Every contest counts from here on in, with several enormous outcomes in week 14 that could decide play-off berths come the end of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a significant challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype
A trio of critical divisional battles did not disappoint.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a tough close victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial rushing score in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore missed key opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. These teams will meet once more on the final weekend of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting young QB in the freezing weather.
The outcome gave one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In his 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the club has played almost each available game during his time.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with several starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, but failed kicks and crucial dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the western divisions are making strong cases for championship contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, won the most recent title held at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long possessions.
The other team, leading the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground attack to pair with an exceptional passing attack.
The question could be if the potent offence can solve the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a potential departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely 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," he continued. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion winner could decide to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this year.
He is the only quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in three straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver scored 2 scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in soggy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise watched its star QB come back from injury, only to exit the game once more with a related ailment.
