Each game counts from here on in, with some massive results in the fourteenth week that could decide play-off spots by the end of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a significant problem and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of massive divisional battles delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty close victory in Baltimore. He recorded his first rushing score in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his top wideout that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were angry by a late touchdown being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league saw a thrilling contest. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another late-game rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The result gave one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team dropped from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
During his seven complete years as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. This means the team has competed in nearly each possible contest during his tenure.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already struggling offensive line, with multiple key players out.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, however failed kicks and crucial drops—including on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
A pair of top contenders from the West Coast divisions are building compelling cases for championship contention.
One squad, leading their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The other contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed running attack to pair with an elite aerial game.
The question would be whether the potent offence could solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked speculation about a possible departure.
Hearing Mahomes say, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this season," Mahomes added. If the year ends early for the team, the three-time champion veteran could choose to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a snowy victory. He threw three touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this season.
He is the only player in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten rushing scores in three consecutive campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star receiver caught 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise watched its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a related injury.
