Each contest matters from here on in, with a number of massive outcomes in week 14 that might decide postseason spots by the end of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Hype
A trio of massive rivalry games delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty 27-22 win in Baltimore. He scored his first rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being chalked off. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a epic encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing conditions.
This result handed one side a narrow advantage in their division, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five championship games. That means the team has competed in almost every possible contest throughout his time.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, however missed kicks and costly drops—including on a pivotal fourth down play—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the western divisions are building compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.
One team, atop their conference, claimed 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 grinding, long possessions.
The other team, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground game to pair with an exceptional passing attack.
The question could be whether the high-flying offence can solve the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end fueled speculation about a potential departure.
Hearing Mahomes state, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," he added. If the year concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time champion winner could choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He threw three scores and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the only player in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing scores in three straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star wide receiver scored 2 scores and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An international kicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise saw its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a related ailment.
