Each game counts from here on in, with some huge outcomes in the fourteenth week that might determine postseason positions by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while Josh Allen all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a significant problem and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Hype
Three massive divisional battles did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought close win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial rushing score in nearly three years, however it was his long passes to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as his team missed crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a late score being nullified. The two franchises will meet again on the final day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a epic contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing weather.
The outcome gave one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
During his seven complete years as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and 5 championship games. This means the team has competed in nearly every available contest during his tenure.
So, the causes for the current failure are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with several starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes gave his team a chance, however failed field goals and crucial drops—including on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are making compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, atop their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long drives.
The other contender, leading the other conference, showcased an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed running attack to complement an exceptional passing attack.
The question could be if the potent offence could handle the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled speculation about a potential retirement.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," he added. If the season ends prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might choose to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a wintry win. Allen passed for 3 scores and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's overall scores this season.
Allen is the first player in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 running touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they aim to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face next.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored 2 scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise watched its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a related injury.
