Each game counts from here on in, with several massive results in week 14 that may determine postseason positions come the end of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
Three critical divisional battles delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his first rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as his team missed crucial chances—although they were angry by a late touchdown being overturned. The two teams will meet again on the last weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a epic contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing weather.
The result gave one team a narrow lead in their division, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In Mahomes' seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and five championship games. That indicates the club has competed in nearly each possible game throughout his time.
So, the causes for the current failure are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with several key players missing.
Even then, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, but missed field goals and critical drops—including on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are making strong arguments for championship favorites.
One team, leading their conference, won the most recent title played at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The second contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable running game to pair with an elite passing attack.
The question could be whether 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?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled speculation about a potential retirement.
Listening to him state, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," he continued. Should the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner could choose to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He passed for three scores and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's overall scores this season.
Allen is the first quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD passes and 10 running scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Next, he puts the team on his back once more as they try to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they face next.
Key Week 15 Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific receiver caught two touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An international kicker helped his squad in a surprise win in rainy weather.
- A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling team watched its star QB return from injury, only to exit the game once more with a similar injury.
