Each game matters from here on in, with some massive outcomes in week 14 that may decide play-off spots by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a big setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a significant problem and may have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three huge rivalry games did not disappoint.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. He scored his first rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top wideout that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as Baltimore missed key chances—though they were angry by a late score being chalked off. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league saw a epic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to halt another late-game comeback from the opposing young QB in the freezing conditions.
This outcome handed one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
In Mahomes' seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the team has played almost every possible game throughout his time.
Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are evident and were summed up during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several key players out.
Despite that, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, but missed kicks and critical dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are building strong cases for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, long possessions.
The other team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground game to complement an elite aerial game.
A key matchup would be if the potent offence can withstand the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled rumors about a potential departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the year ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion winner could choose to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry win. He threw three touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the only player in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD passes and ten running scores in three straight seasons.
Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star wide receiver caught two scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise saw its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.
