Every matchup counts from here on in, with several huge results in the fourteenth week that may determine postseason berths come the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a massive problem and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of massive division clashes lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a gritty close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial running touchdown in almost three years, however it was his long throws to his star receiver that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two franchises will meet again on the last weekend of the regular season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a classic encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid weather.
The result handed one team a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. This indicates the team has played nearly every possible contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several starters out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, but missed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are making strong arguments for championship contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent title played at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long possessions.
The second team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed running attack to complement an exceptional passing game.
The question could be if the potent offense can solve the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled speculation about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes state, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," he continued. If the year concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time champion veteran could decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: 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 three scores and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall scores this year.
Allen is the first player in league history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 running touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored 2 scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An international placekicker helped his team in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling team saw its franchise QB return from injury, only to exit the contest again with a similar injury.
