Each matchup counts down the stretch, with several huge outcomes in week 14 that might settle play-off positions come the end of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three massive divisional battles did not disappoint.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first rushing score in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as his team missed key opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These franchises will meet once more on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a thrilling encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the opposing young QB in the frigid weather.
The outcome handed one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team dropped from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In his 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and five championship games. This indicates the club has competed in nearly each available game during his time.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with several starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, but missed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
Two top teams from the western conferences are building strong cases for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, leading their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long drives.
The second team, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground game to pair with an elite aerial attack.
The question could be if the potent offense can solve the smothering pressure of the top defense—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled rumors about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this season," he added. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner could decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a wintry win. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's total touchdowns this season.
Allen is the first player in league history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD passes and ten rushing touchdowns in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they play next.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored 2 scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise watched its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar ailment.
