Every game is crucial at this stage, with a number of massive results in week 14 that could settle play-off positions by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge challenge and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
Three massive divisional battles delivered.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a gritty close win in on the road. He scored his first rushing score in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team missed crucial chances—although they were angry by a late score being nullified. These franchises will meet once more on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a classic encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young QB in the freezing weather.
This outcome gave one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
During Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. This indicates the team has competed in nearly every available game throughout his time.
So, the reasons for the current failure are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already questionable offensive line, with multiple key players out.
Even then, Mahomes gave his team a fighting chance, however missed field goals and crucial drops—including on a decisive fourth down play—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are making compelling cases for championship contention.
One squad, atop their conference, won the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long possessions.
The other contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running attack to pair with an elite passing attack.
The question could be whether the high-flying offense can solve the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked talk about a potential departure.
Hearing him say, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner could choose to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He passed for three scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this season.
He is the first player in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten rushing touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.
Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its star QB return from injury, only to exit the game again with a similar injury.
