Each contest matters at this stage, with a number of massive outcomes in week 14 that may determine postseason positions come the end of the season.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge challenge and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Hype
A trio of massive divisional battles delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a gritty 27-22 win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long passes to his star wideout that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a late score being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the regular season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a epic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing conditions.
This outcome gave one team a slender lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During Mahomes' seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the team has played nearly each available contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with several key players out.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his team a chance, however missed field goals and crucial drops—including on a key fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are building strong arguments for championship contention.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The second contender, leading the other conference, showcased an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground attack to complement an exceptional aerial game.
The question would be whether the high-flying offense could solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked speculation about a possible retirement.
Hearing him say, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could choose to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a wintry victory. He passed for three scores and ran for one more, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this season.
He is the only player in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise saw its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a similar ailment.
