Every matchup counts at this stage, with some enormous results in week 14 that could settle postseason berths by the end of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a big setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a massive problem and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of massive division clashes did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a tough 27-22 success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his long passes to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team missed crucial opportunities—though they were frustrated by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two franchises will meet again on the last day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a epic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The outcome handed one team a slender advantage in their division, whereas the losers fell from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
During his 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. This indicates the club has played almost each available contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with multiple key players out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, but missed field goals and costly drops—including on a decisive fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are building strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, atop their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long drives.
The other team, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground attack to pair with an exceptional passing attack.
A key matchup would be if the high-flying offence could withstand the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked talk about a potential departure.
Hearing Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. If the season ends prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a wintry win. Allen passed for three scores and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.
He is the first player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they aim to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its franchise QB return from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.
