Each game counts from here on in, with a number of enormous results in the fourteenth week that could determine postseason berths come the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a massive problem and could have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
A trio of huge divisional battles delivered.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought close success in on the road. He scored his first running touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his long passes to his star wideout that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed key opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing conditions.
This outcome gave one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
In his 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That indicates the team has played almost every possible contest during his time.
Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already struggling O-line, with several starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, however failed kicks and costly dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are building strong arguments for championship favorites.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long drives.
The other team, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground game to pair with an elite passing game.
A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offense could solve the smothering pressure of the elite defense—a a fascinating playoff showdown.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked talk about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes state, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the season ends prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner might decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a snowy win. He passed for three scores and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's total touchdowns this season.
He is the first quarterback in league history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD passes and ten running touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play next.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific receiver caught 2 scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
- An international kicker helped his team in a upset win in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise watched its star QB return from injury, only to exit the game once more with a similar ailment.
