Each game matters at this stage, with a number of massive outcomes in week 14 that could settle postseason spots by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a major setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
Three massive division clashes delivered.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty 27-22 win in on the road. He scored his first running score in nearly three years, however it was his deep passes to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a late score being chalked off. The two teams will meet once more on the final day of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
This result gave one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' 7 full years as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five championship games. This indicates the team has played almost every available contest throughout his tenure.
So, the causes for this year's struggles are evident and were highlighted during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already struggling O-line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, but failed kicks and crucial dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong cases for championship contention.
One squad, atop their conference, claimed the most recent title played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the league in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The other team, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground game to pair with an elite passing attack.
A key matchup could be if the potent offense could withstand the smothering pressure of the top defense—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled rumors about a possible departure.
Listening to him say, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this season," he continued. If the year concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x champion winner might decide to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen passed for three touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the first player in league history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running scores in 3 consecutive seasons.
Next, he puts the team on his back once more as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored two scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise QB come back from injury, only to exit the contest again with a related ailment.
