Each game counts from here on in, with several massive outcomes in the fourteenth week that could settle play-off berths by the end of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge problem and could have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
Three critical divisional battles did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial rushing score in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore missed key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a late touchdown being nullified. The two teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a classic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing weather.
The outcome handed one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
During his seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. That indicates the team has competed in almost each possible game during his tenure.
So, the reasons for the current failure are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players missing.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, however failed kicks and critical dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
Two powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are building strong arguments for championship favorites.
One team, leading their conference, claimed the most recent title held at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The second contender, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to complement an exceptional aerial game.
A key matchup could be if the potent offence could solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled rumors about a potential departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner might choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a wintry victory. Allen threw three scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's overall scores this season.
Allen is the first player in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten rushing scores in three consecutive seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star wide receiver scored two scores 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 record.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in soggy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling team saw its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to leave the contest again with a related ailment.
