Each game matters down the stretch, with some huge conclusions in the fourteenth week that could determine play-off positions by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a huge challenge and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype
A trio of huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a tough 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running score in nearly three years, but it was his deep passes to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the league saw a classic contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The result handed one side a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This means the team has competed in nearly every available game during his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are evident and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several key players missing.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, however failed kicks and crucial dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, atop their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.
The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running game to pair with an elite passing game.
A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offence could handle the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—a a must-watch playoff showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a potential retirement.
Hearing him say, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes added. Should the season ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner could choose to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a snowy victory. He threw 3 scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
Allen is the only quarterback in league history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD throws and ten running touchdowns in three straight campaigns.
Next, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play next.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver caught 2 scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end notched his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
- An international placekicker helped his squad in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise watched its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a related ailment.
