Every game counts down the stretch, with several massive conclusions in week 14 that may determine play-off spots by the end of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a huge problem and may have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Hype
Three huge rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty 27-22 victory in on the road. He notched his first running score in nearly three years, but it was his deep throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last day of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young QB in the freezing weather.
This result handed one team a slender lead in their division, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
During Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and five championship games. That indicates the team has played almost every possible contest during his tenure.
So, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players out.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his team a fighting chance, but missed field goals and costly dropped passes—including on a key fourth down play—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of top teams from the western divisions are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The other contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed running attack to pair with an elite aerial attack.
The question could be if the high-flying offence could handle the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked talk about a potential retirement.
Hearing Mahomes state, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he added. If the year concludes early for the team, the three-time champion veteran might choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a wintry victory. Allen threw three scores and ran for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's total touchdowns this season.
He is the first player in league history with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD throws and ten running touchdowns in three straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Week 15 Matchups:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a similar injury.
