Every matchup is crucial at this stage, with a number of enormous conclusions in week 14 that could determine play-off positions by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
Three huge rivalry games delivered.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a tough close win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first running score in nearly three years, but it was his deep passes to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being overturned. These franchises will meet once more on the final weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a epic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing weather.
This result handed one side a narrow lead in their division, while the losers dropped from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
During his 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the club has played nearly every possible contest throughout his tenure.
So, the causes for the current struggles are evident and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with several starters out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, but missed kicks and critical dropped passes—including on a key fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are building compelling cases for championship contention.
One squad, atop their the AFC, won the most recent title held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long possessions.
The other team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground attack to complement an elite passing attack.
A key matchup could be if the high-flying offence could solve the smothering pressure of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end fueled speculation about a possible retirement.
Listening to Mahomes state, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner might choose to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this season.
He is the first quarterback in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten running touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling team saw its franchise QB come back from injury, only to exit the game again with a related ailment.
