Each matchup is crucial from here on in, with a number of huge conclusions in week 14 that could determine postseason spots come the end of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge problem and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of massive rivalry games did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a tough close success in on the road. He notched his first rushing score in almost three years, but it was his long passes to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team missed key chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the regular season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league saw a epic encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing conditions.
This result gave one team a narrow lead in their division, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship games and five Super Bowls. That indicates the club has competed in nearly every possible game throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are evident and were highlighted during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, however missed kicks and critical drops—such as on a key fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are building compelling cases for championship contention.
One team, leading their conference, won the most recent title played at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The other team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable running attack to complement an elite passing attack.
The question would be if the high-flying offence can solve the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a possible retirement.
Hearing Mahomes state, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran could decide to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a snowy win. Allen passed for 3 scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's overall touchdowns this year.
Allen is the first player in league annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his back again as they try to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his 20th 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 surprise victory in soggy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling team saw its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a related injury.
