Every game matters from here on in, with some massive results in week 14 that might determine postseason positions come the end of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a significant problem and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype
A trio of huge division clashes did not disappoint.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. He notched his first running touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team missed key opportunities—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the league saw a epic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
The result gave one team a slender lead in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That means the team has played nearly each available game throughout his time.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already questionable O-line, with several starters out.
Even then, Mahomes gave his team a fighting chance, but failed kicks and critical drops—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the league in sacks and wins through methodical, long drives.
The second team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running game to complement an exceptional aerial game.
A key matchup could be if the potent offence could solve the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked rumors about a potential retirement.
Hearing him state, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," he added. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner might decide to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy victory. Allen passed for three touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total touchdowns this season.
Allen is the only player in league annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD throws and ten running scores in 3 consecutive seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play next.
Major Week 15 Matchups:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star wide receiver scored two scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
- An international kicker helped his team in a upset win in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling team watched its star QB come back from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a related injury.
