Every game is crucial from here on in, with several massive conclusions in the fourteenth week that could determine play-off spots come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a massive problem and may have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
Three massive rivalry games delivered.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a tough 27-22 win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his long passes to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson was out of sync as Baltimore missed crucial chances—though they were left fuming by a late touchdown being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The outcome handed one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team fell from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. That means the team has played almost every available contest throughout his time.
So, the reasons for this year's struggles are apparent and were summed up during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with multiple key players out.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, however missed field goals and costly drops—including on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
Two top contenders from the West Coast divisions are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent title held at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the league in sacks and victories through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The other contender, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground attack to complement an elite aerial attack.
A key matchup could be if the high-flying offense can withstand the relentless pressure of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked speculation about a possible retirement.
Hearing him state, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the season ends early for the team, the 3x champion winner could choose to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy win. He passed for 3 touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's total scores this year.
Allen is the only player in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten rushing scores in 3 straight seasons.
Next, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face next.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific receiver scored two scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a surprise win in rainy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a related ailment.
