Every contest is crucial from here on in, with some huge outcomes in week 14 that may decide play-off positions come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a massive challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of massive rivalry games delivered.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. He notched his first rushing score in almost three years, however it was his deep passes to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing conditions.
This outcome handed one team a slender lead in their division, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
During his 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and 5 championship games. This means the team has competed in nearly each possible contest throughout his time.
So, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, however missed field goals and costly dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong arguments for championship favorites.
One team, leading their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long drives.
The other contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground game to complement an elite aerial attack.
The question would be whether the high-flying offense could withstand the relentless pressure of the elite defense—a a must-watch playoff showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a potential departure.
Hearing him say, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," he continued. Should the season ends early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He passed for 3 scores and ran for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
Allen is the only player in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD passes and 10 running scores in three straight seasons.
Next, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started 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 dominant defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An international kicker helped his team in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling team watched its franchise QB return from injury, only to exit the game once more with a related injury.
