Locals In The NFL: Best Matchups To Watch In Week 15

Week 15 of the NFL season kicks off tonight!

From Thursday to Monday, there are plenty of intriguing matchups with ties to the state of Utah worth following.

Here’s a look at the top games — including the one we think stands out above the rest.

Noteworthy Locals In The NFL Week 15 Matchups

Patriots vs. Bills – Sunday, December 14 at 11:00 a.m. (MT)

Every time Buffalo hits the field, it’s worth watching for fans in the state, especially Ute fans.

The Bills have two former Pac-12 Champions in tight end Dalton Kincaid and safety Cole Bishop. Alongside them is former Wesber State cornerback Taron Johnson, as well as Highland High star tight end Jackson Hawes.

For the Patriots, former BYU defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga holds it down in the trenches.

Local angle aside, these are the top two teams in the AFC East, and the result of this game could have major playoff implications.

Snow place like home. ❄️ pic.twitter.com/4OaNU7Vrma

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 9, 2025

Rams vs. Lions – Sunday, December 14 at 2:25 p.m. (MT)

Speaking of playoff implications, this game might be the biggest of them all.

Detroit sits at 8-5 and needs as many wins as possible down the stretch of the regular season. LA is more comfortable at 10-3, but they’re tied with division rival Seattle for the top seed in the NFC.

The Lions roll out two locals, Utah two-way star Sione Vaki and Desert Hills High standout offensive lineman Penei Sewell.

The Rams have none other than BYU breakout star Puka Nacua.

.@AsapPuka is UNREAL 😮‍💨

🎥 more highlights on https://t.co/AfNFBY9XS6 pic.twitter.com/dRmhsWw9WV

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 8, 2025

Giants vs. Commanders – Sunday, December 14 at 11:00 a.m. (MT)

Let’s put the playoff discussion aside for a moment. Both New York and Washington are already eliminated from postseason contention.

However, the local presence had this game in contention for our game of the week. Due to one other game, it comfortably slides in at No. 2.

The Giants have Roy & Corner Canyon standout quarterback Jaxson Dart, who has had one of the biggest rises to stardom in the Big Apple since Odell Beckham. After missing a couple of games with a concussion, he is back to close out his rookie year strong.

For the Commanders, it’s former Utah State Aggie and future NFL Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner, as well as former Utah kicker Matt Gay.

What can Jaxson Dart get out of the final four games?

“Game reps are invaluable,” offensive coordinator Tim Kelly said.

An opportunity for Dart to see different defenses, different schemes, experience different situations (downs and distances) is beneficial to the young QB. pic.twitter.com/d7JFcshqi2

— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) December 11, 2025

Week 15’s Top Game To Tune In To For Locals

Broncos vs. Packers – Sunday, December 14 at 2:25 p.m. (MT)

As is usually the case for the game of the week, both quality and quantity will be on the field as Denver hosts Green Bay on Sunday afternoon.

The Broncos have three former Utes: offensive lineman Garett Bolles, linebacker Jonah Elliss, and linebacker Karene Reid.

The Packers have two former Cougars in safety Zayne Anderson and running back Chris Brooks. Not to mention, former Utah State quarterback and a top-five favorite for NFL MVP, Jordan Love.

This game should be one of the more competitive in the 16-game week 15 slate. Both teams sit within the top five in the league to this point.

About #LocalsInTheNFL

For over five years, KSL Sports has provided coverage on all NFL players with ties to the state of Utah.

Whether they attended Utah or BYU or grew up in the Beehive State, we keep you caught up with how the locals are performing on the highest stage.

From highlights to trades and other breaking news, check out our Locals In The NFL coverage here.

Chandler Holt is a co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer for sports.ksl.com. Follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.

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