Each game is crucial down the stretch, with some huge conclusions in week 14 that could settle play-off spots come the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a massive problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three huge division clashes did not disappoint.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a gritty 27-22 success in Baltimore. He recorded his first running score in almost three years, but it was his deep passes to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were left fuming by a late touchdown being chalked off. These teams will meet again on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a classic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another late-game rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
The result gave one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team dropped from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
During his 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This means the club has competed in nearly each available contest during his tenure.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are clear and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players missing.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, but missed kicks and crucial dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down play—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are making strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the league in sacks and victories through methodical, long drives.
The second team, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground game to pair with an elite passing attack.
A key matchup could be whether the potent offense can solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end fueled talk about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly 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 following this season," he added. Should the year ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a snowy victory. Allen passed for three scores and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's total scores this season.
He is the only player in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star receiver caught 2 scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in rainy weather.
- A team that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise saw its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to exit the game once more with a related injury.
