Each game counts at this stage, with several enormous results in week 14 that may determine postseason berths by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a significant problem and could have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three massive rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought 27-22 success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running score in almost three years, but it was his long passes to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—though they were frustrated by a late touchdown being chalked off. These teams will meet again on the last weekend of the regular season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a epic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid conditions.
This result gave one team a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team dropped from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
During his 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five championship games. That means the club has competed in almost every possible game during his tenure.
So, the causes for this year's struggles are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several key players out.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, however failed field goals and costly drops—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the West Coast conferences are making strong arguments for championship favorites.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the last title played at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.
The other team, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable running game to pair with an elite aerial attack.
The question would be whether the high-flying offence could withstand the smothering pressure of the top defense—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled speculation about a possible departure.
Listening to him state, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," he added. Should the year ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could choose to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He threw three scores and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
He is the only player in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten running scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star receiver scored two touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar ailment.
