Every matchup matters down the stretch, with some huge outcomes in week 14 that may determine postseason berths by the end of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a huge problem and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Exceed the Hype
A trio of critical divisional battles did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a tough close win in on the road. He recorded his first running touchdown in almost three years, but it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two teams will meet once more on the final day of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a classic contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another late-game rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing conditions.
This result handed one side a slender lead in their division, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship games and five Super Bowls. This means the team has competed in almost every possible game during his time.
Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling O-line, with multiple key players missing.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, but failed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a key fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are building compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, atop their the AFC, won the last title played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The other contender, atop the NFC, showcased an dynamic offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to complement an elite passing game.
The question could be whether the potent offence could withstand the smothering pressure of the top 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' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," he added. If the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen passed for three scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's total scores this year.
He is the only player in league annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty TD passes and 10 rushing scores in three straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker 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 struggling team watched its franchise QB come back from injury, only to leave the contest again with a similar ailment.
