Every contest matters at this stage, with some massive results in week 14 that may decide play-off berths come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge challenge and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Exceed the Expectations
Three massive division clashes delivered.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a tough 27-22 success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a epic encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid conditions.
The outcome gave one team a narrow lead in their division, while the defeated team dropped from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
In Mahomes' seven full years as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That indicates the club has competed in nearly every available contest throughout his time.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes gave his team a fighting chance, however failed kicks and costly drops—including on a decisive fourth-down play—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of top contenders from the West Coast divisions are making compelling cases for championship contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the last title played at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The second contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running game to pair with an elite passing game.
A key matchup could be if the potent offence could solve the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked talk about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes state, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this season," Mahomes continued. Should the year ends early for the team, the three-time champion veteran could decide to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a snowy win. Allen threw 3 scores and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's total touchdowns this year.
Allen is the only player in league annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty TD throws and ten running scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling team saw its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a related ailment.
