Every contest is crucial from here on in, with some huge results in the fourteenth week that could decide play-off positions come the end of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
Three huge division clashes lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. He scored his initial rushing score in nearly three years, however it was his deep passes to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game rally from the opposing young QB in the frigid weather.
This result gave one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
In his 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and five Super Bowls. This indicates the team has played nearly every available game throughout his time.
So, the reasons for this year's failure are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, however failed kicks and costly drops—including on a key fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are building strong cases for championship contention.
One squad, atop their conference, won the last Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long possessions.
The second contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable ground attack to complement an exceptional passing game.
A key matchup would be whether the high-flying offence can solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—a a must-watch potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled talk about a possible departure.
Listening to him say, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. If the year ends early for the team, the three-time champion veteran might decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy win. He threw three touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's total scores this season.
Allen is the first player in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD passes and 10 rushing scores in three straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star receiver scored 2 scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An international kicker helped his team in a surprise win in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise watched its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a related injury.
