Every matchup matters from here on in, with a number of huge results in week 14 that might decide play-off positions come the end of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a huge problem and may have concluded the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of massive rivalry games did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a hard-fought close victory in on the road. He notched his first running score in nearly three years, but it was his deep throws to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a epic encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young QB in the frigid conditions.
This outcome handed one team a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
In his 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That means the club has competed in nearly every possible contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a chance, but failed kicks and crucial dropped passes—including on a key fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of top contenders from the western conferences are building compelling arguments for championship favorites.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, long possessions.
The second contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable running attack to pair with an elite aerial game.
A key matchup could be if the potent offence can withstand the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a possible departure.
Hearing him state, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran might decide to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. He threw 3 scores and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's total scores this year.
Allen is the only player in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD throws and ten running touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star receiver caught 2 scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An international kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a related injury.
