Each matchup counts down the stretch, with some massive results in week 14 that may decide play-off spots by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
Three massive divisional battles delivered.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a tough close victory in on the road. He notched his initial rushing score in almost three years, but it was his long passes to his top wideout that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson was out of sync as his team missed key chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a epic contest. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing weather.
This result handed one side a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During his seven full years as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the club has competed in almost every possible game throughout his time.
So, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players missing.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, but failed field goals and costly drops—such as on a key fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
Two top contenders from the western conferences are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, atop their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long possessions.
The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground game to complement an elite passing game.
A key matchup would be whether the high-flying offense can withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked rumors about a possible retirement.
Listening to Mahomes state, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes continued. Should the year ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy win. He passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall scores this season.
He is the only quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in three consecutive campaigns.
Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific receiver caught two scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling team watched its franchise QB return from injury, only to leave the game once more with a similar injury.
