Every contest matters from here on in, with some massive outcomes in week 14 that could decide play-off positions by the end of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a massive problem and may have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype
A trio of massive division clashes lived up to the hype.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a tough 27-22 victory in on the road. He notched his first running score in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team missed crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a late score being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a epic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young QB in the frigid weather.
The outcome handed one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
In his seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That indicates the team has played nearly every possible game throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are clear and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players out.
Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, however failed field goals and critical drops—including on a decisive fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are making strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the last title played at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, long drives.
The other contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable running attack to pair with an exceptional passing attack.
A key matchup could be if the high-flying offense could solve the smothering pressure of the elite defense—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a potential retirement.
Hearing him say, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner might choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for his team in a snowy victory. He threw three scores and ran for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall scores this season.
He is the only player in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty TD throws and 10 rushing scores in three consecutive campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored 2 scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in soggy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise watched its star quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the game once more with a similar injury.
