Every game counts from here on in, with several enormous conclusions in week 14 that may settle play-off spots by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge challenge and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
Three huge division clashes did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 success in Baltimore. He recorded his first running touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his long throws to his star wideout that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team missed key chances—though they were left fuming by a late touchdown being nullified. These teams will meet again on the final day of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a classic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing weather.
The outcome gave one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
During Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and 5 championship games. That indicates the club has competed in almost every possible game throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are evident and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several key players missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, however failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of top contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the last title held at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, long drives.
The second team, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running game to pair with an elite passing game.
The question could be whether the high-flying offense could withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked talk about a possible departure.
Hearing him state, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he continued. Should the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran might decide to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry win. He threw 3 scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall scores this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in league annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division foes, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver caught two touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a similar injury.
