Every game matters down the stretch, with several huge conclusions in week 14 that might determine postseason berths come the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a massive challenge and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Hype
A trio of critical divisional battles delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his team to a tough close win in Baltimore. He notched his first rushing score in almost three seasons, however it was his long passes to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were left fuming by a late touchdown being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a epic contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.
The outcome gave one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team dropped from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In his 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and five championship games. That indicates the club has played nearly every available game throughout his tenure.
So, the causes for the current failure are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with several key players out.
Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, but failed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast divisions are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, leading their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.
The second contender, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable running game to pair with an elite passing attack.
The question could be whether the potent offence could handle the smothering pressure of the elite defense—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked rumors about a potential departure.
Listening to him state, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this season," Mahomes added. Should the season concludes early for the team, the three-time champion veteran could choose to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy win. He threw three touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the first player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD throws and 10 rushing scores in three straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star receiver scored two scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An international placekicker helped his team in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to leave the game once more with a similar injury.
