Every contest counts from here on in, with a number of huge conclusions in week 14 that might settle postseason positions come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a massive challenge and may have concluded the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype
Three critical divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a gritty 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his first running score in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—though they were frustrated by a late score being overturned. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing weather.
This result handed one side a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
In his seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and five Super Bowls. This means the team has competed in nearly each available game throughout his time.
So, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with several starters out.
Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, however missed field goals and costly dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of top teams from the western divisions are making strong cases for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, atop their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the league in sacks and victories through grinding, long drives.
The second team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable running game to complement an exceptional aerial game.
The question could be if the high-flying offense can handle the relentless pass rush of the top defense—a a must-watch potential showdown.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled rumors about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year concludes early for the team, the three-time champion winner might decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a wintry win. He threw 3 scores and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the first quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD passes and ten running scores in 3 straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star wide receiver scored two touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An international placekicker helped his squad in a upset victory in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling team watched its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a related injury.
