Every contest matters from here on in, with some massive conclusions in week 14 that might decide play-off spots come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a significant challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Hype
A trio of massive divisional battles did not disappoint.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first running touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as his team missed crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a late score being overturned. The two teams will meet again on the last day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
This result handed one team a narrow advantage in their division, while the losers fell from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' 7 complete years as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and five championship games. That indicates the team has played nearly each available contest throughout his tenure.
So, the reasons for the current failure are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with multiple key players missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, but failed kicks and critical dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are making strong cases for championship contention.
One squad, leading their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long drives.
The other team, atop the NFC, showcased an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running game to pair with an elite aerial attack.
The question would be if the high-flying offence could handle the relentless pressure of the top defense—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end fueled rumors about a possible departure.
Listening to him state, "each year... 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 choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a snowy win. Allen passed for three scores and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's total touchdowns this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Now, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise win in rainy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise watched its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to exit the game once more with a related ailment.
