Every game counts from here on in, with a number of huge outcomes in week 14 that may settle postseason positions come the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a major setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a significant problem and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
Three huge rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a gritty 27-22 victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his long throws to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as Baltimore missed key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These franchises will meet again on the last weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.
This result gave one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team fell from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. This means the team has played almost each possible game throughout his time.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several starters out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, but failed kicks and crucial dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are making compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent title played at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The other contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable ground attack to complement an elite aerial attack.
The question would be if the high-flying offence could solve the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a potential departure.
Hearing him say, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner could decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a snowy victory. He passed for 3 scores and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.
He is the only quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD throws and 10 running scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Next, he puts the team on his back again as they aim to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff 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 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An international placekicker helped his team in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise saw its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a similar injury.
