Each matchup counts from here on in, with several massive outcomes in week 14 that may settle play-off berths come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge problem and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
A trio of critical division clashes did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a tough close win in on the road. He recorded his initial running score in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team missed crucial chances—although they were angry by a late score being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young QB in the frigid weather.
This result gave one side a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team fell from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
During his seven complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That indicates the team has played nearly each available contest during his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already struggling offensive line, with several starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, but failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are building compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, leading their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long possessions.
The other team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground attack to complement an exceptional passing game.
A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offense can handle the relentless pass rush of the top defense—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled speculation about a potential retirement.
Hearing him say, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," he continued. If the year concludes early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might choose to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's total touchdowns this season.
Allen is the first quarterback in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in three consecutive seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver scored two touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An international placekicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its star QB come back from injury, only to leave the game again with a similar injury.
