Each game is crucial from here on in, with a number of huge results in week 14 that could settle play-off positions by the end of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype
Three massive division clashes did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his first rushing score in almost three years, but it was his long passes to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a late touchdown being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the regular season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a classic encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young QB in the freezing weather.
This outcome gave one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the conference's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship games and five championship games. That indicates the club has competed in almost each possible game during his tenure.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are evident and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, however failed field goals and crucial drops—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are building strong cases for championship favorites.
One team, atop their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long 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 two-headed ground attack to pair with an exceptional passing game.
The question could be if the potent offense can withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked rumors about a possible retirement.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the year ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion winner could decide to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. He threw 3 scores and ran for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall scores this year.
Allen is the only quarterback in league history with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 running touchdowns in three straight seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific receiver caught two scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An international kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar ailment.
