Every matchup is crucial from here on in, with some enormous conclusions in the fourteenth week that could decide postseason positions come the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a huge problem and could have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of huge divisional battles delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought close win in Baltimore. He scored his first rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long passes to his star wideout that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team missed crucial opportunities—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. The two teams will meet again on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a epic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
This outcome gave one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the conference's top spot all the way to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
In his seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and five championship games. This means the club has played nearly every possible contest throughout his time.
Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, however missed kicks and crucial dropped passes—such as on a key fourth-down attempt—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong cases for championship contention.
One team, leading their conference, won the last Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, long possessions.
The other contender, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground game to pair with an elite passing game.
The question would be whether the potent offence can solve the smothering pass rush of the top defense—a a must-watch playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked rumors about a potential departure.
Listening to Mahomes state, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," he continued. If the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner could decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines 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, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the only player in NFL annals with three thousand pass yards, twenty TD passes and ten running scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo 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 score—the biggest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star receiver caught two touchdowns and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling team watched its star QB come back from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a related injury.
