Every game counts down the stretch, with some enormous conclusions in the fourteenth week that could decide play-off berths come the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a massive problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations
A trio of huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a gritty 27-22 win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first running score in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team missed key chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These franchises will meet once more on the final weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a classic encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing weather.
The result handed one team a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers dropped from the conference's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven full years as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. This means the team has competed in almost every possible contest during his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, however missed field goals and costly drops—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
Two powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are building compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, atop their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, long drives.
The second team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable running attack to complement an exceptional passing game.
A key matchup could be if the potent offense could solve the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked talk about a potential retirement.
Hearing Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he continued. If the season concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could choose to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a wintry victory. He passed for three scores and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this season.
Allen is the first quarterback in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD passes and ten rushing touchdowns in three straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star wide receiver caught two touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its star quarterback return from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a similar ailment.
