Every matchup is crucial down the stretch, with some enormous results in week 14 that might settle postseason positions come the end of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a significant problem and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
Three huge divisional battles did not disappoint.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a hard-fought close victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running score in nearly three years, but it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was out of sync as his team missed key chances—though they were angry by a late touchdown being chalked off. These teams will meet again on the last day of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another late-game rally from the opposing young QB in the frigid weather.
The result handed one side a slender lead in their division, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
In his 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship contests and five championship games. That means the team has played nearly each possible contest throughout his time.
So, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, however failed field goals and crucial drops—such as on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are making compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the last title played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The second team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable ground game to complement an exceptional passing game.
The question would be whether the high-flying offense can solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—a a must-watch playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end fueled speculation about a possible retirement.
Hearing Mahomes state, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year ends prematurely for the team, the three-time champion winner could decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a wintry win. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this season.
He is the first player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 rushing scores in three straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face next.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific receiver scored 2 scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end notched his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An international kicker helped his squad in a upset victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling team watched its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a similar ailment.
