Every contest counts down the stretch, with several huge results in week 14 that may settle play-off positions by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a huge challenge and could have concluded the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
Three huge rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a tough close success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial rushing score in almost three years, however it was his long throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a thrilling contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing conditions.
The outcome handed one side a slender lead in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
In Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. That indicates the club has played almost every available contest during his time.
Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were highlighted during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several key players out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, but failed kicks and critical dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
Two powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are making compelling cases for championship favorites.
One team, atop their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the league in sacks and victories through methodical, long possessions.
The second team, leading the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable running attack to complement an exceptional passing game.
A key matchup could be whether the potent offence could solve the relentless pressure of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled talk about a possible retirement.
Hearing Mahomes state, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he wants to do following this campaign," he continued. If the season ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner might choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen passed for 3 scores and ran for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.
Allen is the first player in league annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten rushing scores in three straight campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a upset victory in soggy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise watched its franchise QB come back from injury, only to leave the game again with a related injury.
