Each matchup counts from here on in, with a number of huge results in week 14 that may settle postseason spots by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a massive challenge and may have concluded the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of huge division clashes lived up to the hype.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial running score in almost three years, but it was his long throws to his top receiver that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial chances—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. The two franchises will meet once more on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting young QB in the frigid weather.
This outcome handed one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
In Mahomes' seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. That indicates the club has competed in almost each available game during his time.
So, the causes for this year's failure are apparent and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players missing.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, however missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
Two top teams from the West Coast divisions are making strong cases for championship favorites.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent title played at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long drives.
The other team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground game to complement an elite passing attack.
A key matchup would be whether the potent offence can withstand the smothering pressure of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a potential retirement.
Hearing him state, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the season ends early for the team, the 3x champion veteran could choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's total scores this year.
He is the first player in NFL annals with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten rushing scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored two touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end notched his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An overseas kicker helped his squad in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise QB come back from injury, only to leave the contest again with a related ailment.
