Every game counts from here on in, with several massive conclusions in the fourteenth week that could settle postseason positions by the end of the season.
A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a significant problem and could have ended the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
A trio of huge rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a hard-fought close win in Baltimore. He notched his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long passes to his star wideout that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as his team missed key chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a classic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to halt another late-game comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid conditions.
This result gave one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
In his 7 full seasons as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. That means the team has competed in almost every possible contest throughout his tenure.
So, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several starters out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, however failed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the last title played at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the league in sacks and victories through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The second team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable running attack to complement an exceptional aerial attack.
The question would be whether the potent offence can handle the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked speculation about a potential retirement.
Listening to him say, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he continued. Should the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could choose to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a snowy win. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the first quarterback in league annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD passes and 10 running scores in three straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An international kicker helped his squad in a upset win in rainy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise watched its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar injury.
