Each matchup counts down the stretch, with some huge results in week 14 that could decide play-off positions by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a significant problem and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
Three massive divisional battles did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a gritty close victory in Baltimore. He recorded his first rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being overturned. The two teams will meet once more on the last day of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a classic encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
The outcome handed one team a slender lead in their division, while the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship games and 5 championship games. That means the team has competed in nearly every available contest throughout his tenure.
So, the causes for this year's failure are clear and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a chance, however failed field goals and costly dropped passes—such as on a key fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of top teams from the western divisions are building compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, leading their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long possessions.
The other contender, leading the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable ground game to pair with an exceptional passing attack.
The question could be if the high-flying offence could withstand 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, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked rumors about a possible departure.
Listening to him state, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could choose to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He passed for three touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's overall touchdowns this year.
Allen is the only player in league history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play next.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific receiver caught 2 scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An international kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its star quarterback return from injury, only to leave the game again with a related ailment.
