Rodgers Keeps Postseason Hopes Breathing, Yet Is It The Conclusion for the Chiefs? Top Stories from NFL Week 14
Each contest counts from here on in, with several massive results in the fourteenth week that might decide play-off spots by the end of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a massive problem and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of massive division clashes delivered.
Seasoned quarterback 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 initial running score in almost three seasons, but it was his long throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed key opportunities—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a classic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid weather.
This result handed one team a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the losers fell from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
In his seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That indicates the club has played nearly every available game during his time.
So, the causes for this year's failure are apparent and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several key players out.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and crucial drops—including on a key fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are making strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, atop their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The other contender, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground attack to pair with an elite aerial attack.
A key matchup would be whether the high-flying offence can withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled rumors about a potential retirement.
Listening to Mahomes state, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," he continued. If the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a wintry win. Allen passed for three scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's total scores this year.
Allen is the first player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD passes and ten rushing touchdowns in three straight campaigns.
Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play next.
Key Week 15 Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling team watched its franchise QB come back from injury, only to exit the game once more with a similar injury.