Every game counts from here on in, with a number of huge outcomes in the fourteenth week that might decide play-off spots by the end of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a massive problem and may have concluded the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
Three huge divisional battles did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a gritty 27-22 win in on the road. He notched his initial running score in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his top receiver that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
This outcome handed one team a narrow lead in their division, while the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That means the club has competed in nearly each available contest during his time.
So, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were summed up during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with multiple key players out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a chance, however failed field goals and critical drops—including on a pivotal fourth-down play—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast conferences are making strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The other team, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable running game to complement an elite passing game.
A key matchup could be if the potent offence can withstand the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked talk about a potential departure.
Listening to Mahomes state, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," he added. If the season concludes early for the team, the three-time champion winner might decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's overall scores this year.
He is the first player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD passes and ten running touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.
Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star receiver scored 2 scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An international kicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a similar injury.
