Each matchup is crucial from here on in, with several massive outcomes in week 14 that might settle play-off berths by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
Three huge division clashes delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a hard-fought close victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial running score in nearly three years, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore missed key opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being nullified. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid weather.
The outcome gave one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship contests and five championship games. That means the team has competed in nearly each possible contest during his time.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already struggling O-line, with several starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, however failed field goals and crucial drops—such as on a key fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
Two top contenders from the West Coast conferences are making compelling arguments for championship favorites.
One team, leading their the AFC, won the last title played at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the league in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The second team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running attack to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.
A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offence could withstand the relentless pass rush of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked talk about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes state, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes added. If the year ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran might choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a snowy victory. He passed for three touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the first player in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running scores in three consecutive campaigns.
Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star wide receiver caught two touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An overseas kicker helped his squad in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling team saw its star QB return from injury, only to exit the game again with a similar ailment.
