Each game counts from here on in, with some enormous outcomes in the fourteenth week that could decide postseason positions come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
Three critical divisional battles did not disappoint.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought close victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team missed key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a late touchdown being nullified. These teams will meet again on the last day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a epic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
The outcome handed one team a slender advantage in their division, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
During Mahomes' 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the club has competed in nearly each possible game during his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his team a chance, however failed field goals and critical drops—such as on a decisive fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are building compelling arguments for championship favorites.
One squad, leading their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in sacks and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The other team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground attack to complement an exceptional passing game.
The question would be if the potent offence can withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled talk about a potential retirement.
Hearing Mahomes say, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. If the year concludes early for the team, the 3x champion winner could choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen passed for three scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's overall scores this season.
He is the only player in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD passes and ten running touchdowns in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they aim to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver caught two scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An international kicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in soggy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a related injury.
