Every matchup matters from here on in, with a number of massive results in week 14 that could determine postseason spots come the end of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a major setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a massive problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
Three massive divisional battles delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty 27-22 win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running touchdown in almost three years, but it was his long passes to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These teams will meet again on the last day of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a epic encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young QB in the freezing conditions.
The outcome handed one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and 5 championship games. This indicates the club has competed in nearly every possible contest throughout his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are clear and were summed up during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several key players out.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his team a chance, but failed kicks and crucial drops—such as on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of top teams from the western conferences are building strong cases for championship favorites.
One team, leading their conference, won the most recent title held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the league in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The other contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running game to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.
The question could be if the high-flying offense could solve the smothering pass rush of the top defense—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked rumors about a possible retirement.
Listening to him state, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this season," Mahomes added. If the season concludes early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy victory. Allen threw 3 scores and ran for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's total scores this season.
He is the first quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten running touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.
Next, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Week 15 Matchups:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
- An international placekicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise saw its franchise QB come back from injury, only to leave the game once more with a similar ailment.
