Every game counts at this stage, with some enormous outcomes in week 14 that could determine play-off berths by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence presented a huge problem and could have concluded the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
Three massive rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a gritty 27-22 win in on the road. He recorded his initial rushing touchdown in almost three years, but it was his long passes to his top receiver that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed key chances—although they were frustrated by a late score being nullified. These franchises will meet again on the final weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a classic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing conditions.
This result gave one team a narrow lead in their division, while the defeated team fell from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
In Mahomes' seven complete years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. This means the team has played almost each possible contest throughout his tenure.
So, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already struggling O-line, with several starters out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and critical drops—including on a key fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are making strong cases for Super Bowl contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The second contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground game to complement an exceptional passing game.
The question could be if the high-flying offense can solve the smothering pressure of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked talk about a potential departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes continued. If the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a wintry win. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's total touchdowns this season.
He is the only quarterback in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise saw its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a similar ailment.
