Every game is crucial from here on in, with several huge outcomes in week 14 that could decide play-off berths come the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a massive challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
A trio of huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought 27-22 success in Baltimore. He scored his initial running score in nearly three years, however it was his deep passes to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as Baltimore missed key opportunities—though they were angry by a late score being chalked off. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the regular season.
In another, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid weather.
This result gave one team a slender lead in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
In Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and five championship games. That means the team has played almost each possible game during his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are evident and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players missing.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, but missed kicks and critical drops—such as on a pivotal fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
Two top contenders from the West Coast conferences are making strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, atop their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The other team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed running attack to pair with an exceptional passing attack.
The question would be if the high-flying offense could handle the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked speculation about a potential departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," he added. If the year concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might choose to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen passed for three touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's overall scores this year.
He is the first player in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Now, he puts the Bills on his back again as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a upset win in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise saw its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the game once more with a similar injury.
