Each contest counts from here on in, with several massive results in week 14 that might determine postseason spots by the end of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive challenge and could have finished the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
Three massive division clashes did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought close success in on the road. He notched his first running touchdown in nearly three years, but it was his long throws to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a late touchdown being overturned. The two franchises will meet once more on the final weekend of the regular season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league saw a classic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another late-game comeback from the visiting young QB in the frigid conditions.
The outcome handed one side a slender lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the conference's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the club has competed in nearly each possible game throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are apparent and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple key players out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, however missed kicks and crucial drops—including on a pivotal fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
Two powerhouse teams from the western conferences are making strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, leading their conference, claimed the last title held at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The second contender, leading the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running attack to complement an exceptional passing attack.
The question could be if the potent offense can solve the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled rumors about a potential departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this season," he continued. If the season concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could choose to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a wintry win. He passed for 3 scores and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's overall scores this season.
He is the first quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD passes and 10 running touchdowns in three straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An international kicker helped his team in a surprise win in rainy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling team saw its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a similar injury.
