Each matchup matters down the stretch, with a number of huge conclusions in the fourteenth week that could settle play-off berths come the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a major setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence presented a huge problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Hype
Three massive division clashes delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought close success in Baltimore. He scored his first running touchdown in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team missed crucial chances—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. These teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid conditions.
This outcome handed one team a narrow lead in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and five championship games. That means the club has competed in almost each possible game throughout his time.
So, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were summed up during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, but failed kicks and costly drops—including on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the western divisions are building strong arguments for championship favorites.
One squad, atop their conference, claimed the most recent title played at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The other contender, leading the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running attack to complement an exceptional passing attack.
The question would be whether the potent offense can handle the relentless pressure of the top defense—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a possible retirement.
Listening to Mahomes state, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this season," he continued. Should the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might choose to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a wintry win. He threw three touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's total scores this year.
Allen is the only quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Next, he puts the team on his back again as they try to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star wide receiver scored 2 scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An international kicker helped his team in a upset victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a related injury.
