Every matchup is crucial down the stretch, with several huge conclusions in week 14 that may determine play-off spots come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense posed a massive challenge and could have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations
A trio of critical division clashes delivered.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a tough 27-22 victory in Baltimore. He scored his first rushing score in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as Baltimore missed key chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two franchises will meet once more on the final day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a epic contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The outcome handed one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
During Mahomes' 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This means the club has played almost each possible contest throughout his time.
So, the causes for the current struggles are evident and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes gave his team a fighting chance, however missed kicks and crucial drops—including on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
A pair of top teams from the western divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, long drives.
The other team, leading the NFC, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable running game to pair with an exceptional passing attack.
A key matchup could be whether the potent offense could handle the smothering pass rush of the top defense—a a must-watch potential showdown.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled speculation about a possible retirement.
Hearing him say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the season concludes early for the team, the 3x champion veteran could choose to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total touchdowns this season.
He is the first quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD throws and ten running scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Next, he puts the team on his back once more as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a related injury.
