Every game counts from here on in, with a number of huge conclusions in week 14 that could determine play-off berths by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge problem and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Hype
Three huge divisional battles delivered.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
The outcome gave one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers dropped 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?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In his seven full years as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the team has competed in almost each available contest throughout his time.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple key players missing.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, however missed field goals and costly drops—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of top teams from the western divisions are making compelling cases for championship favorites.
One squad, leading their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The second team, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable running game to complement an exceptional passing attack.
The question would be whether the high-flying offence could withstand the smothering pressure of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked talk about a possible departure.
Listening to him state, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," he added. If the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner could decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a snowy victory. Allen threw three touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall scores this season.
He is the first quarterback in league history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten running touchdowns in 3 straight campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Key Week 15 Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored two scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in soggy weather.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise saw its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to leave the contest again with a related injury.
