Each contest matters at this stage, with some huge results in week 14 that could determine postseason berths come the end of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a huge challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever before in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of huge rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close victory in on the road. He recorded his initial running score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top wideout that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game rally from the opposing young QB in the freezing weather.
This outcome gave one team a slender lead in their division, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In Mahomes' 7 complete years as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship games and five championship games. That means the club has played almost each available contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a chance, but missed kicks and critical drops—including on a key fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
Two top contenders from the western conferences are building compelling arguments for championship contention.
One team, atop their conference, won the most recent title held at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The other team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground attack to complement an exceptional aerial attack.
The question would be whether the potent offense can handle the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a possible retirement.
Hearing him say, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," he added. Should the year concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might decide to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a wintry victory. He threw three scores and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's total scores this season.
He is the first player in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 rushing scores in three straight campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face next.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver caught 2 scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end notched his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An international placekicker helped his squad in a upset win in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its star quarterback return from injury, only to leave the contest again with a related ailment.
