Each game is crucial down the stretch, with some huge outcomes in week 14 that may decide play-off positions come the end of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a massive problem and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
A trio of massive rivalry games delivered.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought close victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key chances—although they were frustrated by a late score 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 epic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young QB in the frigid weather.
The outcome handed one side a narrow lead in their division, while the defeated team dropped from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
During his seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That means the team has competed in almost every available contest during his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are evident and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a chance, but missed kicks and critical dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
Two top teams from the western conferences are building strong cases for championship favorites.
One squad, leading their the AFC, won the last title played at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The second team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable running attack to pair with an elite aerial attack.
A key matchup would be whether the potent offence could handle the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled rumors about a possible retirement.
Listening to Mahomes say, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this season," he added. Should the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could decide to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen threw three touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall scores this season.
Allen is the first player in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.
Next, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 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 star wide receiver caught two touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas kicker helped his squad in a surprise win in rainy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise watched its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a similar ailment.
