Every game matters from here on in, with some massive conclusions in week 14 that could settle play-off berths by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge challenge and could have concluded the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
Three critical rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a tough 27-22 success in on the road. He scored his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, but it was his long passes to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were frustrated by a late score being nullified. The two franchises will meet again on the last day of the regular season.
In another, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a epic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid conditions.
This outcome gave one team a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This indicates the team has played almost each possible contest during his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with several starters out.
Even then, Mahomes gave his team a chance, but failed kicks and critical dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are making strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent title held at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long possessions.
The second contender, leading the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable running game to pair with an elite passing attack.
A key matchup could be if the potent offence could handle the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled speculation about a potential retirement.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he continued. If the year ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion winner could choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a snowy win. He threw 3 touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total touchdowns this season.
Allen is the first quarterback in league history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten running scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An international kicker helped his squad in a surprise win in soggy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a related injury.
