Every matchup matters from here on in, with some massive results in week 14 that may settle play-off spots come the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a significant problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
Three massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial running score in almost three years, but it was his long passes to his top receiver that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—though they were angry by a late touchdown being chalked off. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing weather.
The outcome gave one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During his seven complete years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. This means the team has played nearly each available contest during his tenure.
So, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were summed up during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, however missed field goals and crucial drops—including on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of top contenders from the West Coast conferences are making strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, leading their conference, won the last title played at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the league in sacks and victories through methodical, long possessions.
The second contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable running attack to complement an exceptional passing game.
The question could be if the potent offense can solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—a a must-watch potential showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a potential retirement.
Hearing him say, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes continued. If the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner could decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a wintry win. He threw three scores and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's total touchdowns this year.
He is the first quarterback in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.
Next, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face next.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
- An international kicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise watched its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a related injury.
