Every game counts from here on in, with several huge conclusions in the fourteenth week that might decide postseason spots by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a huge problem and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
Three massive division clashes lived up to the hype.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty 27-22 win in Baltimore. He notched his initial rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his long passes to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These franchises will meet once more on the last weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league saw a thrilling contest. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing weather.
The outcome gave one team a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In Mahomes' seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the club has played almost every possible game throughout his time.
Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several starters out.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, however missed kicks and costly drops—such as on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
Two top teams from the western conferences are making strong cases for championship favorites.
One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The second contender, leading the NFC, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable running attack to pair with an elite aerial game.
The question would be whether the high-flying offense could handle the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked talk about a potential retirement.
Listening to him say, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he added. Should the year ends early for the team, the 3x champion winner might decide to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He passed for three touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
He is the first quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing scores in three straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An international placekicker helped his team in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise watched its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a similar ailment.
