Every game is crucial at this stage, with some massive results in week 14 that might decide postseason positions come the end of the season.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence presented a huge problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought 27-22 win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team missed key chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid weather.
The result handed one side a slender advantage in their division, whereas the losers plummeted from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' 7 complete years as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship games and five championship games. This means the team has played nearly every possible contest during his tenure.
So, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, however missed kicks and critical drops—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are making strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, atop their conference, claimed the last title played at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long possessions.
The other team, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground game to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.
A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offence can handle the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked rumors about a possible retirement.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," he added. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran could choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a wintry victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total scores this season.
Allen is the first player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 running scores in three consecutive seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face next.
Major Week 15 Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored two touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise win in soggy weather.
- A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling team watched its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the contest again with a related injury.
