Every game is crucial from here on in, with a number of massive results in week 14 that may decide postseason spots by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a big setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a significant problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype
Three huge rivalry games delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a gritty 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing score in nearly three seasons, but it was his long throws to his top wideout that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team missed crucial opportunities—though they were angry by a late touchdown being nullified. The two teams will meet again on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
This result handed one team a narrow advantage in their division, while the defeated team dropped from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship games and five championship games. That indicates the team has competed in almost each possible game throughout his time.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already struggling O-line, with several starters out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, however failed kicks and critical drops—including on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
Two powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are building strong cases for Super Bowl contention.
One team, atop their conference, won the most recent title played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The second team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable running attack to pair with an elite aerial attack.
The question could be if the high-flying offence can withstand the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked rumors about a potential retirement.
Hearing Mahomes say, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. If the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner could choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen passed for 3 scores and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the only player in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD passes and ten rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.
Key Week 15 Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 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 caught 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas kicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling team watched its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a related ailment.
