Each game counts from here on in, with several enormous conclusions in the fourteenth week that may settle postseason spots come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a massive problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
A trio of massive division clashes did not disappoint.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a hard-fought close win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team missed crucial opportunities—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two franchises will meet once more on the last weekend of the regular season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young QB in the freezing conditions.
This outcome gave one side a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
In his 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and five championship games. This means the team has competed in almost every possible contest throughout his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players missing.
Even then, Mahomes gave his team a chance, but failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down play—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are making strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, leading their conference, won the last title played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long drives.
The second team, atop the NFC, showcased an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable running attack to complement an exceptional aerial attack.
The question would be whether the potent offense can solve the smothering pressure of the elite defense—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a possible retirement.
Hearing him say, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this season," he added. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen threw three scores and ran for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's total touchdowns this season.
He is the first player in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD passes and ten running scores in three consecutive seasons.
Next, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific receiver scored two touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a similar injury.
