Every matchup counts from here on in, with some huge conclusions in week 14 that might settle play-off positions by the end of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a huge challenge and could have finished the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Hype
Three huge divisional battles delivered.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running score in nearly three years, however it was his deep passes to his top receiver that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed key opportunities—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two teams will meet again on the last weekend of the regular season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a thrilling contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid conditions.
This outcome gave one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
In Mahomes' seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. This means the team has competed in almost every available contest during his time.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are evident and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several key players missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, but missed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the western divisions are building compelling arguments for championship contention.
One squad, leading their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.
The other contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable running game to complement an exceptional passing game.
A key matchup could be if the high-flying offence can withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—a a must-watch playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled rumors about a possible retirement.
Hearing Mahomes say, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," he added. If the season ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran could choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a wintry win. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total scores this season.
He is the only player in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten running scores in three straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored two scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise watched its franchise QB come back from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a related injury.
