Every contest is crucial down the stretch, with a number of huge results in week 14 that might determine postseason spots by the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while Josh Allen virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a significant problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
A trio of huge division clashes lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a gritty 27-22 win in Baltimore. He scored his initial running touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young QB in the frigid weather.
This outcome handed one side a slender advantage in their division, whereas the losers fell from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
In his 7 complete years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and five championship games. That indicates the team has played almost each available contest during his time.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are clear and were highlighted during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several key players out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, but failed field goals and crucial drops—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the western conferences are making strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One team, atop their conference, won the most recent title held at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long drives.
The second team, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground attack to pair with an elite passing game.
The question could be whether the potent offense could withstand the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked rumors about a potential departure.
Hearing Mahomes say, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this season," he added. Should the year ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner might decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's total touchdowns this year.
He is the only quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Week 15 Matchups:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise saw its star QB come back from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a similar ailment.
