Each contest counts from here on in, with a number of massive conclusions in week 14 that may decide postseason spots by the end of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
Three critical divisional battles did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought close win in on the road. He recorded his initial running touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his top receiver that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two franchises will meet again on the last weekend of the regular season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a epic contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another late-game rally from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing conditions.
The result gave one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team fell from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and five championship games. That indicates the team has played almost each possible contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are clear and were summed up during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with several starters out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, but missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are making strong cases for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, atop their conference, won the most recent title held at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in sacks and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The second contender, leading the NFC, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground attack to complement an exceptional passing attack.
A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offense can withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—a a must-watch playoff showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked talk about a possible departure.
Hearing him state, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," he continued. If the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could decide to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy win. He threw three scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's overall scores this season.
Allen is the first player in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten rushing touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.
Now, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face next.
Major Week 15 Matchups:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star receiver caught 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in soggy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the contest again with a related injury.
