex-Jets GM John Idzik as consultant|last=Gartland|first=Dan|publisher=Sports Illustrated|date=February 25, 2015|website=SI.com|accessdate=July 22, 2015}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hanzus|first1=Dan|title=Mike Maccagnan named new general manager of Jets|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000458458/article/mike-maccagnan-named-new-general-manager-of-jets|website=NFL.com|accessdate=14 January 2015}}</ref> |- | style="text-align:center;"| [[2014 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]] | style="text-align:center;"| [[General manager (American football)|GM]] | style="text-align:center;"| [[Phil Emery (American football)|Phil Emery]] | style="text-align:center;"| [[Ryan Pace]] | Emery was fired after three seasons in Chicago.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bears fire general manager Phil Emery|url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-am/0ap3000000451251/Bears-fire-general-manager-Phil-Emery|accessdate=9 January 2015}}</ref> Pace was hired on January 8, 2015, after serving as the director of player personnel with the Saints since 2013.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Biggs|first1=Brad|last2=Campbell|first2=Rich|last3=Wiederer|first3=Dan|title=Bears hire Ryan Pace as general manager|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-bears-hire-ryan-pace-gm-story.html|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|accessdate=8 January 2015}}</ref> |- | style="text-align:center;"| [[2014 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]] | style="text-align:center;"| [[Vice president|{{abbr|EVP-FO|Executive Vice President - Football Operations}}]] | style="text-align:center;"| Tom Gamble | style="text-align:center;"| [[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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gowton|first=Brandon|title=Eagles promote Howie Roseman; allow Chip Kelly to run player personnel department|url=http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/1/2/7483051/eagles-promote-howie-roseman-chip-kelly-player-personnel-lurie|website=BleedingGreenNation.com|publisher=Vox Media, Inc.|accessdate=December 2, 2015|date=January 2, 2015}}</ref> |} ====In-season==== {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! style="width:12%;"| Team ! style="width:5%;"| Position ! style="width:12%;"| 2015 office holder ! style="width:9%;"| Reason for leaving ! style="width:12%;"| 2015 replacement ! class="unsortable" | Story/Accomplishments |- | rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| [[2015 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]] | style="text-align:center;" | [[General manager (American football)|GM]] | style="text-align:center;"| [[Martin Mayhew]] | rowspan="7" style="text-align:center;"|Fired | style="text-align:center;"| [[Sheldon White]] ''(interim)'' | rowspan="2"| After starting the season 1–6, the Lions fired offensive coordinator [[Joe Lombardi]]. One week later, after another loss the [[2015 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]], owner [[Martha Firestone Ford]] fired Mayhew and Lewland.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Orr|first1=Conor|title=Lions fire GM Martin Mayhew, president Tom Lewand|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000573477/article/lions-fire-gm-martin-mayhew-president-tom-lewand|website=nfl.com|accessdate=5 November 2015}}</ref> |- style="text-align:center;" || President || [[Tom Lewand]] || Rod Wood |- |style="text-align:center;" rowspan=2|[[Philadelphia Eagles]] |style="text-align:center;"|VP- Player Personnel |style="text-align:center;"|Ed Marynowitz |style="text-align:center;"|[[Tom Donahoe]] |Vice President of Player Personnel Ed Marynowitz was fired alongside Head Coach Chip Kelly on December 29, 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Chip Kelly released by Philadelphia Eagles|url = http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000612168/article/philadelphia-eagles-let-go-of-chip-kelly|website = NFL.com|accessdate = 2015-12-30}}</ref> Donahoe last served as President and General Manager of the [[Buffalo Bills]] from 2001–05 but has largely been out of football in the ten years since his firing from that position. |- |style="text-align:center;"|GM (''de facto'') |style="text-align:center;"|Chip Kelly |style="text-align:center;"|[[Howie Roseman]] |Roseman, 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. |} ==Awards== ===Individual season awards=== {{Further|5th Annual NFL Honors}} {| class="wikitable" |- ! Award !! Winner !! Position !! Team |- | [[National Football League Most Valuable Player Award|AP Most Valuable Player]] || TBA || TBA || TBA |- | [[National Football League Offensive Player of the Year Award|AP Offensive Player of the Year]] || TBA || TBA || TBA |- | [[National Football League Defensive Player of the Year Award|AP Defensive Player of the Year]] || TBA || TBA || TBA |- | [[National Football League Coach of the Year Award|AP Coach of the Year]] || TBA || TBA || TBA |- | [[National Football League Rookie of the Year Award|AP Offensive Rookie of the Year]] || TBA || TBA || TBA |- | [[National Football League Rookie of the Year Award|AP Defensive Rookie of the Year]] || TBA || TBA || TBA |- | [[National Football League Comeback Player of the Year Award|AP Comeback Player of the Year]] || TBA || TBA || TBA |- | [[Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year|Pepsi Rookie of the Year]] || TBA || TBA || TBA |- | [[Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award|Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year]] || TBA || TBA || TBA |- | [[Pro Football Writers Association|PFWA]] NFL Executive of the Year || Mike Maccagnan || General Manager || New York Jets |- | [[Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award|Super Bowl Most Valuable Player]] || TBA || TBA || TBA |} ===All-Pro team=== {{Further|2015 All-Pro Team}} The following players were named First Team All-Pro by the [[Associated Press]]: {| border=0 |- valign="top" | {| class="wikitable" |- !colspan="2"|Offense |- |Quarterback||[[Cam Newton]], [[2015 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina]] |- |Running back||[[Adrian Peterson]], [[2015 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota]]<br />[[Doug Martin (running back)|Doug Martin]], [[2015 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay]] |- |[[Fullback (American football)|Fullback]]||[[Mike Tolbert]], [[2015 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina]] |- |Wide receiver||[[Antonio Brown (wide receiver, born 1988)|Antonio Brown]], [[2015 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh]]<br />[[Julio Jones]], [[2015 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta]] |- |[[Tight end]]||[[Rob Gronkowski]], [[2015 New England Patriots season|New England]] |- |[[Offensive tackle]]||[[Joe Thomas (American football)|Joe Thomas]], [[2015 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland]]<br>[[Andrew Whitworth]], [[2015 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati]] |- |[[Guard (American football)|Offensive guard]]||[[Marshal Yanda]], [[2015 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore]]<br>[[David DeCastro]], [[2015 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh]] |- |[[Center (American football)|Center]]||[[Ryan Kalil]], [[2015 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina]] |} | style="padding-left:40px;" | {| class="wikitable" |- !colspan="2"|Defense |- |[[Defensive end]]||[[J. J. Watt]], [[2015 Houston Texans season|Houston]]<br>[[Khalil Mack]], [[2015 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland]] |- |[[Defensive tackle]]||[[Aaron Donald]], [[2015 St. Louis Rams season|St. Louis]]<br> [[Geno Atkins]], [[2015 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati]] |- |[[Outside linebacker]]||[[Von Miller]], [[2015 Denver Broncos season|Denver]]<br>[[Khalil Mack]], [[2015 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland]]<br>[[Thomas Davis (American football)|Thomas Davis]], [[2015 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina]] |- |[[Middle linebacker|Inside linebacker]]||[[Luke Kuechly]], [[2015 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina]]<br> [[NaVorro Bowman]], [[2015 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco]] |- |[[Cornerback]]||[[Josh Norman (cornerback)|Josh Norman]], [[2015 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina]]<BR>[[Patrick Peterson]], [[2015 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona]] |- |[[Safety (American and Canadian football position)|Safety]]||[[Tyrann Mathieu]], [[2015 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona]]<br> [[Eric Berry]], [[2015 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City]] |} |} {| class="wikitable" |- !colspan="6"|Special teams |- |[[Placekicker]]||[[Stephen Gostkowski]], [[2015 New England Patriots season|New England]] |- |[[Punter (football position)|Punter]]||[[Johnny Hekker]], [[2015 St. Louis Rams season|St. Louis]] |- |[[Kick returner]]||[[Tyler Lockett]], [[2015 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle]] |} ===Players of the week/month=== The following were named the top performers during the 2015 season: {| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%; text-align: center;" |- !rowspan=2|Week/<br>Month !colspan=2|Offensive<br />Player of the Week/Month !colspan=2|Defensive<br />Player of the Week/Month !colspan=2|Special Teams<br />Player of the Week/Month |- !AFC !NFC !AFC !NFC !AFC !NFC |- !1 |[[Marcus Mariota]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_01>{{cite web |title=Titans QB Marcus Mariota, Broncos CB Aqib Talib & Dolphins WR-PR Jarvis Landry named AFC Players of Week 1 |url=https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/week-1-mariota-talib-landry.pdf |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=September 18, 2015 |format=PDF}}</ref><br/>([[2015 Tennessee Titans season|Titans]]) |[[Julio Jones]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_01>{{cite web |title=Falcons WR Julio Jones, Rams DT Aaron Donald & Rams PR-WR Tavon Austin named NFC Players of Week 1 |url=https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/week-1-jones-donald-austin.pdf|publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]]|accessdate=September 18, 2015|format=PDF}}</ref><br/>([[2015 Atlanta Falcons season|Falcons]]) |[[Aqib Talib]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_01/><br/>([[2015 Denver Broncos season|Broncos]]) |[[Aaron Donald]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_01/><br/>([[2015 St. Louis Rams season|Rams]]) |[[Jarvis Landry]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_01/><br/>([[2015 Miami Dolphins season|Dolphins]]) |[[Tavon Austin]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_01/><br/>([[2015 St. Louis Rams season|Rams]]) |- !2 |[[Ben Roethlisberger]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_02>{{cite web |title=Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, Jets CB Darrelle Revis & Browns PR-WR Travis Benjamin named AFC Players of Week 2|url=https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/week-2-roethlisberger-revis-benjamin.pdf |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]]|accessdate=September 25, 2015|format=PDF}}</ref><br/>([[2015 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Steelers]]) |[[Larry Fitzgerald]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_02>{{cite web |title=Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald, Cowboys LB Sean Lee & Cardinals KR-RB David Johnson named NFC Players of Week 2|url=https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/week-02-fitzgerald-lee-johnson.pdf|publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]]|accessdate=September 25, 2015 |format=PDF}}</ref><br/>([[2015 Arizona Cardinals season|Cardinals]]) |[[Darrelle Revis]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_02/><br/>([[2015 New York Jets season|Jets]]) |[[Sean Lee]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_02/><br/>([[2015 Dallas Cowboys season|Cowboys]]) |[[Travis Benjamin]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_02/><br/>([[2015 Cleveland Browns season|Browns]]) |[[David Johnson (running back)|David Johnson]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_02/><br/>([[2015 Arizona Cardinals season|Cardinals]]) |- !3 |[[A. J. Green]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_03>{{cite web|title=Bengals WR A.J. Green, Bills LB Preston Brown & Colts P Pat McAfee named AFC Players of Week 3|url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-3.aspx|publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]]|accessdate=October 1, 2015}}</ref><br/>([[2015 Cincinnati Bengals season|Bengals]]) |[[Aaron Rodgers]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_03>{{cite web |title=Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, Cardinals S Tyrann Mathieu & Eagles PR-RB Darren Sproles named NFC Players of Week 3 |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-3.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=October 1, 2015}}</ref><br/>([[2015 Green Bay Packers season|Packers]]) |[[Preston Brown (linebacker)|Preston Brown]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_03/><br/>([[2015 Buffalo Bills season|Bills]]) |[[Tyrann Mathieu]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_03/><br/>([[2015 Arizona Cardinals season|Cardinals]]) |[[Pat McAfee]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_03/><br/>([[2015 Indianapolis Colts season|Colts]]) |[[Darren Sproles]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_03/><br/>([[2015 Philadelphia Eagles season|Eagles]]) |- | style="background:#ffffbf;"|'''Sept.''' | style="background:#ffffbf;"|[[Tom Brady]]<ref name=AFC_PotM_Sep>{{cite web |title=Patriots QB Tom Brady, Broncos LB DeMarcus Ware & Patriots K Stephen Gostkowski named AFC Players of Month of September |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Month---September.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=October 4, 2015}}</ref><br/>([[2015 New England Patriots season|Patriots]]) | style="background:#ffffbf;"|Julio Jones<ref name=NFC_PotM_Sep>{{cite web |title=Falcons WR Julio Jones, Panthers CB Josh Norman & Seahawks KR-PR Tyler Lockett named NFC Players of Month of September |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-MOnth---September.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=October 4, 2015}}</ref><br/>(Falcons) | style="background:#ffffbf;"|[[DeMarcus Ware]]<ref name=AFC_PotM_Sep/><br/>(Broncos) | style="background:#ffffbf;"|[[Josh Norman (cornerback)|Josh Norman]]<ref name=NFC_PotM_Sep/><br/>([[2015 Carolina Panthers season|Panthers]]) | style="background:#ffffbf;"|[[Stephen Gostkowski]]<ref name=AFC_PotM_Sep/><br/>([[2015 New England Patriots season|Patriots]]) | style="background:#ffffbf;"|[[Tyler Lockett]]<ref name=NFC_PotM_Sep/><br/>([[2015 Seattle Seahawks season|Seahawks]]) |- !4 |[[Philip Rivers]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_04>{{cite web |title=Chargers QB Philip Rivers, Broncos S T.J. Ward & Ravens K Justin Tucker named AFC Players of Week 4 |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-4.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=October 8, 2015}}</ref><br/>([[2015 San Diego Chargers season|Chargers]]) |[[Drew Brees]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_04>{{cite web |title=Saints QB Drew Brees, Panthers CB Josh Norman & Bears K Robbie Gould named NFC Players of Week 4 |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-4.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=October 8, 2015}}</ref><br/>([[2015 New Orleans Saints season|Saints]]) |[[T. J. Ward]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_04/><br/>(Broncos) |Josh Norman<ref name=NFC_PotW_04/><br/>(Panthers) |[[Justin Tucker]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_04/><br/>([[2015 Baltimore Ravens season|Ravens]]) |[[Robbie Gould]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_04/><br/>([[2015 Chicago Bears season|Bears]]) |- !5 |[[Josh McCown]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_05>{{cite web |title=Browns QB Josh McCown, Colts S Mike Adams & Bengals K Mike Nugent named AFC Players of Week 5 |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-5.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=October 16, 2015}}</ref><br/>([[2015 Cleveland Browns season|Browns]]) |[[Eli Manning]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_05>{{cite web |title=Giants QB Eli Manning, Eagles DE Fletcher Cox & Buccaneers PR Bobby Rainey named NFC Players of Week 5 |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-5.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=October 16, 2015}}</ref><br/>([[2015 New York Giants season|Giants]]) |[[Mike Adams (safety)|Mike Adams]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_05/><br/>([[2015 Indianapolis Colts season|Colts]]) |[[Fletcher Cox]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_05/><br/>([[2015 Philadelphia Eagles season|Eagles]]) |[[Mike Nugent]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_05/><br/>([[2015 Cincinnati Bengals season|Bengals]]) |[[Bobby Rainey]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_05/><br/>([[2015 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Buccaneers]]) |- !6 |[[DeAndre Hopkins]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_06>{{cite web |title=Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins, Dolphins DE Cameron Wake & Steelers K Chris Boswell named AFC Players of Week 6 |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-6.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=October 23, 2015}}</ref><br/>([[2015 Houston Texans season|Texans]]) |[[Calvin Johnson]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_06>{{cite web |title=Lions WR Calvin Johnson, Panthers DT Kawann Short & Saints LB Michael Mauti named NFC Players of Week 6 |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-6.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=October 23, 2015}}</ref><br/>([[2015 Detroit Lions season|Lions]]) |[[Cameron Wake]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_06/><br/>([[2015 Miami Dolphins season|Dolphins]]) |[[Kawann Short]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_06/><br/>(Panthers) |[[Chris Boswell]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_06/><br/>([[2015 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Steelers]]) |[[Michael Mauti]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_06/><br/>([[2015 New Orleans Saints season|Saints]]) |- !7 |[[Ryan Tannehill]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_07>{{cite web |title=Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill, Jaguars LB Telvin Smith & Patriots K Stephen Gostkowski named AFC Players of Week 7 |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-7.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=October 28, 2015}}</ref><br/>([[2015 Miami Dolphins season|Dolphins]]) |[[Kirk Cousins]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_07>{{cite web |title=Redskins QB Kirk Cousins, Seahawks DE Michael Bennett & Giants KR Dwayne Harris named NFC Players of Week 7 |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-7.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=October 28, 2015}}</ref><br/>([[2015 Washington Redskins season|Redskins]]) |[[Telvin Smith]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_07/><br/>([[2015 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jaguars]]) |[[Michael Bennett (defensive lineman, born 1985)|Michael Bennett]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_07/><br/>([[2015 Seattle Seahawks season|Seahawks]]) |Stephen Gostkowski<ref name=AFC_PotW_07/><br/>(Patriots) |[[Dwayne Harris]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_07/><br/>([[2015 New York Giants season|Giants]]) |- | style="background:#ffffbf;"|'''Oct.''' | style="background:#ffffbf;"|[[Andy Dalton]]<ref name=AFC_PotM_Oct>{{cite web |title=Bengals QB Andy Dalton, Raiders S Charles Woodson & Broncos K Brandon McManus named AFC Players of Month of October |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Month---October.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=November 1, 2015}}</ref><br/>(Bengals) | style="background:#ffffbf;"|[[Devonta Freeman]]<ref name=NFC_PotM_Oct>{{cite web |title=Falcons RB Devonta Freeman, Panthers DT Kawann Short & Rams P Johnny Hekker named NFC Players of Month of October |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Month---October.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=November 1, 2015}}</ref><br/>(Falcons) | style="background:#ffffbf;"|[[Charles Woodson]]<ref name=AFC_PotM_Oct/><br/>([[2015 Oakland Raiders season|Raiders]]) | style="background:#ffffbf;"|Kawann Short<ref name=NFC_PotM_Oct/><br/>(Panthers) | style="background:#ffffbf;"|[[Brandon McManus]]<ref name=AFC_PotM_Oct/><br/>([[2015 Denver Broncos season|Broncos]]) | style="background:#ffffbf;"|[[Johnny Hekker]]<ref name=NFC_PotM_Oct/><br/>(Rams) |- !8 |Tom Brady<ref name=AFC_PotW_08>{{cite web |title=Patriots QB Tom Brady, Broncos DE Derek Wolfe & Ravens K Justin Tucker named AFC Players of Week 8 |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-8.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=November 4, 2015}}</ref><br/>(Patriots) |Drew Brees<ref name=NFC_PotW_08>{{cite web |title=Saints QB Drew Brees, Buccaneers LB Kwon Alexander & Vikings PR Marcus Sherels named NFC Players of Week 8 |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-8.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=November 4, 2015}}</ref><br/>(Saints) |[[Derek Wolfe]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_08/><br/>(Broncos) |[[Kwon Alexander]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_08/><br/>([[2015 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Buccaneers]]) |Justin Tucker<ref name=AFC_PotW_08/><br/>(Ravens) |[[Marcus Sherels]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_08/><br/>([[2015 Minnesota Vikings season|Vikings]]) |- !9 |Marcus Mariota<ref name=AFC_PotW_09>{{cite web |title=AFC Players of the Week - Week 9 |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-9.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=November 11, 2015}}</ref><br/>(Titans) |[[Cam Newton]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_09>{{cite web |title=NFC Players of the Week - Week 9 |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-9.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=November 11, 2015}}</ref><br/>([[2015 Carolina Panthers season|Panthers]]) |[[Darius Butler]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_09/><br/>(Colts) |[[Linval Joseph]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_09/><br/>([[2015 Minnesota Vikings season|Vikings]]) |[[Ryan Quigley]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_09/><br/>([[2015 New York Jets season|Jets]]) |[[Josh Brown (American football)|Josh Brown]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_09/><br/>(Giants) |- !10 |Ben Roethlisberger<ref name=AFC_PotW_10>{{cite web |title=Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, Bills S Baccari Rambo & Patriots K Stephen Gostkowski name AFC Players of Week 10 |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-10.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=November 18, 2015}}</ref><br/>(Steelers) |Kirk Cousins<ref name=NFC_PotW_10>{{cite web |title=Redskins QB Kirk Cousins, Vikings CB Terence Newman & Lions KR Ameer Abdullah named NFC Players of Week 10 |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-10.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=November 18, 2015}}</ref><br/>(Redskins) |[[Bacarri Rambo]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_10/><br/>(Bills) |[[Terence Newman]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_10/><br/>(Vikings) |Stephen Gostkowski<ref name=AFC_PotW_10/><br/>(Patriots) |[[Ameer Abdullah]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_10/><br/>([[2015 Detroit Lions season|Lions]]) |- !11 |[[Brock Osweiler]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_11>{{cite web |title=Broncos QB Brock Osweiler, Texans DE J.J. Watt & Chiefs P Dustin Colquitt named AFC Players of Week 11 |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-11.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=November 25, 2015}}</ref><br>([[2015 Denver Broncos season|Broncos]]) |Cam Newton<ref name=NFC_PotW_11>{{cite web |title=Panthers QB Cam Newton, Buccaneers LB Lavonte David & Packers K Mason Crosby named NFC Players of Week 11 |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-11.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=November 25, 2015}}</ref><br>(Panthers) |[[J. J. Watt]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_11/><br/>([[2015 Houston Texans season|Texans]]) |[[Lavonte David]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_11/><br>(Buccaneers) |[[Dustin Colquitt]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_11/><br/>([[2015 Kansas City Chiefs season|Chiefs]]) |[[Mason Crosby]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_11/><br>([[2015 Green Bay Packers season|Packers]]) |- !12 |[[C. J. Anderson]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_12>{{cite web |title=Broncos RB C.J. Anderson, Bengals CB Leon Hall & Ravens S Will Hill named AFC Players of Week 12 |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-12.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=December 2, 2015}}</ref><br>(Broncos) |[[Russell Wilson]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_12>{{cite web |title=Seahawks QB Russell Wilson, Panthers LB Luke Kuechly & Lions P Sam Martin named NFC Players of Week 12 |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-12.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=December 2, 2015}}</ref><br>([[2015 Seattle Seahawks season|Seahawks]]) |[[Leon Hall]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_12/><br/>([[2015 Cincinnati Bengals season|Bengals]]) |[[Luke Kuechly]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_12/><br>(Panthers) |[[Will Hill]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_12/><br/>(Ravens) |[[Sam Martin (American football)|Sam Martin]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_12/><br>(Lions) |- style="background:#ffffbf;" ||'''Nov.''' | style="background:#ffffbf;"|[[Antonio Brown]]<ref name=AFC_PotM_Nov>{{cite web |title=Steelers WR Antonio Brown, Texans DE J.J. Watt & Colts K Adam Vinatieri named AFC Players of Month for November |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Month---November.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=December 3, 2015}}</ref><br/>(Steelers) | style="background:#ffffbf;"|[[Adrian Peterson]]<ref name=NFC_PotM_Nov>{{cite web |title=Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, Cardinals S Tyrann Mathieu & Panthers K Graham Gano named NFC Players of Month for November |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Month---November.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=December 3, 2015}}</ref><br/>([[2015 Minnesota Vikings season|Vikings]]) | style="background:#ffffbf;"|J. J. Watt<ref name=AFC_PotM_Nov/><br/>(Texans) | style="background:#ffffbf;"|Tyrann Mathieu<ref name=NFC_PotM_Nov/><br/>(Cardinals) | style="background:#ffffbf;"|[[Adam Vinatieri]]<ref name=AFC_PotM_Nov/><br/>(Colts) | style="background:#ffffbf;"|[[Graham Gano]]<ref name=NFC_PotM_Nov/><br/>([[2015 Carolina Panthers season|Panthers]]) |- !13 |[[Brandon Marshall]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_13>{{cite web |title=Jets WR Brandon Marshall, Chiefs S Tyvon Branch & Steelers PR/WR Antonio Brown named AFC Players of Week 13 |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-13.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=December 9, 2015}}</ref><br>([[2015 New York Jets season|Jets]]) |Cam Newton<ref name=NFC_PotW_13>{{cite web |title=Panthers QB Cam Newton, Eagles S Malcolm Jenkins & Cowboys K Dan Bailey named NFC Players of Week 13 |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-13.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=December 9, 2015}}</ref><br>(Panthers) |[[Tyvon Branch]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_13/><br>([[2015 Kansas City Chiefs season|Chiefs]]) |[[Malcolm Jenkins]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_13/><br>(Eagles) |[[Antonio Brown]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_13/><br>(Steelers) |[[Dan Bailey (American football)|Dan Bailey]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_13/><br>([[2015 Dallas Cowboys season|Cowboys]]) |- !14 |[[Ryan Fitzpatrick]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_14>{{cite web |title=Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, Raiders DE Khalil Mack & Jaguars PR/WR Rashad Greene named AFC Players of Week 14 |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/AFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-14.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=December 16, 2015}}</ref><br>(Jets) |Eli Manning<ref name=NFC_PotW_14>{{cite web |title=Giants QB Eli Manning, Rams DT Aaron Donald & Cardinals K Chandler Catanzaro named NFC Players of Week 14 |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFC-Players-of-the-Week---Week-14.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=December 16, 2015}}</ref><br>(Giants) |[[Khalil Mack]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_14/><br>(Raiders) |Aaron Donald<ref name=NFC_PotW_14/><br>(Rams) |[[Rashad Greene]]<ref name=AFC_PotW_14/><br>([[2015 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jaguars]]) |[[Chandler Catanzaro]]<ref name=NFC_PotW_14/><br>([[2015 Arizona Cardinals season|Cardinals]]) |- !15 |Antonio Brown<ref name=AFCNFC_PotW_15>{{cite web |title=Cam Newton highlights Week 15 Players of the Week |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000607745/article/cam-newton-highlights-week-15-players-of-the-week?campaign=fb-nf-sf17597581-sf17597581 |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=December 23, 2015}}</ref> <br>(Steelers) |Cam Newton<ref name=AFCNFC_PotW_15/><br>(Panthers) |[[Marcus Peters]]<ref name=AFCNFC_PotW_15/><br>(Chiefs) |[[Deone Bucannon]]<ref name=AFCNFC_PotW_15/><br>(Cardinals) |[[Carlos Dunlap]]<ref name=AFCNFC_PotW_15/><br>(Bengals) |[[Benny Cunningham]]<ref name=AFCNFC_PotW_15/><br>(Rams) |- !16 |Ryan Fitzpatrick<ref name=AFCNFC_PotW_16>{{cite web |title=Raiders' King highlights Week 16 Players of Week |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000612390/article/raiders-king-highlights-week-16-players-of-week |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=December 30, 2015}}</ref> <br>(Jets) |Julio Jones<ref name=AFCNFC_PotW_16/><br>(Falcons) |[[Robert Mathis]]<ref name=AFCNFC_PotW_16/><br>(Colts) |[[Dwight Freeney]]<ref name=AFCNFC_PotW_16/><br>(Cardinals) |[[Marquette King]]<ref name=AFCNFC_PotW_16/><br>([[2015 Oakland Raiders season|Raiders]]) |[[Blair Walsh]]<ref name=AFCNFC_PotW_16/><br>(Vikings) |- style="background:#ffffbf;" ||'''Dec.''' | style="background:#ffffbf;"|Antonio Brown<ref name="December2015">{{cite web |title=Antonio Brown tops December's Players of the Month |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000618756/article/antonio-brown-tops-decembers-players-of-the-month |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=January 7, 2016}}</ref><br>(Steelers) | style="background:#ffffbf;"|Kirk Cousins<ref name="December2015"/><br>(Redskins) | style="background:#ffffbf;"|[[Whitney Mercilus]]<ref name="December2015"/><br>(Texans) | style="background:#ffffbf;"|Kawann Short<ref name="December2015"/><br>(Panthers) | style="background:#ffffbf;"|Chris Boswell<ref name="December2015"/><br>(Steelers) | style="background:#ffffbf;"|Tyler Lockett<ref name="December2015"/><br>(Seahawks) |- !17 |[[Ronnie Hillman]]<ref name=AFCNFC_PotW_17>{{cite web |title=Cam Newton highlights Week 17 Players of Week |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000618210/article/cam-newton-highlights-week-17-players-of-week |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=January 6, 2016}}</ref><br>(Broncos) |Cam Newton<ref name=AFCNFC_PotW_17/><br>(Panthers) |J. J. Watt<ref name=AFCNFC_PotW_17/><br>(Texans) |[[Everson Griffen]]<ref name=AFCNFC_PotW_17/><br>(Vikings) |[[D. J. Alexander]]<ref name=AFCNFC_PotW_17/><br>(Chiefs) |Tyler Lockett<ref name=AFCNFC_PotW_17/><br>(Seahawks) |} {| border=0 |- valign="top" | {| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%; text-align: center;" |- !Week !FedEx Air<br />Player of the Week<ref name="FedExPlayerOfTheWeek">{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/voting/players-air-and-ground/2015 |title=FedEx Air and Ground Players of the Week |publisher=[[NFL.com]] | accessdate=September 17, 2015}}</ref><br />(Quarterbacks) !FedEx Ground<br />Player of the Week<ref name="FedExPlayerOfTheWeek"/><br />(Running Backs) !Pepsi Next<br />Rookie of the Week<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nfl.com/voting/rookies/2015 |title=Pepsi Next Rookie of the Week |publisher=[[NFL.com]] |accessdate=September 17, 2015}}</ref><br /> !Castrol Edge<br />Clutch Performer<br />of the Week<ref>{{cite web|title=Castrol Edge Clutch Performer of the Week|url=http://www.nfl.com/voting/clutch-performer/2015 |website=NFL.com|accessdate=22 September 2015}}</ref> |- !1 | [[Philip Rivers]]<br/>([[2015 San Diego Chargers season|Chargers]]) | [[Carlos Hyde]]<br/>([[2015 San Francisco 49ers season|49ers]]) | [[Marcus Mariota]]<br/>([[2015 Tennessee Titans season|Titans]]) | [[Tony Romo]]<br/>([[2015 Dallas Cowboys season|Cowboys]]) |- !2 | [[Tom Brady]]<br/>([[2015 New England Patriots season|Patriots]]) | [[Matt Jones (running back)|Matt Jones]]<br/>([[2015 Washington Redskins season|Redskins]]) | [[Jameis Winston]]<br/>([[2015 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Buccaneers]]) | [[Derek Carr (American football)|Derek Carr]]<br/>([[2015 Oakland Raiders season|Raiders]]) |- !3 | [[Aaron Rodgers]]<br/>([[2015 Green Bay Packers season|Packers]]) | [[Devonta Freeman]]<br/>([[2015 Atlanta Falcons season|Falcons]]) | [[Kwon Alexander]]<br/>(Buccaneers) | [[Julio Jones]]<br/>([[2015 Atlanta Falcons season|Falcons]]) |- !4 | Philip Rivers<br/>(Chargers) | [[Chris Ivory]]<br/>([[2015 New York Jets season|Jets]]) | [[Todd Gurley]]<br/>([[2015 St. Louis Rams season|Rams]]) | [[Kam Chancellor]]<br/>([[2015 Seattle Seahawks season|Seahawks]]) |- !5 | [[Eli Manning]]<br/>([[2015 New York Giants season|Giants]]) | [[Doug Martin (running back)|Doug Martin]]<br/>([[2015 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Buccaneers]]) | Jameis Winston<br/>(Buccaneers) | [[Tyrod Taylor]]<br/>([[2015 Buffalo Bills season|Bills]]) |- !6 | Philip Rivers<br/>(Chargers) | Chris Ivory<br/>(Jets) | [[Stefon Diggs]]<br/>([[2015 Minnesota Vikings season|Vikings]]) | [[Damarious Randall]]<br/>([[2015 Green Bay Packers season|Packers]]) |- !7 | [[Ryan Tannehill]]<br/>([[2015 Miami Dolphins season|Dolphins]]) | [[Lamar Miller]]<br/>([[2015 Miami Dolphins season|Dolphins]]) | [[Amari Cooper]]<br/>([[2015 Oakland Raiders season|Raiders]]) | Tom Brady<br/>([[2015 New England Patriots season|Patriots]]) |- !8 | [[Drew Brees]]<br/>([[2015 New Orleans Saints season|Saints]]) | [[Todd Gurley]]<br/>([[2015 St. Louis Rams season|Rams]]) | Kwon Alexander<br/>(Buccaneers) | Drew Brees<br/>([[2015 New Orleans Saints season|Saints]]) |- !9 | Marcus Mariota<br/>([[2015 Tennessee Titans season|Titans]]) | [[DeAngelo Williams]]<br/>([[2015 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Steelers]]) | Amari Cooper<br/>(Raiders) | [[Antonio Brown]]<br/>([[2015 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Steelers]]) |- !10 | [[Ben Roethlisberger]]<br/>([[2015 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Steelers]]) | [[Adrian Peterson]]<br/>([[2015 Minnesota Vikings season|Vikings]]) | [[Mario Edwards, Jr.]]<br/>(Raiders) | [[Stephen Gostkowski]]<br/>(Patriots) |- !11 | Jameis Winston<br/>([[2015 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Buccaneers]]) | Doug Martin<br/>(Buccaneers) | Jameis Winston<br/>(Buccaneers) | [[Aaron Rodgers]]<br/>(Packers) |- !12 | [[Russell Wilson]]<br/>([[2015 Seattle Seahawks season|Seahawks]]) | Adrian Peterson<br/>(Vikings) | Amari Cooper<br/>(Raiders) | Derek Carr<br/>(Raiders) |- !13 | Ben Roethlisberger<br/>(Steelers) | DeAngelo Williams<br/>(Steelers) | [[Thomas Rawls]]<br/>(Seahawks) | Jameis Winston<br/>(Buccaneers) |- !14 | Russell Wilson<br/>(Seahawks) | [[Eddie Lacy]]<br/>([[2015 Green Bay Packers season|Packers]]) | [[Tyler Lockett]]<br/>(Seahawks) | [[Khalil Mack]]<br/>(Raiders) |- !15 | Ben Roethlisberger<br/>(Steelers) | [[David Johnson (running back)|David Johnson]]<br>([[2015 Arizona Cardinals season|Cardinals]]) | Amari Cooper<br/>(Raiders) | Antonio Brown<br/>(Steelers) |- !16 | Drew Brees<br>(Saints) | [[Tim Hightower]]<br>([[2015 New Orleans Saints season|Saints]]) | [[Preston Smith (linebacker)|Preston Smith]]<br>([[2015 Washington Redskins season|Redskins]]) | [[Ryan Fitzpatrick]]<br>([[2015 New York Jets season|Jets]]) |- !17 | Ryan Tannehill<br>(Dolphins) | [[Rashad Jennings]]<br>([[2015 New York Giants season|Giants]]) | Tyler Lockett<br>(Seahawks) | [[Peyton Manning]]<br>([[2015 Denver Broncos season|Broncos]]) |} | style="padding-left:40px;" | {| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%; text-align: center;" |- !rowspan=2|Month !colspan=2|Rookie of the Month |- !Offensive !Defensive |- !Sept. | [[Marcus Mariota]]<ref name=RotM_Sep>{{cite web |title=NFL Rookies of the Month - September |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Documents/2015%20Football%20Information/NFL%20ROM/September%20--%20Mariota%20Darby.pdf |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=October 4, 2015 |format=PDF}}</ref><br/>([[2015 Tennessee Titans season|Titans]]) | [[Ronald Darby]]<ref name=RotM_Sep/><br/>([[2015 Buffalo Bills season|Bills]]) |- !Oct. |[[Todd Gurley]]<ref name=RotM_Oct>{{cite web |title=NFL Rookies of the Month - October |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFL-Rookies-of-the-Month---October.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=November 1, 2015}}</ref><br/>([[2015 St. Louis Rams season|Rams]]) |[[Eric Kendricks]]<ref name=RotM_Oct/><br/>([[2015 Minnesota Vikings season|Vikings]]) |- !Nov. |[[Jameis Winston]]<ref name=RotM_Nov>{{cite web |title=NFL Rookies of the Month - November |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFL-Rookies-of-the-Month---November.aspx |publisher=[[National Football League|NFL]] |accessdate=December 3, 2015}}</ref><br/>([[2015 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Buccaneers]]) |[[Damarious Randall]]<ref name=RotM_Nov/><br/>([[2015 Green Bay Packers season|Packers]]) |- !Dec. |[[David Johnson (running back)|David Johnson]]<ref name="December2015"/><br>([[2015 Arizona Cardinals season|Cardinals]]) |[[Marcus Peters]]<ref name="December2015"/><br>([[2015 Kansas City Chiefs season|Chiefs]]) |} |} ==Stadiums== ;Tennessee Titans' venue renamed Nissan Stadium The stadium in [[Nashville, Tennessee|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 {{nfly|2006}}, the facility had been branded as "LP Field," under a naming rights agreement with Nashville-based [[building material]]s manufacturer [[Louisiana-Pacific]]. This is the third name change for the venue since its {{nfly|1999}} opening.<ref>{{cite news |author=Wyatt, Jim |title=Titans' stadium LP Field to be renamed Nissan Stadium |url=http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2015/06/24/tennessee-titans-nissan-lp-field/29229831/ |newspaper=[[The Tennessean]] |date=June 25, 2015 |accessdate=June 25, 2015|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6bjb6imPW|archivedate=September 22, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> ;Minnesota Vikings last season at TCF Bank Stadium The [[Minnesota Vikings]] played their final season at [[TCF Bank Stadium]] on the [[University of Minnesota]] campus for the second straight season.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Katzowitz|first1=Josh|title=Vikings will spend 2014, 2015 seasons at TCF Bank Stadium|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/22224603/vikings-will-spend-2014-2015-seasons-at-tcf-bank-stadium|accessdate=September 22, 2015|publisher=[[CBSSports.com]]|date=May 9, 2013|archiveurl=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|archivedate=September 22, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> Construction on the team's new stadium [[U.S. Bank Stadium]] in downtown [[Minneapolis|Minneapolis, Minnesota]] is to be complete by 2016. The new stadium is being built on the site of the Vikings former home, the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], which was demolished after the {{nfly|2013}} season.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Olson|first1=Rochelle|title=Vikings stadium construction entering critical phase, transitioning for fall, winter|url=http://www.startribune.com/vikings-stadium-construction-entering-critical-phase-transitioning-for-fall-winter/317670111/|accessdate=September 22, 2015|publisher=[[Star Tribune]]|date=July 21, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725121643/http://www.startribune.com/vikings-stadium-construction-entering-critical-phase-transitioning-for-fall-winter/317670111/|archivedate=July 25, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> In August, a construction worker who was working on the new stadium died in a fall from the structure's roof.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Olson|first1=Rochelle|title=1 worker dead, 1 injured in fall from roof at Vikings stadium|url=http://www.startribune.com/1-trapped-rescue-underway-on-roof-of-new-vikings-stadium/322946061/|accessdate=September 22, 2015|publisher=[[Star Tribune]]|date=August 27, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150827001019/http://www.startribune.com/1-trapped-rescue-underway-on-roof-of-new-vikings-stadium/322946061/|archivedate=August 27, 2015}}</ref> ;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.<ref>http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/09/18/texans-decide-to-cut-the-grass-install-artificial-turf/</ref> ===NFL relocation candidates=== ====Oakland Raiders==== {{see also|History of the National Football League in Los Angeles}} =====San Antonio===== On July 29, 2014, reports surfaced that the [[Oakland Raiders]] may consider [[National Football League franchise moves and mergers|relocating]] to [[San Antonio]] in 2015 after owner [[Mark Davis (American football)|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 had 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.<ref name="Raiders">{{cite web|author=Josh Baugh and Tom Orsborn |url=http://www.sfgate.com/raiders/article/Raiders-look-at-potential-home-deep-in-heart-of-5655367.php |title=Raiders look at potential home deep in heart of Texas |publisher=SFGate |date=2014-07-29 |accessdate=2015-05-19}}</ref> Among the two existing NFL teams in [[Texas]], [[Houston Texans]]' 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]] [[Effect of Hurricane Katrina on the New Orleans Saints|temporarily played in San Antonio in 2005]] due to [[Effect of Hurricane Katrina on the Louisiana Superdome|damages to the Superdome following Hurricane Katrina]] — both favor an NFL team playing in San Antonio.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11285618/houston-texans-owner-bob-mcnair-judge-oakland-raiders-san-antonio-buzz |title=Houston Texans owner Bob McNair won't judge Oakland Raiders San Antonio buzz |website=Espn.go.com |date=2014-07-30 |accessdate=2015-12-02}}</ref> Though San Antonio is a smaller market than the [[San Francisco Bay Area]], the Raiders would not be sharing the market with another NFL team, and would only compete with the [[National Basketball Association|NBA]]'s [[San Antonio Spurs]] among major sports teams. Additionally, the Raiders would use the [[Alamodome]] as a temporary home until an NFL-specific stadium could be constructed.<ref name="Raiders" /> The team's lease at the [[O.co Coliseum]] expired after the 2013 season, and the Raiders are tenants of the Coliseum on a year-to-year basis.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11229559/roger-goodell-floats-san-francisco-49ers-levi-stadium-oakland-raiders-option |title=Roger Goodell floats San Francisco 49ers' Levi's Stadium as Oakland Raiders option |website=Espn.go.com |date=2014-07-17 |accessdate=2015-12-02}}</ref> On September 3, 2014, the city of [[Oakland]] reached a tentative deal to build a new football stadium in Oakland, which would result in the Coliseum being demolished; Davis did not respond to the proposal, which would also force the [[Oakland Athletics]] to build a new stadium of their own (which they have yet to agree to do), while [[Alameda County, California|Alameda County]] (co-owners of the current stadium) indicated they would probably not support the plan.<ref name="San Francisco Chronicle">{{cite web |url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/matier-ross/article/New-stadium-deal-for-Raiders-give-s-team-land-5729877.php|title=New stadium deal for Raiders gives team land, pays off debt |date=September 3, 2014 |work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |accessdate=September 3, 2014}}</ref> Davis has, in the meantime, continued to negotiate with San Antonio officials and had team officials scout the Alamodome to determine if it would be suitable for the NFL.<ref>[http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11838270/oakland-raiders-meet-san-antonio-officials-discuss-potential-move Mark Davis, San Antonio group meet]. ''Associated Press'' via [[ESPN.com]]. Retrieved November 8, 2014.</ref> =====Possible shared stadium with the Chargers in Los Angeles===== {{main|Carson Stadium}} On February 19, 2015, the Oakland Raiders and [[San Diego Chargers]] announced plans for a privately-financed $1.7 billion [[Carson Stadium|stadium]] that the two teams would build in [[Carson, California]] if they were to move to the [[Los Angeles]] market.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12351492/san-diego-chargers-oakland-raiders-joint-stadium-plan-los-angeles |title=San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders have joint stadium plan near Los Angeles |website=Espn.go.com |date=2015-02-20 |accessdate=2015-12-02}}</ref> Such a move would mark 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 are currently the only NFL team to play in [[Southern California]], with [[San Diego]] being a {{convert|125|mi|km|adj=on}} distance from Los Angeles and currently have Los Angeles as a secondary market. The Chargers have been looking to replace [[Qualcomm Stadium]] (which, like the O.co Coliseum opened in the late 1960s) since [[San Diego Chargers stadium proposals|at least 2003]], and have had an annual out clause in which it can move in exchange for paying a fine to the city of San Diego for its remaining years on its lease. Due to both television contracts, NFL bylaws, and being in the same division if both of the [[Chargers–Raiders rivalry|longstanding division rivals]] were to move to LA, one of the teams would have 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 moving to the National Football Conference and the NFC West would be considered ironic seeing that Davis's father [[Al Davis]] was a staunch opponent of the NFL during its rivalry and eventual [[AFL–NFL merger|merger]] with the AFL. If such a realignment were to occur, one of the existing NFC West teams would take 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 be the favorite to switch conferences with the Raiders. However, that team's [[49ers–Seahawks rivalry|growing rivalry]] with the [[San Francisco 49ers]] (who are assured of staying in the NFC West) now point to either the [[Arizona Cardinals]] or the [[St. Louis Rams]] (if the latter stays in [[St. Louis]]) moving to the AFC West to take the Raiders spot. If the Rams stay in St. Louis, switching them to the AFC would allow for a yearly home-and-home with the cross-state [[Kansas City Chiefs]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/02/20/if-chargers-and-raiders-share-stadium-one-would-likely-move-to-nfc/|title=If |last=Florio|first=Mike|publisher=NBC Sports|date=February 20, 2015|website=profootballtalk.nbcsports.com|accessdate=April 30, 2015}}</ref> On October 23, 2015, Mark Fabiani, Chargers spokesperson confirmed that the team planned to officially notify the NFL about its intentions to relocate to Los Angeles in January during the timetable when teams can request to relocate.<ref>{{cite news|last=Garrick|first=David|title=Chargers plan to file L.A. relocation papers|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/oct/23/chargers-stadium-fabiani-relocation-los-angeles/|accessdate=November 29, 2015|work=[[San Diego Union-Tribune]]|publisher=The San Diego Union-Tribune, LLC|date=October 23, 2015}}</ref> ====St. Louis Rams==== {{main|City of Champions 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 score board and increased the natural lighting by replacing panels with windows, although the overall feel remains 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 (3 panel) 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 have 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 is not reached by the end of the 2014–2015 NFL season and the City of St. Louis remains non-compliant in its obligations under the lease agreement, the Rams would be 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]] purchased 60 acres of land adjacent to the [[The Forum (Inglewood)|Forum]] in [[Inglewood, California|Inglewood]], [[Los Angeles County]], [[California]]. It would be, by the most conservative estimates, sufficient land on which a NFL-proper stadium may be constructed. The purchase price was rumored to have been between US$90–100 million. Commissioner Roger Goodell represented that Mr. 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 has further fueled rumors that the Rams intend 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nfl/story/_/id/10380150/st-louis-rams-owner-stan-kroenke-buys-60-acres-land-los-angeles|title=Stan Kroenke buys 60 acres in L.A.|last=Wagoner|first=Nick|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|date=February 1, 2014|website=ESPN.com|accessdate=September 4, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ksdk.com/story/sports/nfl/rams/2014/01/30/stan-kroenke-plot-of-land-california-st-louis-rams/5069985/|title=Report: Rams owner bought 60 acres of land in Calif.|last=Piper|first=Brandie|publisher=Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc.|date=January 31, 2014|website=ksdk.com|accessdate=September 4, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-0105-nfl-la-stadium-20150105-story.html#page=1 |title=Owner of St. Louis Rams plans to build NFL stadium in Inglewood |publisher=Latimes.com |date=2015-01-05 |accessdate=2015-05-19}}</ref> On January 5, 2015, The Los Angeles Times reported that [[Stan Kroenke]] and Stockbridge Capital Group are partnering up in to developing a new NFL Stadium owned by Kroenke. The project will include 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. The stadium is likely be ready by 2018, In lieu of this the city of [[St. Louis]] responded on January 9, 2015 by unveiling an outdoor, open air, riverfront stadium than can accommodate the Rams and an [[MLS]] team with the hopes that the NFL bylaws can force them to stay. On February 24, 2015, the Inglewood City Council approved the stadium and the initiative with construction on the stadium planned to begin 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.<ref name="shutdown">{{cite news | title = AEG shuts down plans to build downtown Farmers Field for NFL team | url = http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20150309/aeg-shuts-down-plans-to-build-downtown-farmers-field-for-nfl-team | accessdate = March 9, 2015 | date = March 9, 2015 | newspaper = Los Angeles Daily News}}</ref> 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 laid dormant since 2012.<ref>Cole, Jason (March 29, 2012). [https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AopVDuatvL7d8jG.W8Jd06pDubYF?slug=jc-cole_downtown_los_angeles_nfl_stadium_goodell_aeg_032912 Sources: Downtown Los Angeles Stadium proposal in trouble because of AEG’s terms to NFL]. ''Yahoo Sports''. Retrieved March 30, 2012.</ref> ==Super Bowl 50 promotion== To mark the [[Golden jubilee|50th year]] of the Super Bowl, various gold-themed promotions and initiatives will be held during the 2015 season. Gold-tinted logos were implemented across the NFL's properties (including the Draft, Kickoff, and Playoffs) and will be painted on fields, the numbering of the 50-yard line on fields will be painted gold, and beginning on week 7, all sideline jackets and hats will feature gold-trimmed logos. Gold footballs will be given to each high school that has had a player or coach appear in the Super Bowl, and "homecoming" events will also be held by teams at games.<ref name=wpost-nflgold15>{{cite news|title=NFL goes gold, adding it to team logos, to celebrate Super Bowl 50|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2015/03/25/nfl-goes-gold-adding-it-to-team-logos-to-celebrate-super-bowl-50/|accessdate=30 April 2015|work=Washington Post}}</ref><ref name=cbs-goldnfl2015>{{cite web|title=NFL going gold in 2015 to celebrate Super Bowl 50: Five things to know|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25120528/nfl-going-gold-in-2015-to-celebrate-super-bowl-50-5-things-to-know|website=CBS Sports|accessdate=30 April 2015}}</ref> The [[2016 Pro Bowl|Pro Bowl]] jerseys have gold numbering.<ref name=cbs-goldnfl2015/> Through their first two home games, the [[2015 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]] have 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.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Muret|first1=Don|title=Raiders Refusing To Put On-Field Gold Marks At 50-Yard Line|url=http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Closing-Bell/2015/09/22/Raiders.aspx|accessdate=September 23, 2015|work=Sports Business Daily|publisher=[[Sports Business Journal]]|date=September 22, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923175614/http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Closing-Bell/2015/09/22/Raiders.aspx|archivedate=September 23, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> One day later, Raiders owner [[Mark Davis (American football)|Mark Davis]] confirmed that the gold marks will indeed be used after the Athletics's season is over and the infield dirt is filled in, saying, "Nobody respects the Super Bowl more than Raiders ... we have played in [five] of the Super Bowls."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jimmy|first1=Durkin|title=Raiders owner Mark Davis disputes reports about Super Bowl paint|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/raiders/ci_28866630/raiders-owner-mark-davis-disputes-reports-about-super|accessdate=September 24, 2015|newspaper=San Jose Mercury News|date=September 23, 2015}}</ref> ==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,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/packers-unveil-retro-uniforms-to-be-worn-vs-chargers-b99546033z1-319137191.html|title=Packers unveil retro uniforms to be worn vs. Chargers|last=Silverstein|first=Tom|publisher=Journal Sentinel, Inc.|date=July 28, 2015|website=jsonline.com|accessdate=August 7, 2015}}</ref> 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 [[third jersey|alternate uniforms]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Kania |first=Joe |url=http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-1/Splash-of-Color-for-Thursday-Night-Teams/a49ec3b0-d3bc-4f95-8881-7b7fd1216685 |title=Splash of Color for Thursday Night Teams |website=Buccaneers.com |date=2015-10-30 |accessdate=2015-12-02}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/color-blind-people-driven-nuts-watching-red-bills--green-jets-uniforms-021653681.html|last=Edholm|first=Eric|title=Color-blind people driven nuts watching red Bills, green Jets uniforms|work=Yahoo! Sports|date=November 12, 2015|accessdate=November 12, 2015}}</ref> * The [[2015 Cleveland Browns season|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000485371/article/cleveland-browns-unveil-new-uniforms|title=Cleveland Browns unveil new uniforms|last=Shook|first=Nick|publisher=NFL Enterprises LLC.|date=April 14, 2015|website=NFL.com|accessdate=April 24, 2015}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000473731/article/cleveland-browns-unveil-new-logos|title=Cleveland Browns unveil new logos|last=Patra|first=Kevin|publisher=NFL Enterprises LLC.|date=February 24, 2015|website=NFL.com|accessdate=April 24, 2015}}</ref> * The [[2015 San Francisco 49ers season|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.<ref>{{cite web |author=Gutierrez, Paul |title=49ers unveil black and red alternate uniforms |url=http://espn.go.com/blog/san-francisco-49ers/post/_/id/13207/49ers-unveil-black-and-red-alternate-uniforms |publisher=ESPN |date=May 1, 2015 |accessdate=May 1, 2015}}</ref> 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.<ref name=NFL_2015_Kickoff_guide>{{cite web|title=2015 Kickoff Information Guide|url=https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/2015-kickoff-information-guide.pdf|publisher=[[National Football League]]|accessdate=September 21, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907180119/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/2015-kickoff-information-guide.pdf|archivedate=September 7, 2015|page=73|format=PDF|date=July 27, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> * The [[2015 Tennessee Titans season|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 1999–2007.<ref>{{cite news |author=Bell, Demetrious |title=Tennessee Titans will be going back to navy as primary home uniform |url=http://news.sportslogos.net/2014/11/19/tennessee-titans-will-be-going-back-to-navy-as-primary-home-uniform/ |publisher=sportslogos.net |date=November 19, 2014 |accessdate=September 18, 2015}}</ref> * The [[2015 Green Bay Packers season|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.<ref>{{cite news |author=Silverstein, Tom |title=Packers unveil retro uniforms to be worn vs. Chargers |url=http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/packers-unveil-retro-uniforms-to-be-worn-vs-chargers-b99546033z1-319137191.html|publisher=Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel |date=July 28, 2015 |accessdate=August 1, 2015}}</ref> * The [[2015 Miami Dolphins season|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.<ref name=NFL_2015_Kickoff_guide /><ref>{{cite news |title=Miami Dolphins' throwback uniforms to honor team's first year |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article29358916.html|publisher=Miami Herald |date=July 29, 2015 |accessdate=August 1, 2015}}</ref> * The [[2015 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]] wore a patch to commemorate the team's 20th season.<ref name=NFL_2015_Kickoff_guide /><ref>{{cite news |title=Ravens unveil some plans for 20th season |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-ravens-unveil-plans-for-20th-season-20150423-story.html|publisher=Baltimore Sun |date=April 23, 2015 |accessdate=August 1, 2015}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Edholm|first=Eric|title=Did Ravens rob rival Steelers' closets for this week's pants?|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/did-ravens-rob-rival-steelers--closets-for-this-week-s-pants-183902863.html|website=sports.yahoo.com|publisher=[[Yahoo! Sports]]|accessdate=December 25, 2015|date=December 20, 2015}}</ref> * The [[2015 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] wore a patch to commemorate the team's 40th season.<ref name=NFL_2015_Kickoff_guide /><ref>{{cite news |title=Bucs will wear 40th anniversary patch |url=http://www.bucsnation.com/2015/5/14/8606879/bucs-will-wear-40th-anniversary-patch |publisher=bucsnation.com |date=May 14, 2015 |accessdate=August 1, 2015}}</ref> * The [[2015 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]] upgraded their uniforms to incorporate [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]]'s "Elite 51" technology, which most teams had been using since 2012.<ref>{{cite news |title=Source confirms the Oakland Raiders are switching to the Nike Elite 51 template this season |url=https://twitter.com/andrewmlind/status/613100449076383744 |publisher=twitter.com |date=June 22, 2015 |accessdate=August 15, 2015}}</ref> *The [[2015 New England Patriots season|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.<ref>{{cite news |title=Slight adjustment to the Patriots' jerseys in 2015|url=http://nep.247sports.com/Bolt/Slight-adjustment-to-the-Patriots-jerseys-in-2015-37383203 |publisher=247sports.com |date=May 25, 2015 |accessdate=August 26, 2015}}</ref> * The [[2015 Philadelphia Eagles season|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.<ref name=NFL_2015_Kickoff_guide /> * The [[2015 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]] wore a patch recognizing the team's 50th year in the league.<ref name=NFL_2015_Kickoff_guide /> * The [[2015 New York Giants season|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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Giants to honor Frank Gifford, Ann Mara on uniforms this season|url=http://www.si.com/nfl/2015/08/17/new-york-giants-frank-gifford-ann-mara-uniform-tributes|website=Sports Illustrated|accessdate=August 18, 2015}}</ref> ==New officials== [[List of National Football League officials|Referee]] [[Bill Leavy]] retired after the {{nfly|2014}} season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.footballzebras.com/2015/05/13/12613/|title=R Bill Leavy retires after 20 seasons|last=Lewis|first=Josh|publisher=Football Zebras|date=May 13, 2015|website=footballzebras.com|accessdate=May 18, 2015}}</ref> On May 13, 2015, the [[National Football League|NFL]] promoted line judge [[John Hussey (American football official)|John Hussey]] to the referee position.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.footballzebras.com/2015/05/13/12624/|title=LJ John Hussey moves to the referee position|last=Schultz|first=Mark|publisher=Football Zebras|date=May 13, 2015|website=footballzebras.com|accessdate=May 18, 2015}}</ref> 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 (American football official)|Sarah Thomas]], who will work as a line judge,<ref name=SarahThomas group=note/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000484154/article/nfl-makes-sarah-thomas-first-fulltime-female-official|title=NFL makes Sarah Thomas first full-time female official|last=Orr|first=Conor|publisher=NFL Enterprises LLC.|date=April 8, 2015|website=NFL.com|accessdate=May 18, 2015}}</ref> as well as Walt Coleman IV, the son of referee [[Walt Coleman]], who will work as a side judge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.footballzebras.com/2015/04/08/12607/|title=9 officials hired by the NFL with only 4 vacancies|last=Austro|first=Ben|publisher=Football Zebras|date=April 8, 2015|website=footballzebras.com|accessdate=May 18, 2015}}</ref> ==Media== This was the second season under broadcast contracts with [[ESPN Monday Night Football|ESPN]], [[NFL on CBS|CBS]], [[NFL on Fox|Fox]], and [[NBC Sunday Night Football|NBC]]. This includes "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). NBC will continue to air ''Sunday Night Football'', the annual [[National Football League Kickoff game|Kickoff game]], and the primetime Thanksgiving game. ESPN will continue carrying ''[[Monday Night Football]]'' and the [[Pro Bowl]]. [[NFL Sunday Ticket]] will continue to be exclusive through pay TV subscribers to [[DirecTV]] customers under an eight-year agreement that begins with this season.<ref>[[Peter King (sportswriter)|King, Peter]] (October 6, 2014). [http://mmqb.si.com/2014/10/06/nfl-week-5-peter-king-monday-morning-quarterback/7/ Quietly, every franchise in the NFL just improved its bottom line by $24.2 million a year, without any effort whatsoever.] ''Monday Morning Quarterback''. Retrieved October 6, 2014.</ref> However, as a result of [[AT&T]] acquiring DirecTV (which was finalized just before the start of training camp), the Sunday Ticket package is now also available online for non-DirecTV subscribers, mainly in an effort to attract [[Cord-cutting|cord-cutters]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Breech|first=John|title=NFL Sunday Ticket available to more viewers without DirecTV subscription|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25265705/sunday-ticket-now-available-to-almost-anyone-without-directv-subscription|website=[[CBSSports.com]]|publisher=CBS Interactive|accessdate=December 25, 2015|date=August 10, 2015}}</ref> On May 12, 2015, it was announced that [[ESPN on ABC|ABC]] would simulcast ESPN's wildcard game, marking the first time that ABC has broadcast any NFL game in nearly 10 years.<ref name=wp-espnabcwildcard>{{cite web|last1=Boren|first1=Cindy|title=NFL wild-card game will be simulcast by ESPN on ABC|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2015/05/12/nfl-wild-card-game-will-be-simulcast-by-espn-on-abc/|website=Washington Post|accessdate=12 May 2015}}</ref> Fox also 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]]''.<ref name=sbd-movetofox>{{cite web|title=‘NFL Kickoff’ moving from FS1 to Fox|url=http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2015/07/20/Media/NFL-Kickoff.aspx|website=Sports Business Daily|accessdate=21 July 2015}}</ref> 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, [[NFL Network]] will air all of the games in the package, but they will be produced by CBS—which will air the first seven games (Weeks 2-8) of the package and an additional ''Thursday Night Football'' game in Week 13 (the week after Thanksgiving). The package also includes one Saturday game in Week 15 and one in Week 16, both of which will be exclusive to NFL Network. CBS will also serve as the broadcaster of [[Super Bowl 50]]. On March 23, 2015, league owners voted to, as an experiment, suspend the NFL's [[National Football League television blackout policies|blackout rules]] for the 2015 season; no games will be 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.<ref name=espn-nflblackoutoneyear>{{cite web|title=NFL to suspend TV blackout policy|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12545081/nfl-suspend-tv-blackout-policy-2015-owners-vote|website=ESPN.com|accessdate=23 March 2015}}</ref> The NFL experimented with online [[streaming media|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.<ref name=verge-yahoonfl/> 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]].<ref>[http://bills.buffalonews.com/2015/06/03/bills-jaguars-to-make-history-as-part-of-free-live-webcast/ Bills, Jaguars to make history as part of free live webcast]. ''The Buffalo News'' (June 4, 2015). Retrieved June 4, 2015.</ref> 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 [[Cord-cutting|viewers who do not subscribe to pay television]].<ref name=verge-yahoonfl>{{cite web|title=Yahoo will stream an NFL game for the entire world this October|url=http://www.theverge.com/2015/6/3/8713541/nfl-yahoo-free-football-streaming-october-25|website=The Verge|accessdate=3 June 2015}}</ref><ref name=nyt-billsonline>{{cite news|title=N.F.L. Will Stream Game From London Next Season|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/24/sports/football/nfl-will-stream-game-from-london-next-season.html?_r=0|accessdate=March 23, 2015|work=The New York Times|date=March 23, 2015}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-10-23/yahoo-s-17-million-bet-on-nfl-streaming-gets-tested-sunday|title=Yahoo’s $17 Million Bet on NFL Streaming Gets Tested Sunday|last=Gerry Smith|first=Brian Womack|work=Bloomberg|date=October 23, 2015|accessdate=October 25, 2015}}</ref> The NFL also entered into a [[social media]] partnership with [[Snapchat]] to present [[Snapchat#Stories and Discover|live stories]] from selected games.<ref name=recode-nfllivestories>{{cite web|title=Snapchat Inks NFL Deal to Bring Football Into Its Live Stories|website=Re/code|publisher=Vox Media|accessdate=20 December 2015}}</ref> ==Notes== {{Reflist|group=note}} ==References== {{Reflist|colwidth=30em}} ==External links== *[http://espn.go.com/nfl/schedulegrid/_/year/2015 Complete schedule for all teams] {{2015 NFL season by team}} {{NFL seasons}} [[Category:2015 National Football League season| ]] [[Category:Current American football seasons]] [[Category:National Football League seasons|2015]]'