Every game counts down the stretch, with several massive outcomes in week 14 that might decide postseason berths come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense posed a massive challenge and could have finished the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of massive divisional battles delivered.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial rushing score in nearly three seasons, but it was his long throws to his star receiver that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a classic contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to halt another late-game rally from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The result gave one team a narrow lead in their division, while the losers fell from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
In his seven complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and five championship games. That indicates the team has competed in nearly each possible contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are clear and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already struggling O-line, with multiple key players out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, but missed kicks and critical dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are making strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, long possessions.
The second team, atop the NFC, showcased an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground game to complement an elite passing game.
A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offense could solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled speculation about a potential departure.
Listening to him say, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this season," he continued. If the year ends prematurely for the team, the three-time champion veteran might choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
Allen is the only player in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 rushing scores in three consecutive seasons.
Now, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face next.
Major Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff 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 two touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An international kicker helped his squad in a upset victory in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling team watched its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a related injury.
