Each matchup is crucial from here on in, with some massive results in week 14 that might determine postseason positions come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge challenge and could have concluded the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of massive rivalry games delivered.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. He scored his first rushing touchdown in almost three years, however it was his long passes to his top receiver that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore missed key chances—although they were angry by a late touchdown being nullified. These teams will meet once more on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a epic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing weather.
The result handed one side a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the losers fell from the conference's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven full years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and five championship games. That indicates the club has competed in almost every available contest during his tenure.
So, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already struggling offensive line, with several key players out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, however failed kicks and costly drops—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
Two top contenders from the West Coast conferences are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, leading their the AFC, won the most recent title played at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, long possessions.
The second contender, atop the NFC, showcased an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground game to complement an elite passing attack.
The question would be if the high-flying offense can withstand the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked speculation about a potential retirement.
Hearing him say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this campaign," he continued. If the season ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner might decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall scores this year.
He is the first player in NFL annals with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten running touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they try to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play next.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star receiver caught 2 scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas kicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
- A team that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise watched its franchise QB return from injury, only to leave the game once more with a similar ailment.
