Every game counts from here on in, with some huge outcomes in week 14 that could determine postseason berths come the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while Josh Allen virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a huge challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Anticipation
Three huge divisional battles did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. He recorded his initial rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. These franchises will meet once more on the last weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a epic contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing conditions.
This outcome gave one side a slender lead in their division, while the defeated team dropped from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
During his 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and five championship games. That means the club has played nearly every available contest throughout his time.
So, the reasons for the current failure are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with several starters missing.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, however failed field goals and costly dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast divisions are making strong cases for championship favorites.
One squad, leading their conference, won the last Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The second team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running attack to complement an exceptional aerial game.
A key matchup would be whether the high-flying offence could withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled talk about a possible departure.
Hearing him say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he continued. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner could decide to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy win. He threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
Allen is the only player in league annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten running scores in three straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they try to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star wide receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling team saw its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the game again with a related ailment.
