Each matchup matters from here on in, with several enormous results in week 14 that could determine postseason spots come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge challenge and may have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of critical rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a gritty close victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his first rushing score in almost 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 failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late score being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a classic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting young QB in the frigid conditions.
The outcome handed one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
During his 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and five championship games. This indicates the team has played nearly each possible contest throughout his time.
So, the causes for the current failure are clear and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already struggling O-line, with several key players missing.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
A pair of top teams from the western divisions are building strong cases for Super Bowl contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, won the last title played at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The other team, leading the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running game to pair with an exceptional passing game.
The question could be if the high-flying offence can withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a potential retirement.
Hearing Mahomes say, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could decide to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a wintry victory. Allen threw 3 scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total scores this year.
Allen is the only player in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten running scores in 3 straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play next.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star wide receiver scored two scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An overseas kicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise watched its franchise QB return from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.
