Every game matters from here on in, with some massive results in week 14 that could decide postseason spots by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a massive problem and could have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Hype
Three huge rivalry games delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running touchdown in almost three years, but it was his long throws to his top receiver that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team missed crucial opportunities—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the league saw a classic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid weather.
The result handed one team a slender lead in their division, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
In his seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That indicates the club has competed in nearly each possible contest during his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are clear and were summed up during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with several starters missing.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, but missed kicks and crucial dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making compelling cases for championship contention.
One team, atop their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The second contender, leading the other conference, showcased an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable running game to complement an elite passing game.
A key matchup would be whether the high-flying offense could withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defense—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked rumors about a potential departure.
Hearing Mahomes say, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," he added. Should the year ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a snowy win. Allen threw 3 scores and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's overall scores this year.
He is the only player in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten rushing scores in three consecutive campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started 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 season.
- A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a upset win in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling team saw its star QB come back from injury, only to exit the game once more with a similar ailment.
