Every contest counts at this stage, with a number of massive outcomes in week 14 that could settle play-off berths come the end of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a massive problem and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of huge divisional battles did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a tough close success in Baltimore. He recorded his first running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep passes to his star receiver that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. The two teams 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 epic encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid weather.
This result gave one team a narrow advantage in their division, while the losers dropped from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
In his 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and five championship games. That indicates the team has played nearly every possible game during his time.
So, the causes for the current failure are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, but missed field goals and critical drops—including on a key fourth down play—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of top contenders from the West Coast conferences are building compelling cases for championship contention.
One squad, atop their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long possessions.
The second contender, leading the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to pair with an exceptional passing attack.
The question could be if the potent offense can handle the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked rumors about a possible departure.
Hearing Mahomes say, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do what he wants to do following this campaign," he added. Should the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran might choose to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He threw 3 scores and ran for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall scores this season.
He is the only player in league annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored 2 scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in soggy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling team saw its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a related ailment.
