Each contest is crucial at this stage, with a number of massive results in week 14 that may decide play-off positions come the end of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge challenge and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype
Three massive rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a tough close victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep passes to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was out of sync as Baltimore missed key chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. These teams will meet once more on the final weekend of the regular season.
In another, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young QB in the freezing weather.
This outcome gave one team a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team dropped from the conference's top spot all the way to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
In Mahomes' 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. That indicates the team has played nearly every available game during his time.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a chance, however missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth down play—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
Two top contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong cases for championship favorites.
One team, atop their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long possessions.
The other team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable ground attack to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.
The question would be whether the potent offence can handle the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled rumors about a potential retirement.
Hearing him state, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," he added. If the year ends early for the team, the three-time champion winner might decide to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen passed for three scores and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this season.
He is the only player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 running scores in 3 consecutive seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ 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 offense.
- A prolific receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a related injury.
