Each game is crucial from here on in, with several massive results in week 14 that may settle postseason berths come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a significant problem and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Hype
A trio of critical divisional battles delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought close win in Baltimore. He scored his initial rushing score in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as his team missed crucial chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. These teams will meet again on the final day of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing weather.
This outcome handed one side a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the losers fell from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
In Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and five championship games. That means the club has competed in almost every available contest during his time.
Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several starters out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, however failed kicks and crucial dropped passes—including on a key fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the West Coast divisions are building strong cases for championship contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, won the last title held at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The second team, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground attack to pair with an exceptional aerial game.
The question could be if the potent offence can solve the smothering pass rush of the top defense—a a must-watch potential showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled speculation about a potential retirement.
Hearing him say, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he wants to do following this season," Mahomes added. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion veteran might decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy victory. He threw 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's overall touchdowns this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in league history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific receiver caught two scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
- An international placekicker helped his team in a upset win in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise watched its franchise QB return from injury, only to leave the game again with a related ailment.
