Each game is crucial from here on in, with several huge conclusions in week 14 that might settle postseason spots by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a massive problem and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of huge rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a tough 27-22 win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial rushing score in almost three years, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late score being chalked off. These franchises will meet again on the last weekend of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a epic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young QB in the freezing weather.
The outcome gave one side a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During his seven complete years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and 5 championship games. That indicates the club has played nearly each available game during his time.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are clear and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players missing.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, but missed field goals and critical drops—such as on a decisive fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are making compelling arguments for championship favorites.
One team, atop their conference, claimed the most recent title played at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, long drives.
The second team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground attack to pair with an elite aerial attack.
The question would be whether the potent offence can withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked speculation about a potential retirement.
Listening to Mahomes state, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes continued. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner could decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a snowy win. He passed for 3 scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
He is the first player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD throws and 10 rushing scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling team watched its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a related ailment.
