Every matchup matters from here on in, with a number of enormous results in week 14 that could settle postseason spots by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a massive problem and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Hype
Three massive rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a gritty close win in Baltimore. He scored his first running score in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top wideout that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a classic encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing weather.
The outcome handed one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
In his seven full years as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five championship games. This indicates the team has competed in almost each available game during his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with multiple key players out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a chance, but failed field goals and costly drops—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are making compelling arguments for championship favorites.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the last title played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long drives.
The other contender, leading the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable ground attack to pair with an elite passing game.
The question would be if the high-flying offence can solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled speculation about a potential departure.
Listening to Mahomes state, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes continued. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran could decide to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a snowy victory. Allen threw three scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall scores this year.
Allen is the only quarterback in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten rushing scores in three consecutive campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his back again as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored two scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a upset victory in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling team watched its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a related ailment.
