Every matchup counts from here on in, with some massive outcomes in the fourteenth week that could decide postseason spots by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a huge problem and could have ended the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
Three huge division clashes lived up to the hype.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought 27-22 win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial rushing touchdown in almost three years, but it was his long throws to his top receiver that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team missed key chances—although they were left fuming by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The outcome gave one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
During his seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and five championship games. That indicates the team has competed in nearly every available contest during his tenure.
So, the causes for the current failure are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players missing.
Even then, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, however missed field goals and critical drops—including on a decisive fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are making strong cases for championship favorites.
One squad, atop their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The other team, leading the other conference, showcased an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running attack to complement an elite aerial game.
A key matchup would be if the potent offense can withstand the relentless pressure of the top defense—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked talk about a possible departure.
Hearing Mahomes state, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this season," he continued. If the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner might choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a snowy win. He threw 3 scores and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this season.
Allen is the only player in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 running touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.
Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders once more as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star wide receiver caught 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in rainy weather.
- A team that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise saw its star quarterback return from injury, only to leave the game once more with a similar ailment.
