Each game counts at this stage, with some massive results in the fourteenth week that may settle postseason berths by the end of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a huge challenge and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of huge rivalry games delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a tough close victory in Baltimore. He notched his initial rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a epic encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid weather.
The result gave one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
In his 7 full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That indicates the club has played nearly each available game during his time.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes gave his team a chance, but missed kicks and critical dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of top contenders from the western conferences are making compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, long drives.
The second contender, atop the other conference, showcased an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running attack to pair with an elite passing attack.
The question could be if the high-flying offense could handle the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—a a must-watch playoff matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled rumors about a possible departure.
Listening to him say, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he added. Should the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He passed for 3 scores and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
He is the first quarterback in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 running touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.
Next, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An international kicker helped his team in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a related injury.
