Each matchup is crucial from here on in, with some huge results in week 14 that might determine postseason berths come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a significant challenge and could have finished the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
Three massive rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a tough close win in on the road. He recorded his initial running score in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed key chances—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. The two franchises will meet again on the final weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a epic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to stop another late-game rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.
The outcome handed one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
In his 7 full years as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship games and five Super Bowls. That indicates the club has competed in almost each available game throughout his time.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, however missed kicks and critical dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of top contenders from the West Coast conferences are making compelling cases for championship contention.
One squad, leading their conference, won the last Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long possessions.
The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable running game to complement an exceptional aerial attack.
The question could be if the high-flying offense can withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a possible retirement.
Hearing Mahomes say, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he wants to do following this season," he continued. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran might choose to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He passed for 3 scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
Allen is the first quarterback in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 running touchdowns in three straight campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his back again as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver caught two scores and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise win in rainy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise saw its star QB come back from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a similar injury.
