Each contest counts from here on in, with some massive outcomes in week 14 that could decide play-off positions by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a significant problem and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Hype
A trio of huge divisional battles delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running score in almost three seasons, but it was his long passes to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team missed key chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young QB in the freezing weather.
This result handed one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
In his seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. That means the team has played nearly every available game during his tenure.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several starters out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, however failed kicks and critical drops—including on a key fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast divisions are building strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, leading their conference, claimed the last title held at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long possessions.
The other team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable running game to complement an elite passing game.
The question could be if the high-flying offence could withstand the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a potential departure.
Hearing Mahomes state, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this campaign," he added. If the season ends prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a snowy win. Allen threw three touchdowns and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this season.
Allen is the first player in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten rushing touchdowns in three straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver scored two scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise watched its franchise QB come back from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.
