Every game counts at this stage, with several massive results in week 14 that may determine postseason berths come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while Josh Allen virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a massive problem and may have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Exceed the Anticipation
A trio of massive divisional battles delivered.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a gritty 27-22 win in Baltimore. He notched his initial running score in almost three seasons, but it was his long passes to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were angry by a late touchdown being chalked off. These teams will meet once more on the final day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a classic contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting young QB in the freezing conditions.
This outcome handed one team a narrow advantage in their division, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
In his seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This indicates the team has competed in almost each available game throughout his time.
Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are evident and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with several key players missing.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, however missed kicks and crucial dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
Two powerhouse teams from the western divisions are building strong cases for championship favorites.
One squad, leading their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long drives.
The other contender, leading the other conference, showcased an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed running attack to pair with an exceptional aerial game.
The question could be whether the potent offense can handle the smothering pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled rumors about a possible retirement.
Listening to him state, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," he continued. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could choose to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He passed for 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total touchdowns this year.
He is the only player in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Now, he puts the team on his back once more as they try to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play next.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored two scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
- An international kicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in soggy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling team saw its star QB return from injury, only to exit the game once more with a related injury.
