Every matchup counts from here on in, with some enormous results in week 14 that might settle play-off spots by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a huge problem and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Exceed the Hype
Three huge rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a tough 27-22 victory in on the road. He recorded his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep passes to his top receiver that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were angry by a late touchdown being overturned. These franchises will meet again on the last day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a epic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The outcome handed one side a slender lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
In his seven full years as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship games and five Super Bowls. That means the club has played nearly each possible contest during his time.
Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are clear and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already struggling offensive line, with several key players out.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his team a chance, however failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of top contenders from the western conferences are building compelling arguments for championship favorites.
One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, long possessions.
The second team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable running game to pair with an elite passing game.
The question could be if the potent offence can handle the relentless pressure of the top defense—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked rumors about a potential departure.
Listening to him say, "every year... 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 chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. If the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner might decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a wintry victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this season.
Allen is the first quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD throws and ten running scores in three consecutive seasons.
Next, he puts the team on his back once more as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star wide receiver caught two touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise watched its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a related ailment.
