Every contest is crucial from here on in, with a number of huge conclusions in week 14 that could determine postseason spots by the end of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype
A trio of huge rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a gritty close victory in on the road. He scored his initial running score in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team missed key chances—although they were frustrated by a late score being nullified. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a classic contest. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
This result gave one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team dropped from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
In his 7 full seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That means the club has competed in almost each possible game throughout his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with several starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, however failed field goals and crucial drops—including on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
Two powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are building compelling arguments for championship favorites.
One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent title played at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the league in sacks and victories through methodical, long drives.
The other contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable ground game to pair with an exceptional aerial game.
The question could be if the high-flying offence can withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a possible departure.
Hearing him state, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," he added. If the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner could decide to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He passed for three scores and ran for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this year.
Allen is the only quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD throws and ten running touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.
Now, he puts the team on his back again as they aim to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face next.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise saw its star quarterback return from injury, only to leave the game again with a similar injury.
