Every matchup matters down the stretch, with a number of enormous results in week 14 that might determine postseason berths by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a huge challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations
A trio of huge rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a tough 27-22 win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial rushing score in nearly three years, however it was his long throws to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team missed crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a late touchdown being nullified. The two franchises will meet again on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing weather.
The result gave one side a slender lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
In his 7 full years as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This means the club has competed in almost every possible contest throughout his time.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable O-line, with several starters out.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, but missed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are making strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, atop their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The second team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to complement an elite aerial game.
A key matchup would be whether the potent offence could withstand the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked talk about a possible departure.
Hearing Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this season," he added. If the season concludes early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner might choose to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a snowy win. He passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the first player in league annals with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored 2 scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An international kicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise watched its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a related injury.
