Each contest counts from here on in, with a number of huge results in week 14 that could settle postseason positions by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a significant problem and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Expectations
Three huge divisional battles did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running score in almost three seasons, but it was his long throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as Baltimore missed key opportunities—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting young QB in the frigid conditions.
This result handed one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team fell from the conference's top spot all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and five Super Bowls. This indicates the club has competed in nearly each possible contest during his time.
Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling O-line, with multiple key players missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, but failed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
Two top contenders from the western conferences are making strong cases for championship contention.
One team, atop their conference, won the most recent title held at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the league in sacks and victories through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The other team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground game to pair with an elite passing attack.
The question would be whether the high-flying offense can solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked speculation about a potential retirement.
Hearing Mahomes say, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do what he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the season ends early for the team, the 3x champion winner might decide to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. He passed for 3 scores and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's total scores this year.
He is the only player in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.
Now, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play next.
Key Week 15 Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific receiver caught two scores and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An international placekicker helped his squad in a upset win in rainy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar injury.
