Each matchup counts from here on in, with several huge conclusions in week 14 that may determine play-off spots come the end of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a massive challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Anticipation
A trio of massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing score in nearly three years, however it was his long throws to his top wideout that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team missed crucial opportunities—though they were angry by a late score being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the regular season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing conditions.
This outcome gave one side a narrow advantage in their division, while the losers fell 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 Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
During his seven full years as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That indicates the team has played nearly every possible contest during his tenure.
So, the reasons for the current failure are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes gave his team a fighting chance, but failed field goals and costly dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
Two powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, leading their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The other contender, leading the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground attack to pair with an elite aerial game.
The question would be if the high-flying offence can solve the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled talk about a possible retirement.
Hearing him say, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," he continued. If the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner could choose to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a wintry victory. He passed for 3 touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
He is the first quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten rushing touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
- An international placekicker helped his squad in a upset win in rainy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise saw its star QB come back from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a related ailment.
