Every matchup is crucial from here on in, with several huge conclusions in the fourteenth week that could settle play-off spots come the end of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three huge rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. He recorded his first rushing score in almost three seasons, but it was his long throws to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two teams will meet again on the final day of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league saw a thrilling contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
This outcome handed one team a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During Mahomes' 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in almost each available game throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were summed up during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, but missed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the western divisions are building strong cases for championship contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The other team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground game to pair with an elite aerial attack.
The question could be if the high-flying offense could solve the relentless pressure of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled talk about a possible departure.
Listening to him say, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this season," he continued. If the year ends early for the team, the 3x champion veteran might choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. He passed for three touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total touchdowns this season.
Allen is the only player in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten rushing scores in three straight seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division foes, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play next.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise win in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the contest again with a similar ailment.
