Each contest counts down the stretch, with some massive results in the fourteenth week that might settle postseason berths come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a huge problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
Three huge rivalry games delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a tough close win in on the road. He notched his first rushing score in almost three years, but it was his deep throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were frustrated by a late touchdown being nullified. The two franchises will meet once more on the last day of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the league saw a epic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid weather.
This result gave one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team fell from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
In Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in almost each possible game during his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are evident and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several starters out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, however failed kicks and costly drops—such as on a key fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
Two powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are building compelling arguments for championship contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, won the most recent title played at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long possessions.
The other team, atop the NFC, showcased an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable running game to complement an exceptional aerial attack.
The question could be if the high-flying offense can withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled speculation about a potential departure.
Listening to him say, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he wants to do following this season," he continued. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion veteran could choose to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy win. He passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's overall scores this year.
He is the only player in league history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 running scores in three straight campaigns.
Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a surprise win in soggy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling team watched its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a similar injury.
