Every matchup counts from here on in, with several enormous conclusions in the fourteenth week that might settle postseason spots come the end of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a big setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
Three huge rivalry games delivered.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his team to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his first running score in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team missed key chances—although they were angry by a late touchdown being nullified. The two franchises will meet once more on the last day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a classic contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid conditions.
This result gave one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability 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 decade.
During Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and five championship games. That indicates the club has competed in almost each available game throughout his time.
So, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with several starters missing.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, but missed field goals and costly dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
A pair of top teams from the western conferences are making compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, atop their the AFC, won the most recent title held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the league in sacks and victories through grinding, long drives.
The second contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground game to complement an exceptional passing attack.
A key matchup would be if the high-flying offense can solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled rumors about a potential departure.
Listening to Mahomes state, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this season," Mahomes added. If the season ends prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner might decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He threw three scores and ran for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's total scores this season.
Allen is the first quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten running touchdowns in three straight seasons.
Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
- An international kicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise saw its star QB come back from injury, only to leave the game once more with a related injury.
