Each contest matters from here on in, with a number of enormous results in week 14 that might determine postseason positions come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a huge challenge and could have concluded the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
Three huge rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a tough close victory in Baltimore. He scored his first running touchdown in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key chances—although they were angry by a late touchdown being chalked off. These teams will meet again on the final day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a epic contest. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young QB in the frigid conditions.
This outcome handed one side a narrow advantage in their division, while the losers plummeted from the conference's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
During his seven full years as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and five championship games. This means the team has played almost each possible contest throughout his time.
Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are clear and were highlighted during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, however failed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth down play—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
Two top contenders from the western conferences are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent title held at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The second team, leading the NFC, showcased an dynamic offense capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed running attack to complement an elite passing game.
A key matchup could be if the potent offence can withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked talk about a possible departure.
Hearing him say, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes continued. If the year concludes early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a snowy victory. Allen threw three scores and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall scores this year.
Allen is the first player in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in three straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they aim to catch their division foes, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play next.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end notched his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
- An international placekicker helped his team in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling team saw its franchise QB return from injury, only to leave the contest again with a related injury.
