Each contest matters from here on in, with a number of massive conclusions in week 14 that could determine play-off positions by the end of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a significant problem and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
Three critical rivalry games delivered.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a tough close win in Baltimore. He recorded his initial rushing score in nearly three seasons, but it was his long passes to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed key chances—though they were left fuming by a late touchdown being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a epic encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing weather.
This result handed one side a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That means the team has played nearly every possible game during his tenure.
So, the causes for this year's failure are apparent and were summed up during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with several key players missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, but missed field goals and costly dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are building compelling arguments for championship favorites.
One team, atop their conference, claimed the most recent title played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The second contender, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable running attack to pair with an elite aerial attack.
A key matchup would be whether the potent offense could withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked talk about a potential departure.
Listening to him say, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion veteran might choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a snowy victory. He passed for 3 scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall scores this season.
He is the only player in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD throws and ten rushing scores in 3 consecutive seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver scored 2 scores and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An international kicker helped his team in a upset victory in rainy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling team saw its star QB return from injury, only to leave the contest again with a related ailment.
