Each matchup counts from here on in, with a number of huge results in week 14 that may determine play-off berths by the end of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a huge challenge and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype
A trio of critical divisional battles delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial rushing score in almost three years, but it was his deep throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were angry by a late touchdown being overturned. These franchises will meet once more on the last weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a classic encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing weather.
The outcome gave one side a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
In Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five championship games. This indicates the club has played almost each available contest during his tenure.
So, the reasons for this year's failure are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, however missed field goals and costly drops—such as on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
Two top teams from the western conferences are making compelling arguments for championship contention.
One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the last title held at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The second contender, atop the NFC, showcased an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable running attack to pair with an elite passing game.
The question could be if the potent offence could handle the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked talk about a possible departure.
Hearing Mahomes state, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this season," he continued. If the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran could decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry win. He passed for three scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's total scores this season.
Allen is the first player in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD throws and ten rushing touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face next.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star wide receiver caught two scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling team watched its franchise QB come back from injury, only to exit the contest again with a similar ailment.
