Every game counts down the stretch, with some massive results in the fourteenth week that could settle postseason positions come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a huge problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
Three critical division clashes lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a tough close victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his long throws to his star receiver that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson was out of sync as his team missed key chances—although they were angry by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two franchises will meet once more on the last day of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the league saw a epic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another late-game rally from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing conditions.
The outcome handed one side a slender lead in their division, whereas the losers fell from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. This indicates the club has competed in almost every possible game throughout his time.
So, the causes for this year's failure are clear and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, however missed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down play—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
Two powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are building strong cases for championship contention.
One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent title held at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long drives.
The other contender, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground attack to complement an elite passing attack.
A key matchup would be if the potent offense could handle the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a potential departure.
Hearing him state, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he wants to do following this season," he continued. Should the year concludes early for the team, the three-time champion winner might choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a snowy victory. He passed for three touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 rushing scores in three straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they aim to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they play next.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An international placekicker helped his team in a upset victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise saw its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a related injury.
