Each contest matters down the stretch, with several massive results in the fourteenth week that may determine play-off spots by the end of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a massive problem and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
Three critical rivalry games delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a tough close success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his long passes to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key chances—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young QB in the freezing weather.
This outcome handed one team a slender lead in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
In his seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and five championship games. This indicates the team has played almost each available contest during his tenure.
So, the reasons for this year's failure are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with several starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, however failed kicks and crucial drops—including on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
Two top teams from the western divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.
One team, atop their the AFC, won the last title played at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the league in sacks and wins through methodical, long drives.
The second contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable running attack to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.
The question would be if the potent offense can solve the relentless pass rush of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked talk about a possible departure.
Listening to him say, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," he continued. If the year ends early for the team, the 3x champion veteran could choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a snowy victory. Allen threw 3 scores and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
Allen is the first quarterback in league history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in three straight seasons.
Next, he puts the team on his back once more as they aim to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star receiver scored two scores and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An international kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise watched its star QB come back from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a similar ailment.
