Each game matters from here on in, with a number of massive conclusions in week 14 that might determine postseason positions come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a massive challenge and may have concluded the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
Three massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a tough close victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running score in almost three seasons, but it was his long throws to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as his team missed crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a late touchdown being nullified. The two teams will meet again on the final day of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid conditions.
The result handed one team a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
In his 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and 5 championship games. This indicates the team has played nearly each available contest during his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are clear and were highlighted during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable O-line, with several key players out.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, but missed field goals and crucial drops—including on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making strong arguments for championship contention.
One squad, atop their conference, claimed the most recent title played at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long drives.
The second team, leading the other conference, showcased an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running attack to pair with an elite aerial game.
The question would be if the potent offence could handle the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch potential showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a potential departure.
Listening to him say, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. If the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen threw three touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's total touchdowns this season.
Allen is the first player in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD throws and 10 running scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An overseas kicker helped his squad in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a similar ailment.
