Every game counts from here on in, with several massive results in week 14 that could decide postseason spots come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a massive problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of massive division clashes lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a tough 27-22 success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game rally from the opposing young QB in the freezing weather.
The outcome gave one side a slender lead in their division, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship games and 5 championship games. That means the club has played almost every available contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with several key players missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, however missed field goals and crucial drops—including on a decisive fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are building compelling cases for championship favorites.
One squad, atop their conference, won the most recent title held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, long drives.
The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground attack to pair with an exceptional passing attack.
A key matchup could be if the potent offense can handle the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled rumors about a possible retirement.
Hearing Mahomes say, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," he added. Should the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner could decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He threw three touchdowns and ran for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's total touchdowns this season.
He is the only quarterback in league history with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in three straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they play next.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star wide receiver caught two touchdowns and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise watched its star quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a related ailment.
