Every game counts down the stretch, with several enormous outcomes in week 14 that could settle postseason spots come the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a significant challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three massive rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a hard-fought close win in Baltimore. He recorded his first running score in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his top wideout that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore missed key opportunities—although they were left fuming by a late touchdown being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a classic contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid weather.
This result handed one team a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That means the club has competed in nearly every available game during his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are evident and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes gave his team a fighting chance, however missed kicks and crucial dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are making compelling arguments for championship favorites.
One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent title held at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.
The other team, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable running game to complement an elite passing game.
The question could be if the high-flying offense could handle the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked speculation about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," he added. Should the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran might decide to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen threw 3 scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.
Allen is the first quarterback in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in three straight campaigns.
Now, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored two scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling team saw its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the game again with a related injury.
