Each contest counts from here on in, with some huge conclusions in week 14 that may decide postseason berths by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
Three critical divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a gritty 27-22 victory in on the road. He scored his first running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—though they were frustrated by a late score being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young QB in the freezing weather.
The outcome handed one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of making 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 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That indicates the team has competed in almost every possible game throughout his time.
Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players missing.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a chance, however failed kicks and critical drops—including on a decisive fourth-down play—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making strong cases for championship favorites.
One squad, atop their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the league in sacks and victories through grinding, long drives.
The second contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground attack to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.
The question could be if the potent offense could solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled speculation about a potential departure.
Hearing Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes added. If the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the only player in league history with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten running scores in three consecutive campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star wide receiver caught two touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An international placekicker helped his team in a surprise win in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling team saw its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a related injury.
