Each game is crucial from here on in, with a number of enormous results in week 14 that might decide play-off berths by the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a huge challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Hype
Three huge rivalry games did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a gritty close victory in Baltimore. He notched his initial running score in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed crucial chances—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the regular season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a thrilling contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game rally from the opposing young QB in the freezing weather.
The outcome handed one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That means the club has competed in almost each possible contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with several starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, however missed kicks and costly drops—including on a decisive fourth down play—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are making strong arguments for championship favorites.
One team, atop their conference, won the last Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The other team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to complement an exceptional aerial attack.
The question could be whether the potent offense can withstand the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled rumors about a potential departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. If the year concludes early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might decide to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry win. He passed for 3 scores and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's total scores this year.
Allen is the only quarterback in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, twenty TD passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 consecutive seasons.
Now, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An overseas kicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise watched its star quarterback return from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a similar ailment.
