Every matchup counts from here on in, with a number of massive outcomes in week 14 that could decide play-off positions by the end of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a massive problem and may have concluded the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations
A trio of huge rivalry games delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a gritty close victory in Baltimore. He scored his initial running touchdown in almost three years, however it was his long throws to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league saw a classic encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing weather.
The outcome gave one team a slender lead in their division, while the losers dropped from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. This indicates the team has played nearly each possible contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were highlighted during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players out.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his team a chance, however failed field goals and costly drops—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
Two top contenders from the western divisions are building compelling arguments for championship favorites.
One team, atop their conference, won the last Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The second team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable ground attack to pair with an elite passing attack.
The question would be whether the high-flying offence can solve the smothering pass rush of the top defense—a a fascinating potential showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked rumors about a possible retirement.
Listening to him say, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the season concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner might decide to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He passed for three scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's overall touchdowns this year.
Allen is the first player in league history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they try to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in rainy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling team watched its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar ailment.
