Updated

The NFL playoff picture is in the front of everyone’s minds as the league’s 15th week of the 2021 season features some key matchups and the added obstacle of coronavirus outbreaks.

Dozens of players tested positive for coronavirus this week as the entire world has seen the omicron variant spread over the last month. The NFL is reportedly planning "significant changes" to its protocols. The league has already informed clubs that Tier 2 employees, known as front office officials and executives, must receive the COVID vaccine booster by Dec. 27.

With coronavirus causing a concern again, the potential absences of players this week will affect the outcome of games.

NFL POWER RANKINGS 2021: TOP 10 TEAMS AHEAD OF WEEK 15

The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers start Week 15 with an important Thursday night matchup. Then, two games are set for Saturday. Two games were moved to Tuesday because of coronavirus outbreaks plaguing teams.

Read below for the week ahead and the latest standings.

All times Eastern.

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Thursday, December 16, 2021

CHIEFS 34, CHARGERS 28

Saturday, December 18, 2021

Browns defensive end Myles Garrett celebrates with fans after scoring a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Cleveland.

Browns defensive end Myles Garrett celebrates with fans after scoring a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)

8:15 PM: COLTS 27, PATRIOTS 17

Sunday, December 19, 2021

BILLS 31, PANTHERS 14

LIONS 30, CARDINALS 12

DOLPHINS 31, JETS 24

COWBOYS 21, GIANTS 6

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Gardner Minshew greets fans after the New York Jets game Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Gardner Minshew greets fans after the New York Jets game Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

STEELERS 19, TITANS 13

TEXANS 30, JAGUARS 16

BENGALS 15, BRONCOS 10

49ERS 31, FALCONS 13

4:25 PM: Packers @ Ravens (FOX)

8:20 PM: Saints @ Buccaneers (NBC)

Monday, December 20, 2021

5 PM: Raiders @ Browns (NFL Network)

8:15 PM: Vikings @ Bears (ESPN/ABC)

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

7 PM: Seahawks @ Rams (FOX)

7 PM: Washington @ Eagles (FOX)

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NFL Standings

AFC East

  1. Patriots (9-5)
  2. Bills (8-6)
  3. Dolphins (7-7)
  4. Jets (3-11)

AFC North

  1. Ravens (8-5)
  2. Bengals (8-6)
  3. Browns (8-6)
  4. Steelers (7-6-1)

AFC South

  1. Titans (9-5)
  2. Colts (8-6)
  3. Texans (3-11)
  4. Jaguars (2-12)

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AFC West

  1. Chiefs (10-4)
  2. Chargers (8-6)
  3. Broncos (7-7)
  4. Raiders (6-7)

NFC East

  1. Cowboys (10-4)
  2. Washington (6-7)
  3. Eagles (6-7)
  4. Giants (4-10)

NFC North

  1. Packers (10-3)
  2. Vikings (6-7)
  3. Bears (4-9)
  4. Lions (2-11-1)

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson runs against the Saints Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in New Orleans.

Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson runs against the Saints Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

  1. Buccaneers (10-3)
  2. Saints (6-7)
  3. Falcons (6-8)
  4. Panthers (5-9)

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NFC West

  1. Cardinals (10-3)
  2. Rams (9-4)
  3. 49ers (8-6)
  4. Seahawks (5-8)