Every game counts at this stage, with a number of massive outcomes in week 14 that may decide play-off berths by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a huge problem and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
A trio of huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 success in on the road. He notched his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, but it was his long passes to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as Baltimore missed key opportunities—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a classic encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The outcome gave one team a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
During his seven full years as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That means the team has played nearly each possible contest during his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable O-line, with several starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, however missed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the last title played at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The other team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground attack to complement an exceptional passing game.
The question could be whether the potent offence could solve the smothering pressure of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a potential retirement.
Hearing Mahomes state, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed 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 wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. If the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner might decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen threw 3 scores and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.
He is the first quarterback in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in three straight seasons.
Next, he puts the team on his back again as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver caught two scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a surprise win in rainy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling team saw its star QB come back from injury, only to leave the contest again with a related ailment.
