Every game matters at this stage, with several huge outcomes in week 14 that may decide postseason berths come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a big setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge challenge and could have finished the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of huge divisional battles delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought close win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. The two teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young QB in the freezing weather.
The outcome gave one side a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the conference's top spot all the way to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and five Super Bowls. This means the club has played almost every available game during his time.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with several starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a chance, however failed field goals and crucial drops—such as on a key fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the West Coast conferences are making compelling arguments for championship contention.
One team, atop their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, long drives.
The other team, atop the NFC, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground attack to complement an exceptional passing game.
The question would be whether the high-flying offence can handle the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch potential showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked talk about a possible retirement.
Hearing him say, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he added. If the year ends early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner could decide to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen passed for three touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this season.
Allen is the only player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his back again as they aim to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored two touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise watched its franchise QB return from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a related injury.
