Every contest counts from here on in, with a number of enormous conclusions in week 14 that may determine postseason berths come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a massive problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Expectations
Three massive divisional battles did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a gritty close victory in on the road. He scored his initial rushing score in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team missed crucial opportunities—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These franchises will meet again on the last day of the regular season.
In another, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing weather.
This result gave one team a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team dropped from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During his seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. That indicates the club has played almost each available contest during his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players out.
Despite that, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, but missed field goals and costly dropped passes—such as on a key fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
Two top contenders from the western divisions are building compelling cases for championship contention.
One squad, atop their conference, claimed the last title played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The second team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground attack to pair with an elite passing game.
The question would be whether the high-flying offence could handle the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—a a must-watch playoff showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked rumors about a possible departure.
Hearing him say, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a snowy win. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's total scores this season.
Allen is the only player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 running scores in three straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play next.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in rainy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise saw its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a related injury.
