Every matchup is crucial down the stretch, with a number of enormous conclusions in week 14 that could decide postseason berths by the end of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a huge challenge and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
Three massive divisional battles delivered.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a tough close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first running touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as his team missed crucial opportunities—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a classic contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid conditions.
This outcome gave one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
In Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship contests and 5 championship games. That means the club has played nearly each available contest throughout his time.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, but failed kicks and crucial dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the western divisions are making strong cases for championship favorites.
One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent title held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, long drives.
The other contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable running attack to complement an elite aerial game.
The question could be whether the high-flying offence can handle the relentless pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled speculation about a potential retirement.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," he added. Should the year concludes early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen threw three scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's total scores this season.
Allen is the first player in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten running touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they aim to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise saw its star QB come back from injury, only to leave the game once more with a similar injury.
