Every game counts at this stage, with a number of enormous results in week 14 that might decide play-off spots come the end of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a massive challenge and may have concluded the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of massive divisional battles delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 win in on the road. He notched his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team missed crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. The two franchises will meet again on the last weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The result handed one side a slender advantage in their division, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
During his seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That means the team has played nearly every possible contest during his time.
So, the reasons for this year's struggles are evident and were summed up during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with several key players missing.
Even then, Mahomes gave his team a chance, however missed field goals and critical drops—such as on a pivotal fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the West Coast divisions are making strong cases for championship contention.
One squad, leading their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the league in sacks and victories through grinding, long possessions.
The second team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.
The question could be if the high-flying offence can handle the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked talk about a potential departure.
Hearing Mahomes say, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this season," he added. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could choose to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a snowy victory. He passed for three scores and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total scores this season.
He is the only quarterback in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD throws and 10 running touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.
Now, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored two touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
- An international placekicker helped his squad in a upset win in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling team saw its star QB return from injury, only to leave the game again with a related injury.
