Every game counts from here on in, with some huge outcomes in the fourteenth week that might determine play-off spots come the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence presented a massive problem and could have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Expectations
A trio of huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep passes to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was out of sync as his team missed key opportunities—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing conditions.
This result 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 assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
During his seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This indicates the club has competed in nearly each available contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several key players missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, however failed kicks and crucial drops—such as on a decisive fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of top contenders from the West Coast divisions are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One team, leading their conference, won the last Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long possessions.
The second contender, atop the NFC, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed running game to complement an elite aerial game.
A key matchup could be if the high-flying offense could withstand the relentless pressure of the elite defense—a a fascinating playoff showdown.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled rumors about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," he continued. Should the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a snowy victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's overall scores this season.
He is the only player in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD throws and ten running touchdowns in three straight campaigns.
Now, he puts the Bills on his back again as they aim to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific receiver scored two touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a upset win in rainy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise watched its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a related injury.
