Every game counts from here on in, with a number of huge conclusions in week 14 that could settle play-off spots by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence presented a massive problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations
A trio of massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close success in on the road. He scored his first running score in almost three seasons, but it was his long throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. The two franchises will meet once more on the last day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a classic encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.
The outcome gave one team a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
During his 7 full years as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That means the club has competed in almost each available contest during his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already struggling O-line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, however failed kicks and costly dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
Two top teams from the western divisions are building strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the league in sacks and victories through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The other contender, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable running game to complement an exceptional passing attack.
The question could be if the potent offence can solve the relentless pass rush of the top defense—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a possible retirement.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded 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 following this campaign," Mahomes added. If the season concludes early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner might decide to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a wintry win. He threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's total scores this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 running scores in three consecutive seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face next.
Key Week 15 Matchups:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in soggy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling team saw its star QB return from injury, only to leave the game again with a similar ailment.
