Every matchup counts from here on in, with a number of enormous results in week 14 that could decide play-off berths come the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a significant problem and may have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype
Three critical divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a tough close success in Baltimore. He recorded his initial running score in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team missed key chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the regular season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a epic contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young QB in the freezing weather.
The result gave one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
In his 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That means the club has competed in almost each available contest during his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are evident and were summed up during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several key players out.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, but failed kicks and critical drops—such as on a key fourth-down play—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.
The other contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running game to pair with an exceptional passing game.
The question would be if the potent offense can handle the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—a a must-watch playoff showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked rumors about a potential retirement.
Listening to him say, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this season," he continued. Should the season ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran could choose to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a snowy win. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall scores this year.
Allen is the first quarterback in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten running touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play next.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored two scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An international placekicker helped his team in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a related ailment.
