Rodgers Sustains Postseason Hopes Breathing, Yet Could This Be The End for the Chiefs? Key Moments from NFL Week 14
Each contest matters at this stage, with some massive results in the fourteenth week that could determine postseason positions come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
Three massive divisional battles delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. He notched his first running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep passes to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were angry by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two franchises will meet again on the last day of the regular season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league saw a thrilling contest. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid conditions.
This result gave one team a slender lead in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the conference's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
In his seven complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and 5 championship games. This indicates the team has played nearly every available game during his time.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are clear and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, however missed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a key fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
Two top contenders from the western conferences are building compelling arguments for championship favorites.
One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent title held at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the league in sacks and victories through methodical, long drives.
The other contender, leading the other conference, showcased an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground game to pair with an exceptional passing attack.
The question could be whether the high-flying offence can solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked speculation about a possible retirement.
Listening to him say, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. If the season ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might decide to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy win. He threw 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's total scores this year.
Allen is the first player in league history with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten running touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Week 15 Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star receiver scored two scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
- An international kicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar ailment.