Every matchup counts down the stretch, with some massive results in week 14 that could decide postseason spots by the end of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a major setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a huge challenge and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
Three massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. He notched his first rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long passes to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed key chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a epic encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The result handed one team a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
In his 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in almost each possible game during his time.
So, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were summed up during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with several starters out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and costly drops—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the western divisions are making strong cases for championship favorites.
One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the league in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The other team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground attack to pair with an elite passing game.
A key matchup would be if the potent offence could handle the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled talk about a possible departure.
Hearing Mahomes say, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," he continued. Should the year ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner could choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He passed for three touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD throws and 10 running scores in three straight campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his back again as they aim to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
- An international kicker helped his team in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise watched its franchise QB come back from injury, only to leave the contest again with a related ailment.
