Every matchup matters down the stretch, with a number of enormous results in week 14 that may determine play-off spots come the end of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a huge problem and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype
A trio of critical divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long passes to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team missed crucial chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a epic contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.
The result gave one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five championship games. This indicates the team has played almost every possible contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were summed up during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already struggling O-line, with several starters out.
Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, however failed field goals and critical drops—such as on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of top contenders from the western divisions are building compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.
One team, atop their conference, won the last Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops 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 anywhere. They boast a formidable running attack to complement an exceptional passing attack.
A key matchup would be if the potent offense could solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked speculation about a potential retirement.
Hearing him say, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the season ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion winner might choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. He threw 3 scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's total touchdowns this season.
Allen is the first player in league history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in three straight seasons.
Now, he puts the Bills on his back again as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star receiver scored two scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise QB come back from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a related injury.
