Every contest counts from here on in, with several huge results in the fourteenth week that may settle play-off spots come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence presented a significant problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Exceed the Expectations
Three massive rivalry games delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a gritty close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running score in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep passes to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were left fuming by a late score being chalked off. The two teams will meet again on the final day of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the NFL witnessed a epic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The outcome gave one side a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
In Mahomes' 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. That indicates the team has played almost each possible contest throughout his time.
So, the causes for this year's failure are clear and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several key players out.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a chance, however failed field goals and costly drops—such as on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
A pair of top contenders from the western divisions are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long drives.
The second contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to complement an elite aerial game.
The question could be if the high-flying offence can handle the relentless pass rush of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled rumors about a potential retirement.
Listening to him say, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this season," Mahomes continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner might choose to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He passed for three scores and ran for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.
He is the first player in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face next.
Key Week 15 Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling team watched its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a similar ailment.
