Every contest counts at this stage, with a number of huge outcomes in week 14 that may determine postseason positions by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a big setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a massive problem and may have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of massive divisional battles delivered.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a gritty close victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running touchdown in almost three years, however it was his deep passes to his top receiver that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team missed crucial chances—though they were angry by a late touchdown being chalked off. These franchises will meet again on the final weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another late-game rally from the opposing young QB in the freezing conditions.
The result handed one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
During his seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship contests and five championship games. That means the team has competed in nearly each possible contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are clear and were summed up during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with multiple starters missing.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, but failed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
Two top contenders from the West Coast conferences are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, leading their the AFC, won the last title played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the league in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The second contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running attack to pair with an elite aerial attack.
The question could be if the high-flying offence can solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked rumors about a possible retirement.
Listening to him say, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this season," he continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner might decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a wintry victory. Allen threw 3 scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's total touchdowns this year.
Allen is the only quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.
Now, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star receiver scored two touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An international kicker helped his team in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise saw its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar ailment.
