Each game counts from here on in, with a number of huge results in week 14 that might settle play-off positions come the end of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a significant challenge and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of massive divisional battles did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a tough 27-22 success in on the road. He scored his initial rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson was out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were frustrated by a late touchdown being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a epic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid weather.
This outcome handed one team a slender lead in their division, whereas the losers dropped from the conference's top spot all the way to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
During his 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and five championship games. This means the club has played nearly every available contest throughout his tenure.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are evident and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players out.
Despite that, Mahomes provided his team a chance, however failed kicks and costly dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the western divisions are building strong cases for championship favorites.
One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent title played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.
The second contender, leading the other conference, showcased an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground attack to pair with an elite passing attack.
The question would be if the high-flying offense could withstand the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked talk about a potential departure.
Listening to Mahomes state, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the season ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's overall scores this year.
He is the only player in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in three straight campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his back again as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face next.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver caught two scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
- An international kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling team saw its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the game again with a related ailment.
