Every matchup counts from here on in, with several massive results in week 14 that may decide postseason spots by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a massive problem and may have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations
A trio of critical divisional battles did not disappoint.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close victory in on the road. He recorded his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as his team missed crucial chances—though they were left fuming by a late score being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
This result gave one team a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During his seven complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and five Super Bowls. This indicates the club has played nearly each possible game throughout his time.
Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are clear and were summed up during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several key players missing.
Despite that, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, but failed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast divisions are building compelling cases for championship contention.
One team, atop their the AFC, won the most recent title held at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The other team, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable running attack to pair with an elite aerial game.
A key matchup could be if the potent offence could handle the smothering pressure of the elite defense—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a potential retirement.
Hearing him say, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," he continued. If the year ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran could decide to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy win. He threw 3 touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's overall scores this year.
He is the only quarterback in league history with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD throws and 10 running scores in three straight campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver scored two touchdowns and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An overseas kicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A team that was shutout one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise saw its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to leave the game once more with a related ailment.
