Every game matters at this stage, with some massive conclusions in week 14 that may settle postseason spots by the end of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a massive challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
Three huge rivalry games delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty 27-22 win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running score in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to stop another late-game rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid conditions.
The outcome handed one side a slender advantage in their division, whereas the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. This means the club has competed in nearly every possible game during his tenure.
So, the causes for the current struggles are evident and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a chance, however failed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are making strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, atop their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The second contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed running game to pair with an elite aerial attack.
A key matchup could be if the potent offence can handle the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a possible retirement.
Hearing him state, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this season," Mahomes continued. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion winner might decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen threw three touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's total scores this season.
He is the first player in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD passes and ten running scores in 3 consecutive seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific receiver scored two scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise QB come back from injury, only to exit the game again with a similar injury.
