Every matchup matters from here on in, with some enormous results in week 14 that might settle postseason positions come the end of the season.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a big setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations
A trio of critical rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close success in on the road. He recorded his initial rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key chances—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The result handed one side a slender advantage in their division, while the losers plummeted from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During his 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That means the club has competed in nearly each available game during his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, but missed field goals and critical drops—such as on a key fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are building strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent title held at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.
The second team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground game to pair with an elite aerial game.
The question could be whether the high-flying offense could solve the relentless pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a potential departure.
Listening to him say, "each season... I try to appreciate since 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 whatever he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes added. If the season ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion winner might choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a snowy win. He 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 first quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten running touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play next.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star receiver caught two scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An international placekicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling team saw its star QB return from injury, only to exit the contest again with a related ailment.
