Each contest matters down the stretch, with a number of massive outcomes in week 14 that may settle postseason spots come the end of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge problem and may have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
A trio of massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a gritty 27-22 success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star receiver that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson was out of sync as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the regular season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league saw a thrilling contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young QB in the freezing weather.
This outcome gave one team a slender lead in their division, whereas the defeated team fell from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
In Mahomes' seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and five championship games. This means the team has played almost every possible game throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are apparent and were summed up during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, but failed field goals and costly dropped passes—such as on a key fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
Two top teams from the West Coast divisions are building strong arguments for championship contention.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent title held at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the league in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The other team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable ground attack to complement an exceptional aerial attack.
A key matchup could be if the potent offense could solve the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a possible departure.
Listening to him state, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes added. Should the year ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion veteran might choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a wintry victory. He threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total touchdowns this season.
He is the only quarterback in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD throws and 10 running touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they try to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise watched its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a related injury.
