Every game matters from here on in, with several huge outcomes in week 14 that might determine postseason positions come the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
Three huge division clashes did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his first rushing score in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. The two teams will meet again on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The outcome handed one team a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team dropped from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In his 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and five championship games. That indicates the club has played nearly every available game during his time.
So, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with several starters out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a chance, but missed kicks and crucial dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the western conferences are making strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One team, atop their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, long drives.
The other team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground game to pair with an elite aerial attack.
A key matchup would be if the potent offence can solve the smothering pass rush of the top defense—a a must-watch playoff matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled speculation about a possible retirement.
Listening to him state, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he continued. Should the season concludes early for the team, the 3x champion winner could decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy win. He passed for three scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the first quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD passes and 10 running touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.
Next, he puts the team on his back once more as they try to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face next.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a surprise win in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling team watched its franchise QB come back from injury, only to exit the game once more with a similar injury.
