Every game counts down the stretch, with several massive conclusions in the fourteenth week that could decide postseason berths by the end of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a massive challenge and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations
A trio of huge rivalry games delivered.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a tough close success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first rushing touchdown in nearly three years, but it was his long passes to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson was out of sync as his team missed key opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being nullified. These franchises will meet once more on the final weekend of the regular season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league saw a epic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
The outcome gave one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the conference's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
During his 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This means the club has competed in almost each possible game during his tenure.
So, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, however missed field goals and costly drops—including on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of top contenders from the West Coast divisions are making strong arguments for championship contention.
One squad, leading their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The second contender, leading the NFC, showcased an dynamic offense 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 pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled rumors about a possible departure.
Hearing Mahomes state, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the year ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner could decide to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen passed for three touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the first quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD throws and 10 running touchdowns in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star wide receiver caught 2 scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a upset victory in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to leave the game once more with a related ailment.
