Each game counts from here on in, with several massive outcomes in week 14 that might settle play-off positions come the end of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive challenge and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
Three massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a tough close win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial running touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his long passes to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed key chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league saw a thrilling contest. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid weather.
The result handed one side a slender advantage in their division, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
In his seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship contests and 5 championship games. This means the team has competed in almost each available contest during his tenure.
So, the causes for the current failure are clear and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several starters out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, however failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
Two top teams from the West Coast divisions are making strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The other contender, leading the other conference, showcased an dynamic offense capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground attack to complement an elite passing game.
The question would be whether the potent offence can withstand the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled talk about a possible retirement.
Hearing Mahomes say, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. If the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran might decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen threw three scores and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's total touchdowns this year.
He is the only quarterback in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running touchdowns in three straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they try to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver scored two touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise watched its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar ailment.
