Each game matters at this stage, with several enormous results in week 14 that might determine postseason berths by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a massive challenge and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
A trio of massive rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought 27-22 win in Baltimore. He notched his first running score in almost three years, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—though they were left fuming by a late score being nullified. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league saw a epic encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another late-game rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the freezing conditions.
The result handed one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
In his seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That means the team has played nearly every available contest during his time.
So, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, however missed kicks and costly drops—including on a decisive fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are building strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, atop their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The second team, leading the other conference, showcased an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground game to complement an elite passing attack.
The question would be if the potent offense could handle the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled rumors about a potential departure.
Listening to him state, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," he added. Should the season ends early for the team, the three-time champion winner could decide to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a snowy win. He threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total scores this season.
He is the only player in league annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten running touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.
Next, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in soggy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its star quarterback return from injury, only to exit the contest again with a similar ailment.
