Each matchup counts down the stretch, with a number of huge outcomes in week 14 that might decide play-off spots come the end of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a huge problem and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
Three huge rivalry games delivered.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a gritty close success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his first running touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top wideout that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were frustrated by a late score being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league saw a classic encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
The result gave one side a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
In his seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the team has played almost every available game during his time.
Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already questionable O-line, with several key players missing.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, however missed field goals and crucial drops—such as on a key fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are making strong arguments for championship contention.
One team, leading their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The second contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable running attack to pair with an exceptional passing game.
The question could be whether the potent offense can solve the relentless pass rush of the top defense—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked speculation about a potential retirement.
Listening to him say, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he added. Should the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner could choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's total scores this year.
He is the first player in league history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.
Now, he puts the Bills on his back again as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in rainy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling team saw its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a related injury.