Each contest counts at this stage, with a number of huge results in week 14 that could decide postseason positions come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense posed a significant problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
Three massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a tough 27-22 victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial running touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team missed crucial opportunities—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league saw a classic encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing conditions.
This outcome gave one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
During Mahomes' 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That means the team has played almost every available contest during his time.
So, the reasons for this year's failure are clear and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters out.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, however missed kicks and crucial dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the West Coast conferences are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One team, atop their conference, won the most recent title held at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the league in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The second team, atop the other conference, showcased an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed running game to pair with an elite passing game.
The question would be if the high-flying offence could withstand the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked speculation about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes continued. If the year ends early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could choose to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a wintry victory. He passed for 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's total scores this season.
Allen is the first player in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten running scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his back once more as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in soggy weather.
- A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a related injury.
