Every matchup counts down the stretch, with some huge results in the fourteenth week that may settle play-off spots by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a massive challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations
A trio of critical rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a tough close win in Baltimore. He notched his initial running score in almost three years, however it was his deep passes to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team missed key chances—although they were left fuming by a late score being chalked off. These franchises will meet once more on the final weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a epic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another late-game rally from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid conditions.
The result gave 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.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During his 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and five championship games. That indicates the club has played almost every available contest during his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, however failed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
Two top teams from the western conferences are making strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, atop their conference, won the last Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long drives.
The second team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable ground game to complement an elite passing attack.
The question could be whether the potent offense can withstand the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end fueled rumors about a possible retirement.
Listening to Mahomes state, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," he added. Should the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran might decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen passed for 3 scores and ran for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's overall scores this year.
Allen is the first player in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten rushing scores in 3 straight seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they try to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star wide receiver scored two touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise win in rainy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a related ailment.
