Every contest matters from here on in, with a number of huge results in the fourteenth week that could determine postseason spots come the end of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while Josh Allen virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a huge problem and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype
A trio of massive rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought close victory in on the road. He notched his first running score in nearly three years, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. The two teams will meet again on the last day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a epic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing weather.
This outcome gave one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
In his seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. This indicates the club has played almost each available game during his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are clear and were summed up during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable O-line, with several key players out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, however missed kicks and crucial drops—including on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are building compelling arguments for championship contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent title held at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the league in sacks and victories through methodical, long drives.
The second contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground attack to complement an exceptional passing attack.
The question could be if the potent offence can withstand the relentless pass rush of the top defense—a a must-watch playoff showdown.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled rumors about a possible retirement.
Listening to Mahomes state, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran might decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen passed for 3 scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's total scores this year.
He is the first quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten rushing scores in 3 consecutive seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling team watched its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a related injury.
