Every matchup counts from here on in, with some massive results in week 14 that may determine postseason positions by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a huge challenge and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations
A trio of huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a tough close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his deep passes to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as Baltimore missed key chances—though they were angry by a late score being nullified. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last day of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a epic encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting young QB in the frigid weather.
The outcome handed one team a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team dropped from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
During his seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and five championship games. This indicates the team has played almost every possible contest throughout his time.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several starters out.
Despite that, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, however missed kicks and crucial dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast conferences are making strong cases for championship contention.
One squad, atop their conference, won the last title played at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an dynamic offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable ground game to complement an elite passing game.
The question would be whether the high-flying offence could solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled talk about a possible departure.
Listening to him state, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing 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 season," Mahomes added. If the season concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a wintry victory. He threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this season.
He is the only quarterback in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 rushing scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Next, he puts the Bills on his back again as they aim to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face next.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver scored 2 scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An international kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
- 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 exit the game once more with a similar ailment.
