Each matchup counts from here on in, with a number of huge outcomes in week 14 that might determine play-off positions by the end of the season.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
A trio of critical division clashes lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought close win in Baltimore. He scored his first rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long passes to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two teams will meet again on the final day of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing conditions.
This result gave one team a slender advantage in their division, while the losers fell from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That means the club has competed in almost every available contest throughout his tenure.
So, the causes for the current failure are evident and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several starters out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, however missed kicks and critical dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down play—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
A pair of top contenders from the West Coast conferences are building compelling arguments for championship contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long possessions.
The other team, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable running game to pair with an exceptional aerial game.
The question could be whether the high-flying offence could solve the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential 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 rumors about a potential departure.
Hearing him state, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this season," he continued. Should the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran could choose to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry win. He threw 3 scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the only player in league annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 running scores in 3 straight seasons.
Now, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored 2 scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling team saw its star quarterback return from injury, only to leave the game again with a similar ailment.
