Every contest counts from here on in, with several enormous results in week 14 that could decide postseason spots by the end of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a massive problem and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Expectations
Three huge rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close victory in Baltimore. He scored his initial running score in nearly three years, however it was his long passes to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were angry by a late score being chalked off. The two teams will meet once more on the final weekend of the regular season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a classic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing conditions.
The result gave one side a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
During Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That means the club has played almost every available game during his time.
So, the causes for this year's struggles are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several key players missing.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, however failed field goals and critical drops—including on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are making strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The second team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground attack to pair with an exceptional passing attack.
The question would be whether the high-flying offense can solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end fueled rumors about a potential retirement.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this season," he added. If the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen passed for 3 scores and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total touchdowns this year.
He is the first player in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in three straight seasons.
Now, he puts the team on his back once more as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—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 notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in rainy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling team watched its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the game again with a similar ailment.
