Each game matters from here on in, with a number of huge conclusions in the fourteenth week that could decide postseason berths by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a massive problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
A trio of massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in Baltimore. He scored his first rushing score in almost three years, but it was his long passes to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two franchises will meet again on the final weekend of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young QB in the freezing conditions.
The outcome handed one team a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team fell from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
During his 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This means the team has competed in nearly every available game during his tenure.
So, the causes for the current failure are evident and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, but failed kicks and critical drops—including on a pivotal fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
Two top contenders from the West Coast divisions are building compelling arguments for championship contention.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the last title played at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, long drives.
The other team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable running game to complement an elite passing attack.
The question could be if the high-flying offense could solve the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled speculation about a potential departure.
Hearing him state, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes added. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for his team in a snowy victory. Allen threw three touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
Allen is the first player in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a surprise win in rainy weather.
- A team that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise saw its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a related injury.
