Each contest matters from here on in, with several massive results in the fourteenth week that may settle postseason berths come the end of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while Josh Allen all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge challenge and could have concluded the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of massive rivalry games delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought close success in Baltimore. He recorded his first rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the league saw a epic encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid conditions.
The outcome gave one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This means the team has played almost every possible game throughout his tenure.
So, the reasons for the current failure are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players missing.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, however failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are making strong cases for championship favorites.
One squad, leading their conference, claimed the last title held at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.
The second team, leading the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable running attack to pair with an elite passing attack.
The question could be if the high-flying offence can solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled speculation about a potential departure.
Hearing Mahomes say, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he wants to do after this campaign," he added. Should the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner could decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen threw 3 scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's total scores this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in three straight campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they aim to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored 2 scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
- A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling team watched its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a similar injury.
