Every game counts from here on in, with a number of massive results in the fourteenth week that may determine play-off spots come the end of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge challenge and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
A trio of massive rivalry games delivered.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close victory in Baltimore. He notched his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep passes to his top receiver that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed key opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the regular season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a classic contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
The outcome gave one team a narrow lead in their division, while the losers fell from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the club has played nearly each available game during his time.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters out.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, but failed kicks and critical drops—including on a pivotal fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
Two top teams from the western conferences are making strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One team, leading their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, long drives.
The second team, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable running attack to complement an exceptional passing game.
The question could be if the potent offence can solve the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked rumors about a potential departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes continued. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could choose to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a snowy win. He passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this season.
Allen is the first quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten running touchdowns in three straight campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they try to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play next.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific receiver caught 2 scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An international kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise watched its franchise QB return from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a similar ailment.
