Each game matters from here on in, with a number of enormous outcomes in week 14 that might settle postseason spots come the end of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of huge rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought close success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running touchdown in almost three years, but it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a epic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid weather.
This outcome handed one side a slender lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team fell from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching 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 ten years.
In Mahomes' 7 full years as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This means the club has played nearly each possible game during his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are clear and were highlighted during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with multiple key players missing.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a chance, however failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
A pair of top teams from the western conferences are building strong arguments for championship contention.
One team, atop their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.
The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an dynamic offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed running game to pair with an exceptional passing game.
A key matchup would be if the potent offence could withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defense—a a must-watch playoff showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked talk about a possible departure.
Hearing him say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," he added. Should the season concludes early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a snowy victory. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's total scores this year.
Allen is the only quarterback in league history with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific receiver scored two scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling team watched its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the contest again with a similar ailment.
