Each game counts from here on in, with a number of massive outcomes in week 14 that may determine postseason spots come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a massive challenge and could have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Exceed the Hype
A trio of massive rivalry games did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a tough close victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young QB in the freezing conditions.
The result gave one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
During his 7 complete years as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This indicates the club has competed in nearly every available game during his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were summed up during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, but failed field goals and costly drops—including on a pivotal fourth down play—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the West Coast divisions are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, atop their conference, claimed the last title held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The other team, atop the other conference, showcased an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed running attack to complement an elite aerial attack.
The question would be whether the potent offense can handle the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—a a fascinating playoff showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled speculation about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran could choose to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a snowy win. He threw 3 scores and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this year.
Allen is the first quarterback in league history with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he puts the Bills on his back again as they try to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver caught 2 scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise QB return from injury, only to exit the game once more with a related ailment.
