Every matchup matters from here on in, with a number of massive outcomes in week 14 that might decide postseason berths come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while Josh Allen all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a significant problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Anticipation
Three critical divisional battles did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought close win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial running touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as his team missed crucial opportunities—although they were left fuming by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the league saw a classic encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid weather.
The outcome handed one team a slender advantage in their division, whereas the losers plummeted from the conference's top spot down to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
During his 7 full seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. This means the team has played nearly every available game during his tenure.
So, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were summed up during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several starters out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his team a chance, however missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of top contenders from the western divisions are making strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, atop their conference, claimed the most recent title played at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the league in sacks and wins through methodical, long possessions.
The other contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable ground game to complement an exceptional aerial attack.
The question could be whether the potent offense could solve the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled rumors about a possible retirement.
Hearing Mahomes state, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he wants to do following this season," he continued. Should the year ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner could decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry win. He passed for three scores and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's total scores this year.
Allen is the only quarterback in league history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific receiver scored two touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a upset win in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise watched its franchise QB return from injury, only to exit the game once more with a related ailment.
