Each game counts from here on in, with a number of huge conclusions in week 14 that might determine play-off berths come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a massive challenge and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of huge division clashes delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team missed crucial chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two teams will meet again on the last day of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a epic contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid conditions.
This outcome handed one team a narrow advantage in their division, while the defeated team plummeted from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. This indicates the club has played nearly each possible contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are apparent and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, but failed kicks and critical dropped passes—including on a key fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are building strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One team, atop their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.
The second contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to complement an exceptional aerial attack.
A key matchup would be if the potent offense can withstand the smothering pressure of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a possible retirement.
Hearing Mahomes state, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," he added. Should the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x champion winner might decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a wintry victory. He threw 3 scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
Allen is the first player in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD throws and 10 rushing scores in three straight seasons.
Next, he puts the Bills on his back again as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star receiver scored two scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An international placekicker helped his squad in a upset win in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise watched its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a related ailment.
