Each game counts down the stretch, with some huge results in week 14 that might decide postseason berths by the end of the season.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge challenge and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
Three massive rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought close win in Baltimore. He notched his initial running score in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were angry by a late touchdown being chalked off. These franchises will meet once more on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing weather.
The outcome gave one side a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team fell from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During Mahomes' seven full years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. This indicates the team has competed in nearly every possible contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with multiple key players out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, but missed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast conferences are making strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The second team, atop the other conference, showcased an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground game to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.
The question could be if the high-flying offense could handle the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled rumors about a potential departure.
Hearing Mahomes say, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do what he wants to do following this season," he continued. If the season ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran might decide to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a snowy win. Allen passed for 3 scores and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An international kicker helped his squad in a upset win in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise watched its star QB come back from injury, only to exit the game once more with a related injury.
