Every game matters down the stretch, with several huge results in week 14 that may decide postseason positions come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a massive problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of massive divisional battles did not disappoint.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close success in Baltimore. He recorded his initial rushing score in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team missed key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a epic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing conditions.
The result gave one team a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven complete years as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This means the team has competed in almost every available contest during his time.
So, the reasons for this year's failure are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with several starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, however failed kicks and costly drops—such as on a key fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
A pair of top contenders from the West Coast divisions are building strong arguments for championship favorites.
One team, leading their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The other team, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground game to complement an exceptional aerial game.
A key matchup would be whether the potent offense could withstand the smothering pressure of the top defense—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked speculation about a possible departure.
Hearing Mahomes say, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he continued. Should the season concludes early for the team, the three-time champion winner could decide to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen passed for three scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's total scores this season.
He is the first player in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver scored two scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a similar ailment.
