Every contest counts from here on in, with some massive results in the fourteenth week that might decide play-off positions by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a massive problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Anticipation
Three huge division clashes lived up to the hype.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought 27-22 success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing score in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being nullified. The two teams will meet once more on the last day of the regular season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid conditions.
The result handed one team a narrow advantage in their division, while the losers fell from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
During his seven full years as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and five championship games. This means the team has competed in almost each possible contest during his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are evident and were summed up during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, but failed kicks and crucial drops—including on a decisive fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are making compelling arguments for championship contention.
One team, atop their conference, claimed the most recent title played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long drives.
The second contender, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed running attack to complement an elite aerial attack.
The question would be if the high-flying offence could handle the relentless pressure of the elite defense—a a fascinating playoff showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a potential retirement.
Hearing Mahomes say, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the year concludes early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner might choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a snowy win. Allen threw three scores and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's total scores this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they try to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star receiver scored 2 scores and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise win in soggy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling team watched its star QB return from injury, only to exit the game once more with a similar ailment.
