Each game matters down the stretch, with a number of massive results in week 14 that might settle postseason positions come the end of the season.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a significant problem and may have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of huge rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a tough close success in Baltimore. He scored his first rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep passes to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed key chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These franchises will meet once more on the final day of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a classic encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing conditions.
This outcome gave one team a slender lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team dropped from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and 5 championship games. This means the club has played almost every possible game during his time.
So, the causes for this year's failure are clear and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several starters out.
Despite that, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, but missed field goals and crucial drops—including on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent title held at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The second team, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable running game to pair with an exceptional aerial game.
The question could be whether the potent offense could withstand the relentless pressure of the top defense—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled talk about a possible retirement.
Hearing him state, "each year... 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 following this season," he added. If the season concludes early for the team, the three-time champion winner might decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy victory. Allen passed for three scores and ran for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
Allen is the first player in league history with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they try to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play next.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored 2 scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end notched his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in soggy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its franchise QB come back from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a similar injury.
