10 things we learned from NFL Week 15

Cincy Jungle takes a look at 10 things that we learned from Week 15 NFL action. Without further ado....

1. This just in: Aaron Rodgers is human. The Packers star quarterback, and MVP candidate was limited to just 185 yards and no scores on 17 of 42 passing attempts. The offense was repeatedly slowed down by Buffalo, and Rodgers ended his day +2 in the turnover margin via interceptions.
2. Speaking of the Packers' struggles, it would be criminal not to mention the Bills' fantastic defensive play. Buffalo has been one of the only teams this season that has been able to slow Aaron Rodgers, arguably the best overall quarterback in the NFL.
3. Johnny Who? The Bengals shutout of their AFC North division rival means the Browns are pretty much effectively eliminated from the playoff race, and the Bengals defense, which gave up 25 straight points to the Steelers in the 4^th quarter last week, may have rediscovered its mojo. Did we mention that Jeremy Hill was a monster in the ground game?
4. The leaders in the NFC East don't seem to care what city they're playing in, as the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles have each traded shots, winning their respective road games against each other. It'll be interesting to see which team heads into the playoffs as a division leader, and which grabs the wildcard.....or misses the postseason completely.
5. The Patriots are already running dress rehearsals for the playoffs. Following their comeback win over the San Diego Chargers, they manhandled a very solid Dolphins team, both realistically knocking Miami out of playoff contention and solidifying their resume as the No. 1 team in the AFC.
6. Peyton Manning battled flu symptoms and a thigh injury against the Chargers and still managed to put up 233 yards and a score, leading the Broncos on 6 different scoring drives. Connor Barth was five for five on field goal kicks.
7. The NFC South is still up for grabs, and will likely remain so until the end of the season. The Panthers escaped the Buccaneers, the Falcons lost to the visiting Steelers, and the Saints beat Chicago. A playoff berth and, with it, a home game, is still within reach for all three teams.
8. The 2014 rookies continue to impress as they make their bid for one of the best rookie classes in history. Jeremy Hill had 148 yards and two scores on the ground for Cincinnati, Mike Evans was on the receiving end of McCown's only touchdown throw, and Odell Beckham Jr. Caught three touchdowns from Eli Manning to go along with 14 yards on 12 total receptions.
9. The AFC continues to look like it will come down to the last week for many potential scenarios. The AFC North is still up for grabs, though the Bengals lead. And the Wildcards candidates are slowly but surely being narrowed down. The Chargers, Ravens, and Steelers all look like the top candidates, but that's only if neither of the latter two are able to keep Cincinnati out of another division title.
10. Seattle looks like the team that won the Super Bowl last year, which is scary. Any team that has to face them in the playoffs, especially at home, is in for a tough contest. Next week's game between the Cardinals and the Seahawks will help determine who the No. 1 seed in the NFC will be. That being said, the Cards' chances aren't overly promising with a 3^rd string QB.