Every contest counts at this stage, with some massive results in the fourteenth week that might settle postseason berths by the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a huge challenge and may have concluded the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations
A trio of massive rivalry games delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a hard-fought close victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a epic contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The outcome gave one side a slender advantage in their division, while the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
During Mahomes' 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship games and five Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in almost each available contest during his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already struggling O-line, with several key players out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his team a chance, but missed field goals and costly drops—including on a decisive fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
Two top contenders from the western conferences are building strong arguments for championship contention.
One team, atop their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the league in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The other contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to pair with an elite aerial attack.
The question would be whether the high-flying offence can solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled talk about a potential retirement.
Hearing him state, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes continued. Should the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner could choose to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen passed for three touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's total scores this year.
He is the first player in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, twenty TD passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific receiver caught two scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An international placekicker helped his team in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling team saw its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar ailment.
