Each contest counts from here on in, with several huge conclusions in the fourteenth week that could settle postseason positions by the end of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a massive challenge and could have concluded the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three huge rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a tough 27-22 success in on the road. He recorded his initial rushing score in almost three seasons, but it was his long passes to his top receiver that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a late score being nullified. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing conditions.
The result handed one team a slender advantage in their division, while the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
In his 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and 5 championship games. This indicates the team has competed in almost every possible game throughout his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are evident and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several key players out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, however failed kicks and critical dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
Two powerhouse teams from the western conferences are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the league in sacks and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The other contender, leading the NFC, showcased an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable running attack to pair with an exceptional passing attack.
The question could be whether the potent offence can withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—a a fascinating potential showdown.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked speculation about a potential departure.
Listening to him state, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," he added. Should the year concludes early for the team, the 3x champion veteran could decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen passed for three touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
Allen is the only player in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific receiver caught 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An international kicker helped his squad in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise watched its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a similar ailment.
