Each matchup counts from here on in, with several massive outcomes in week 14 that could determine postseason positions come the end of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a huge problem and may have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of critical rivalry games did not disappoint.
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 initial rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his deep passes to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These teams will meet once more on the last day of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a epic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the freezing conditions.
The result handed one team a slender lead in their division, while the losers dropped from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
In his 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That means the team has played nearly each available game throughout his tenure.
So, the causes for the current struggles are evident and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters out.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and costly dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
Two top contenders from the western divisions are making compelling cases for championship favorites.
One team, atop their the AFC, won the most recent title held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long possessions.
The second contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed running game to complement an elite aerial game.
The question would be whether the potent offense can withstand the smothering pressure of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked speculation about a potential departure.
Listening to him say, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," he continued. If the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner might choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the only player in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten running scores in three consecutive seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star wide receiver caught 2 scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its star quarterback return from injury, only to exit the game once more with a related ailment.
