Every contest counts at this stage, with a number of huge results in the fourteenth week that might determine postseason positions by the end of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a significant challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
Three critical divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty 27-22 win in on the road. He recorded his first rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a epic contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid conditions.
This result handed one team a slender lead in their division, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In his seven full years as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and 5 championship games. This means the team has played nearly every available contest throughout his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are apparent and were summed up during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, however missed kicks and costly dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth-down play—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
Two top teams from the West Coast conferences are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One team, leading their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long drives.
The other team, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running attack to complement an elite passing attack.
The question could be whether the potent offence can solve the smothering pressure of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked speculation about a possible retirement.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this season," he continued. If the year ends prematurely for the team, the three-time champion veteran could choose to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a wintry victory. He passed for three touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.
He is the first player in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD throws and ten rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he puts the team on his back again as they aim to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver caught 2 scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise watched its star QB return from injury, only to leave the game once more with a related ailment.
