Each game matters from here on in, with several massive results in week 14 that could settle play-off spots come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge challenge and may have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
Three massive divisional battles delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a tough 27-22 victory in Baltimore. He scored his initial rushing score in almost three years, but it was his long throws to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a late score being chalked off. These teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a epic contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
This outcome gave one side a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the losers fell from the conference's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This means the team has competed in nearly each possible game during his tenure.
So, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already struggling offensive line, with multiple key players out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, but missed field goals and critical drops—including on a decisive fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast divisions are building compelling cases for championship favorites.
One squad, leading their conference, won the most recent title held at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The other contender, atop the NFC, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running game to pair with an elite aerial game.
A key matchup would be whether the high-flying offence can handle the relentless pressure of the top defense—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end fueled talk about a potential retirement.
Listening to him state, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," he continued. Should the season ends early for the team, the 3x champion winner might decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy victory. He passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total scores this year.
Allen is the first quarterback in league history with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD throws and ten rushing scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play next.
Major Week 15 Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored two scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
- An international kicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling team saw its star QB come back from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a related injury.
