Aaron Rodgers Maintains Postseason Dreams Breathing, Yet Could This Be The End for the Kansas City Chiefs? Top Stories from NFL Week 14
Each game matters from here on in, with some huge results in week 14 that might decide play-off berths by the end of the season.
A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a big setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge problem and could have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype
A trio of huge division clashes delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his team to a gritty close win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his first running score in nearly three years, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were left fuming by a late score being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the regular season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting young QB in the freezing conditions.
This outcome handed one team a narrow lead in their division, while the defeated team plummeted from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During Mahomes' 7 full years as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and five championship games. That indicates the team has competed in almost each possible contest during his time.
So, the reasons for this year's struggles are evident and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback provided his team a chance, but missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of top contenders from the western divisions are making strong cases for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, atop their conference, won the last title held at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The second team, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable ground attack to pair with an exceptional aerial game.
A key matchup would be whether the high-flying offence can withstand the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked speculation about a possible departure.
Listening to him say, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," he continued. Should the season concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner might decide to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a wintry win. Allen passed for 3 scores and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's total scores this season.
He is the first player in league history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten running touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific receiver caught two touchdowns and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An international placekicker helped his squad in a upset victory in soggy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a similar injury.