Each matchup counts from here on in, with a number of huge results in week 14 that could settle play-off spots by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive problem and could have concluded the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations
A trio of huge division clashes delivered.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a gritty close success in Baltimore. He notched his first rushing touchdown in nearly three years, but it was his long throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a epic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the opposing young QB in the freezing weather.
The outcome handed one side a slender advantage in their division, whereas the losers fell from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
In his 7 full years as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five championship games. That means the team has competed in nearly each possible contest during his time.
Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, however missed kicks and crucial drops—such as on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
Two top teams from the West Coast divisions are making strong cases for championship favorites.
One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The second contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground attack to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.
The question could be if the potent offense can solve the relentless pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked talk about a potential retirement.
Listening to him state, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran might choose to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen threw three scores and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
Allen is the first quarterback in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in three straight seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face next.
Major Week 15 Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a upset win in soggy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise watched its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a related ailment.
