Each game counts from here on in, with a number of massive results in week 14 that may decide play-off spots by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a significant problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
Three massive rivalry games delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his team to a tough 27-22 success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial running score in almost three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a classic encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing conditions.
The result gave one team a slender lead in their division, while the losers fell from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
During Mahomes' 7 full years as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the club has competed in nearly every available game throughout his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are evident and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several starters out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, however failed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
Two top teams from the western divisions are building strong arguments for championship favorites.
One team, atop their conference, won the last Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The other team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground attack to complement an exceptional passing game.
A key matchup would be whether the high-flying offense can withstand the smothering pressure of the elite defense—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a possible retirement.
Listening to him say, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the season ends early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner could decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen threw three scores and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this season.
He is the only player in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD throws and 10 running scores in three consecutive campaigns.
Next, he puts the team on his back again as they aim to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored two touchdowns and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling team watched its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a similar injury.