Each game matters from here on in, with a number of enormous results in week 14 that might determine play-off spots by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge problem and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Hype
Three huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty close win in Baltimore. He scored his first running touchdown in almost three years, however it was his long throws to his star receiver that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team missed key chances—though they were angry by a late score being chalked off. The two teams will meet once more on the final day of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league saw a classic encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing weather.
This outcome gave one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
During Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This means the club has competed in almost each possible contest throughout his tenure.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters out.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, but failed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a key fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
Two powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making strong cases for Super Bowl contention.
One team, leading their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long possessions.
The other contender, leading the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground game to pair with an elite aerial game.
The question would be whether the potent offense can solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—a a must-watch potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked speculation about a potential departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year ends early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He threw 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's total scores this season.
Allen is the first quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten running touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star receiver scored two touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in rainy weather.
- A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar injury.
