Every game counts down the stretch, with several huge conclusions in the fourteenth week that could settle postseason positions by the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a significant problem and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Anticipation
A trio of huge division clashes did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a hard-fought close win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his star wideout that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as his team missed key chances—though they were frustrated by a late score being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
This result handed one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
During Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship games and five championship games. This means the team has competed in nearly every available game throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players missing.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, however missed kicks and critical drops—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast divisions are making strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The other team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running attack to pair with an exceptional passing game.
The question could be whether the potent offence can solve the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked rumors about a potential departure.
Hearing him say, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," he added. Should the year ends prematurely for the team, the three-time champion winner could choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen threw three touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total touchdowns this season.
He is the first quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 running scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Now, he puts the Bills on his back again as they aim to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling team watched its franchise QB return from injury, only to leave the contest again with a similar injury.
