Every contest counts from here on in, with a number of huge outcomes in the fourteenth week that might settle play-off spots by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence presented a massive challenge and could have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations
A trio of massive rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a gritty close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two teams will meet again on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a epic encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
The result handed one side a slender lead in their division, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. This means the team has competed in almost every possible contest throughout his tenure.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are evident and were summed up during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with several key players out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, but failed kicks and crucial drops—including on a pivotal fourth down play—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
Two powerhouse teams from the western conferences are building strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, atop their conference, claimed the last title played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The other team, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground attack to pair with an exceptional passing game.
A key matchup would be if the potent offense can handle the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked talk about a potential retirement.
Hearing him state, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," he continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion veteran could choose to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a wintry win. He threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
He is the only player in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD throws and 10 running touchdowns in three straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face next.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
- An international kicker helped his squad in a surprise win in rainy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a similar ailment.
