Every contest counts at this stage, with some huge outcomes in week 14 that might decide postseason berths come the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge problem and could have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Exceed the Anticipation
A trio of huge divisional battles delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a tough close success in on the road. He recorded his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. The two franchises will meet again on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a classic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting young QB in the frigid conditions.
The result gave one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers fell from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In his 7 full seasons as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship contests and 5 championship games. That indicates the club has played nearly every possible contest during his time.
Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several starters missing.
Despite that, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, however failed kicks and crucial dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the western conferences are building compelling cases for championship favorites.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent title played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The second team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed running attack to pair with an exceptional passing game.
A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offence can withstand the smothering pressure of the elite defense—a a must-watch playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled talk about a potential retirement.
Hearing him state, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded 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," he added. If the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a snowy win. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's total touchdowns this season.
Allen is the first quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten running touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they try to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An overseas kicker helped 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 struggling franchise saw its star quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the game once more with a related ailment.
