Each game counts at this stage, with several huge results in week 14 that might determine play-off positions come the end of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a massive problem and may have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
Three critical division clashes lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a hard-fought close victory in on the road. He scored his first running touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as his team missed key chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young QB in the frigid weather.
This outcome handed one team a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During his 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. This indicates the team has played nearly every possible contest throughout his time.
Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple starters missing.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, however failed kicks and critical dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
Two powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are making compelling cases for championship favorites.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.
The other team, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable running game to complement an elite passing game.
A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offence could solve the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled talk about a possible retirement.
Listening to Mahomes state, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes continued. Should the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion winner might decide to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy victory. He passed for three touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall scores this season.
Allen is the first player in league history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they try to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An international placekicker helped his team in a upset victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise watched its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a related ailment.
