Each matchup counts from here on in, with a number of huge results in the fourteenth week that might decide postseason positions come the end of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three critical divisional battles delivered.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought close win in Baltimore. He scored his initial rushing score in nearly three years, but it was his long throws to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed crucial chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a classic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game comeback from the visiting young QB in the freezing weather.
The result handed one team a narrow lead in their division, while the losers fell from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In Mahomes' seven complete years as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. That indicates the club has played almost every possible game during his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were summed up during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, however failed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are making strong arguments for championship favorites.
One team, atop their the AFC, won the most recent title held at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the league in sacks and victories through methodical, long drives.
The second contender, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground attack to pair with an elite passing game.
The question would be if the potent offence can withstand the relentless pass rush of the top defense—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," he continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner might decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen passed for 3 scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this season.
Allen is the first player in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Now, he puts the team on his back again as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored two touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling team watched its star quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the contest again with a related injury.
