Every matchup counts down the stretch, with some enormous results in week 14 that could settle postseason positions come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while Josh Allen all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a significant challenge and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of massive divisional battles did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a gritty close win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial running score in almost three years, however it was his long passes to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team missed key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. The two franchises will meet again on the last day of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a epic encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to stop another late-game rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
This result gave one team a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
In his 7 full seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. This means the team has competed in almost every available contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already questionable O-line, with several key players missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, but failed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
Two powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making strong cases for championship contention.
One team, leading their conference, won the most recent title held at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long drives.
The second team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground attack to complement an exceptional aerial attack.
A key matchup could be if the high-flying offence could solve the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled rumors about a possible retirement.
Listening to Mahomes say, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this season," Mahomes continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran might decide to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen threw 3 scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
Allen is the only player in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD throws and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his back once more as they aim to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific receiver caught two scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end notched his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a related ailment.
