Each game counts from here on in, with some huge conclusions in week 14 that could settle play-off berths come the end of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a big setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge problem and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
Three critical divisional battles did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a gritty 27-22 win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, but it was his deep passes to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team missed crucial opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being nullified. The two teams will meet once more on the final day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a epic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid conditions.
This outcome gave one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In Mahomes' seven complete years as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. This indicates the club has played almost each possible game during his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are evident and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple starters missing.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a chance, but missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
Two top teams from the West Coast divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent title played at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the league in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The other contender, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable running game to pair with an elite aerial game.
The question could be if the potent offense could withstand the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled rumors about a possible retirement.
Hearing him say, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the season ends early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner could choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen threw three scores and ran for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's overall scores this season.
He is the only player in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD throws and ten running touchdowns in three straight seasons.
Now, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An international placekicker helped his team in a upset win in soggy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a related ailment.
