Each contest counts at this stage, with a number of huge outcomes in week 14 that could determine play-off spots come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a significant challenge and could have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three huge division clashes lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty 27-22 win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his first running touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as Baltimore missed crucial chances—though they were frustrated by a late score being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing weather.
The result handed one side a narrow lead in their division, whereas the defeated team dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
In his 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That indicates the team has played almost every available contest throughout his time.
So, the reasons for this year's struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already struggling offensive line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his team a chance, but failed field goals and costly dropped passes—such as on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
Two powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making 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 quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The second contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground attack to pair with an exceptional passing game.
A key matchup would be if the high-flying offence can solve the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled talk about a possible departure.
Hearing him say, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he added. Should the season ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner could decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He passed for 3 scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the only player in league history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten rushing scores in three straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face next.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise win in soggy weather.
- A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a related ailment.
