Every contest matters from here on in, with several massive results in week 14 that may decide postseason spots by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a huge challenge and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Hype
Three massive division clashes did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a hard-fought close victory in Baltimore. He scored his initial rushing score in almost three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a classic contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing weather.
The result handed one team a slender lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
In his 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This indicates the team has played almost each possible contest throughout his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, but missed field goals and costly dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
Two top teams from the West Coast divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, atop their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The other team, leading the NFC, showcased an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground attack to complement an exceptional aerial attack.
A key matchup could be whether the potent offense could handle the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a possible retirement.
Hearing him state, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He threw 3 touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's overall touchdowns this season.
Allen is the first player in league annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in three straight seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific receiver caught two scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its star quarterback return from injury, only to leave the game again with a related injury.
