Every game counts down the stretch, with some massive results in week 14 that could settle postseason spots by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a huge problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
A trio of critical rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a gritty close victory in Baltimore. He notched his first rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were angry by a late score being chalked off. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid weather.
The result gave one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
In his 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This means the club has played almost every possible contest throughout his time.
So, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with several key players missing.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, but missed field goals and costly drops—such as on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the West Coast conferences are building compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an dynamic offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground game to pair with an exceptional passing attack.
A key matchup could be if the high-flying offense can solve the relentless pressure of the top defense—a a must-watch potential showdown.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled speculation about a possible departure.
Listening to him say, "every season... 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 added. If the year ends prematurely for the team, the three-time champion veteran could decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall scores this season.
He is the first player in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD passes and 10 running scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they aim to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific receiver caught 2 scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An international placekicker helped his squad in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise watched its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a similar ailment.
