Each game counts from here on in, with a number of enormous results in week 14 that might settle postseason spots come the end of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a massive challenge and could have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three massive rivalry games did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought close success in on the road. He recorded his initial running touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his star receiver that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as his team missed crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a late score being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the regular season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to thwart another late-game comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid weather.
This result gave one side a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
In Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five championship games. That indicates the club has played almost every available contest throughout his tenure.
So, the reasons for this year's struggles are apparent and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several key players out.
Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, however failed field goals and crucial drops—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of top contenders from the West Coast divisions are making strong cases for Super Bowl contention.
One team, leading their conference, claimed the most recent title played at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, long possessions.
The other team, leading the NFC, showcased an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground attack to complement an exceptional aerial game.
A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offense could solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.
Discussion: 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 rumors about a possible retirement.
Listening to Mahomes state, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the year ends early for the team, the three-time champion winner might decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's overall scores this season.
Allen is the first quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty TD passes and ten rushing scores in 3 consecutive seasons.
Next, he puts the Bills on his back again as they try to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored 2 scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its star quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the game again with a related injury.
