Each game is crucial from here on in, with a number of huge outcomes in the fourteenth week that could settle postseason positions by the end of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a significant problem and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Exceed the Expectations
A trio of massive rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a tough 27-22 win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last day of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league saw a classic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young QB in the freezing weather.
This result gave one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team dropped from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
In his 7 complete years as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. This means the team has competed in nearly every available contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are clear and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, however failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
Two powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are making compelling cases for championship favorites.
One team, atop their conference, claimed the last title played at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The other contender, leading the NFC, showcased an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable running attack to pair with an exceptional aerial game.
The question could be if the high-flying offence could solve the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked rumors about a possible retirement.
Hearing him say, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he continued. Should the season concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time champion veteran might choose to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a wintry victory. He passed for three touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total scores this year.
Allen is the first quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.
Now, he puts the team on his back again as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star wide receiver caught 2 scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
- An international kicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise watched its franchise QB return from injury, only to exit the contest again with a similar injury.
