Each matchup counts down the stretch, with some huge results in week 14 that may determine play-off berths by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
Three huge division clashes lived up to the hype.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a gritty close win in on the road. He notched his first rushing score in nearly three years, but it was his long passes to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as Baltimore missed key opportunities—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the regular season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a epic contest. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid conditions.
This result handed one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
During Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship games and 5 championship games. This indicates the club has competed in almost each available game during his time.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, however missed field goals and costly drops—such as on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are making strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The second team, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground attack to complement an elite aerial game.
The question would be if the high-flying offence could solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled rumors about a potential retirement.
Listening to him state, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he added. If the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran could choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen passed for three scores and ran for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total touchdowns this season.
He is the first quarterback in league annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD passes and ten rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they try to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise watched its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a related ailment.
