Each matchup is crucial from here on in, with some huge results in week 14 that might settle postseason berths come the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a massive challenge and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three huge divisional battles did not disappoint.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore missed key chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young QB in the frigid weather.
This result gave one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five championship games. This means the club has played almost every possible contest during his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are evident and were summed up during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with several starters out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, but failed field goals and costly drops—such as on a pivotal fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast divisions are making strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, leading their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The other team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground game to pair with an elite passing attack.
The question could be if the potent offense can solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled rumors about a potential retirement.
Hearing Mahomes state, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this season," he continued. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's overall scores this year.
Allen is the only player in NFL annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play next.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star wide receiver scored two touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a related injury.
