Each game matters from here on in, with some massive results in week 14 that might determine play-off positions by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a significant challenge and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Hype
A trio of massive rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a tough close victory in on the road. He notched his first rushing score in almost three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson was out of sync as his team missed crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a late touchdown being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game rally from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing conditions.
The outcome gave one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers fell from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
In Mahomes' seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship games and five Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in nearly each available game throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are clear and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several starters out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, but failed kicks and costly drops—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
A pair of top teams from the western divisions are building strong arguments for championship favorites.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The other contender, leading the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground attack to complement an exceptional aerial game.
A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offence could withstand the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled talk about a possible retirement.
Hearing him say, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. If the year ends prematurely for the team, the three-time champion winner might decide to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a wintry victory. He passed for three scores and ran for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD throws and 10 running touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.
Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they play next.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star receiver caught two scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An international kicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a related injury.
