Every matchup counts down the stretch, with some enormous results in the fourteenth week that could settle postseason positions come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a massive problem and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype
Three massive divisional battles did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a tough 27-22 victory in Baltimore. He notched his first rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as his team missed key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two teams will meet again on the last day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing conditions.
The outcome handed one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team fell from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
In his 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and five championship games. That means the club has competed in almost every possible game throughout his time.
So, the causes for this year's struggles are evident and were summed up during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable O-line, with several key players out.
Despite that, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, but missed kicks and crucial dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, leading their conference, claimed the last title played at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long drives.
The second contender, leading the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable running game to complement an elite aerial attack.
The question could be whether the potent offence could withstand the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled talk about a potential departure.
Hearing Mahomes say, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year ends early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner might decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a wintry win. He threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall scores this season.
He is the only player in league history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten rushing scores in 3 straight seasons.
Next, he puts the Bills on his back again as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific receiver scored two scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise saw its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar injury.
