Each game matters from here on in, with some huge results in the fourteenth week that may decide postseason spots by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a significant problem and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Exceed the Anticipation
A trio of massive division clashes did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a tough 27-22 victory in Baltimore. He notched his first rushing touchdown in almost three years, but it was his deep passes to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed key chances—although they were frustrated by a late score being overturned. These franchises will meet once more on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a classic encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
This result gave one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This means the club has competed in almost every possible game during his time.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players missing.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, but missed field goals and costly drops—such as on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast divisions are making strong cases for championship contention.
One team, atop their the AFC, won the last title held at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long possessions.
The second contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable running attack to complement an elite passing game.
The question would be whether the potent offence could withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked speculation about a possible departure.
Listening to him say, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran could choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a snowy win. He threw 3 touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
Allen is the only quarterback in league history with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 running touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver caught two touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An international kicker helped his team in a surprise win in rainy weather.
- A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.
