Every game is crucial down the stretch, with a number of massive results in the fourteenth week that may decide play-off berths by the end of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a massive problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype
Three huge rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his top wideout that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore missed key chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a thrilling contest. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another late-game comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing weather.
The outcome gave one side a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team dropped from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
During his 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the club has competed in nearly every possible contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are evident and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several key players missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, but failed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
Two powerhouse teams from the western conferences are making strong cases for Super Bowl contention.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent title played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable running attack to complement an elite aerial attack.
The question would be whether the potent offense can withstand the smothering pressure of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled talk about a possible departure.
Listening to him state, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," he continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner might choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a snowy victory. He passed for three touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the first player in league history with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 running scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star receiver scored 2 scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling team watched its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a related injury.
