Each matchup counts from here on in, with several huge conclusions in week 14 that may decide play-off spots come the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a significant challenge and could have ended the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of massive divisional battles did not disappoint.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close success in on the road. He notched his first running score in almost three years, but it was his deep throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team missed key opportunities—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. The two teams will meet again on the last weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a epic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to halt another late-game comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing conditions.
This outcome gave one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team dropped from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
In Mahomes' seven full years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and five championship games. That means the club has competed in nearly each possible game throughout his time.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, however failed kicks and costly drops—such as on a key fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making strong cases for championship contention.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent title played at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long drives.
The other team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed running game to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.
A key matchup would be if the potent offense can solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked speculation about a possible departure.
Hearing Mahomes say, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this season," he added. Should the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He passed for 3 touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's total touchdowns this season.
Allen is the only player in league annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 running scores in three straight campaigns.
Now, he puts the Bills on his back again as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An international kicker helped his team in a upset win in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its star quarterback return from injury, only to exit the game once more with a similar injury.
