Each matchup matters down the stretch, with a number of massive conclusions in week 14 that could settle postseason spots come the end of the season.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence presented a massive challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype
Three massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a gritty close win in Baltimore. He recorded his first rushing score in almost three years, however it was his long passes to his top wideout that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as Baltimore missed key opportunities—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the regular season.
In another, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.
This outcome gave one side a narrow advantage in their division, while the losers plummeted from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During his seven complete years as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the club has competed in nearly every possible game throughout his time.
So, the causes for the current failure are evident and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several key players out.
Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, however failed kicks and costly dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
Two powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are building compelling arguments for championship favorites.
One squad, atop their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The other contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable running attack to pair with an elite aerial attack.
A key matchup would be if the potent offense could handle the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled rumors about a potential retirement.
Hearing him say, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes added. Should the season concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner might choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry win. He threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's overall scores this year.
Allen is the only player in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD throws and ten running scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored two scores and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise watched its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to exit the game once more with a related injury.
