Every game counts from here on in, with a number of enormous conclusions in week 14 that may determine play-off spots by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a massive challenge and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype
A trio of massive rivalry games delivered.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a tough close success in Baltimore. He scored his initial running score in almost three years, however it was his long passes to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were frustrated by a late score being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the league saw a thrilling encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid conditions.
This outcome gave one side a slender advantage in their division, while the losers dropped from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, 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 reached 7 AFC Championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This means the team has competed in nearly every possible contest during his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already struggling O-line, with several starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, however failed field goals and critical drops—such as on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
Two powerhouse teams from the western conferences are making strong cases for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, leading their conference, won the last Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The other contender, atop the NFC, showcased an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running game to pair with an exceptional aerial game.
A key matchup could be if the potent offence could withstand the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked rumors about a potential departure.
Hearing him say, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran might decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen passed for three scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's overall scores this season.
Allen is the first quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten running touchdowns in three straight campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they aim to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play next.
Key Week 15 Matchups:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star wide receiver caught two touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise saw its star quarterback return from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a similar injury.
