Every game is crucial from here on in, with some massive conclusions in week 14 that could decide postseason positions by the end of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a huge problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
A trio of huge division clashes did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a gritty 27-22 victory in on the road. He recorded his first running score in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his top wideout that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on 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 day of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a epic contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid weather.
This outcome gave one team a slender lead in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
During his 7 full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and five championship games. This means the club has competed in nearly each available game throughout his time.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are clear and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players missing.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, however failed kicks and crucial dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down play—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast divisions are building strong cases for Super Bowl contention.
One team, atop their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The other contender, atop the NFC, showcased an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running game to complement an exceptional passing game.
The question could be if the high-flying offence can solve the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a potential departure.
Listening to him say, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this season," he added. Should the season ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner might choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a wintry win. He threw 3 scores and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this season.
Allen is the only player in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 running touchdowns in 3 straight campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play next.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver caught two scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
- An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise saw its franchise QB return from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a similar ailment.
