Each contest counts from here on in, with several huge results in week 14 that may determine postseason positions by the end of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge challenge and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
A trio of huge division clashes delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his team to a tough 27-22 win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first running touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his star wideout that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were angry by a late score being nullified. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a epic encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The outcome handed one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
In his 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and 5 championship games. This means the club has competed in almost each available game throughout his time.
So, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, but missed field goals and costly drops—including on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of top contenders from the West Coast conferences are making compelling cases for championship favorites.
One team, leading their conference, claimed the last title played at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The other team, leading the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed running attack to pair with an exceptional aerial game.
A key matchup could be whether the potent offence can solve the smothering pressure of the top defense—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled rumors about a possible retirement.
Hearing Mahomes state, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he continued. Should the season ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner might decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
He is the first quarterback in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD passes and 10 running touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.
Next, he puts the Bills on his back again as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise saw its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a similar ailment.
