Each game matters at this stage, with a number of massive outcomes in week 14 that may settle play-off spots come the end of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a massive challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of huge divisional battles did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 success in Baltimore. He scored his first running touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These franchises will meet once more on the last day of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.
The result gave one side a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team fell from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
In his 7 full years as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. That means the club has played nearly each available game during his time.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already struggling O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Despite that, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, however failed kicks and crucial drops—including on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the western conferences are building compelling cases for championship favorites.
One squad, atop their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long drives.
The second team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to complement an elite aerial attack.
The question could be whether the high-flying offence could solve the relentless pressure of the top defense—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked rumors about a possible departure.
Listening to him say, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes continued. If the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran might decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a wintry victory. Allen passed for three scores and ran for one more, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall scores this year.
He is the first player in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD passes and 10 running touchdowns in three straight campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star receiver scored two scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its star quarterback return from injury, only to exit the game again with a related injury.
