Every game matters from here on in, with a number of enormous results in the fourteenth week that may settle play-off positions come the end of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a big setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a significant problem and could have concluded the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
Three massive division clashes lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a gritty close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial rushing score in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were left fuming by a late score being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a classic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the opposing young QB in the frigid weather.
The outcome gave one side a narrow lead in their division, while the defeated team fell from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During Mahomes' seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and five Super Bowls. This means the team has played nearly each available contest throughout his time.
Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are evident and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple starters missing.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his team a fighting chance, but missed kicks and critical dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
A pair of top contenders from the western conferences are building strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, atop their conference, won the most recent title held at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The second team, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed running game to complement an exceptional passing attack.
A key matchup could be if the high-flying offense could solve the relentless pressure of the top defense—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked rumors about a potential retirement.
Hearing him say, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," he continued. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner might decide to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's overall scores this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 running touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they aim to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise watched its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a similar injury.
