Each game matters down the stretch, with a number of huge outcomes in week 14 that may settle play-off positions by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of huge division clashes lived up to the hype.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a gritty close victory in on the road. He scored his first running score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed crucial chances—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two teams will meet once more on the final day of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a thrilling contest. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid weather.
This result handed one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In his 7 complete years as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and 5 championship games. That means the club has competed in almost each available game throughout his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already questionable O-line, with several starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, but failed kicks and crucial drops—such as on a key fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of top teams from the western divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, leading their conference, claimed the last title played at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long drives.
The second team, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running game to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.
A key matchup could be whether the potent offense could handle the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled talk about a potential retirement.
Hearing Mahomes say, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes continued. If the year ends prematurely for the team, the three-time champion veteran might choose to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a wintry victory. He threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
Allen is the first quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 running touchdowns in three straight seasons.
Now, he puts the team on his back again as they try to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific receiver caught 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in rainy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise watched its franchise QB return from injury, only to exit the contest again with a related injury.
