Each matchup matters from here on in, with several huge results in the fourteenth week that could determine postseason spots come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a massive problem and may have concluded the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype
Three huge divisional battles delivered.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a hard-fought close victory in on the road. He scored his first running touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. The two teams will meet once more on the final day of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a epic encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.
The outcome handed one side a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship contests and 5 championship games. That means the club has played nearly every possible game during his tenure.
So, the reasons for the current failure are apparent and were summed up during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, however failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
Two top teams from the West Coast divisions are making compelling arguments for championship contention.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The second team, leading the NFC, showcased an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running attack to pair with an exceptional aerial game.
The question could be if the high-flying offence could solve the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled talk about a potential departure.
Hearing him say, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this season," Mahomes added. If the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner might choose to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He threw three touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
Allen is the first quarterback in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten running touchdowns in three straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they aim to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver scored two scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end notched his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling team watched its franchise QB return from injury, only to exit the game once more with a related ailment.
