Every matchup is crucial down the stretch, with a number of massive conclusions in week 14 that might decide postseason positions by the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive problem and could have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
Three massive rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought close victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial running score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid conditions.
This outcome handed one team a narrow advantage in their division, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching 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 ten years.
In Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That means the club has played nearly every possible contest during his time.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already struggling offensive line, with several starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
Two top contenders from the West Coast conferences are making strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, leading their the AFC, won the most recent title held at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long possessions.
The second team, leading the other conference, showcased an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable running game to complement an elite passing game.
The question could be if the potent offense could solve the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch potential showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled rumors about a potential departure.
Hearing him say, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do what he wants to do after this season," Mahomes added. Should the year ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion veteran could decide to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a wintry victory. Allen passed for three touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the first player in league annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star receiver caught two scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in rainy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling team saw its star quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a similar ailment.
