Every contest is crucial from here on in, with a number of huge results in the fourteenth week that could determine postseason spots by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a tough close victory in Baltimore. He notched his first rushing score in almost three years, however it was his deep passes to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—although they were left fuming by a late touchdown being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a classic encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The result gave one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During his seven complete years as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. This indicates the team has played almost every available contest during his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already struggling O-line, with several key players out.
Even then, Mahomes gave his team a fighting chance, however missed kicks and critical dropped passes—including on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are building strong arguments for championship contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the league in sacks and victories through methodical, long possessions.
The second contender, atop the NFC, showcased an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed running game to complement an exceptional aerial attack.
A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offense can handle the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—a a must-watch playoff showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked speculation about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," he continued. If the year concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner could choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen threw 3 scores and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's total scores this season.
He is the first quarterback in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD passes and ten rushing touchdowns in three straight seasons.
Next, he puts the team on his back again as they try to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star wide receiver scored two scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling team saw its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.
