Every matchup matters down the stretch, with a number of huge outcomes in the fourteenth week that could determine postseason berths by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a huge challenge and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three huge division clashes did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep passes to his top wideout that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson was out of sync as Baltimore missed key chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. These franchises will meet again on the final weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league saw a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young QB in the frigid weather.
The result handed one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team dropped from the conference's top spot all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and five championship games. This indicates the team has played almost each possible game throughout his time.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already struggling offensive line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast conferences are making compelling arguments for championship favorites.
One team, leading their conference, claimed the most recent title played at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The second contender, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable ground attack to complement an elite passing attack.
A key matchup would be whether the potent offence can solve the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled speculation about a potential retirement.
Listening to Mahomes state, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this season," he added. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran might decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a snowy win. Allen passed for three scores and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's total scores this season.
Allen is the first player in league history with three thousand passing yards, twenty TD throws and 10 rushing scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—and, that's precisely who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a surprise win in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise watched its franchise QB come back from injury, only to leave the game again with a similar ailment.
