Each contest counts down the stretch, with several huge results in the fourteenth week that may decide postseason positions by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge challenge and may have concluded the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations
A trio of huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running score in nearly three years, however it was his deep passes to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as his team missed crucial chances—although they were angry by a late score being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a classic encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing weather.
This result handed one team a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
In his seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. This indicates the team has played nearly every available contest during his time.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with multiple key players out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, however missed kicks and crucial drops—such as on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, leading their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable running attack to complement an elite passing attack.
A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offense can solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked talk about a possible retirement.
Listening to Mahomes state, "every season... 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 choice to do what he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes added. If the season concludes early for the team, the 3x champion veteran might choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a wintry win. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's total touchdowns this year.
Allen is the only quarterback in league annals with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Next, he puts the team on his back again as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a related injury.
