Every game matters from here on in, with several huge conclusions in week 14 that may decide postseason spots come the end of the season.
A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype
Three massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 victory in Baltimore. He recorded his initial running touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed key opportunities—though they were frustrated by a late touchdown being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the regular season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young QB in the freezing weather.
This result gave one team a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers fell from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
In Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and five championship games. This means the team has competed in nearly each available game throughout his time.
So, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with several key players missing.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, however failed kicks and costly dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of top contenders from the western conferences are making strong cases for Super Bowl contention.
One team, atop their conference, won the most recent title held at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long drives.
The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground attack to complement an exceptional aerial game.
The question would be whether the potent offense can solve the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked speculation about a potential departure.
Hearing him say, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," he added. Should the season concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time champion winner might choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy win. He threw three touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's total scores this year.
Allen is the only player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they aim to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An international kicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in soggy weather.
- A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise saw its franchise QB return from injury, only to exit the game again with a related injury.
