Every game matters from here on in, with several massive conclusions in week 14 that could settle postseason positions by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a big setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a significant problem and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
Three critical rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought close victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team missed crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. The two franchises will meet again on the final weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a epic encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another late-game rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.
This outcome handed one team a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During Mahomes' 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. That means the team has played nearly each possible game during his time.
Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, but missed field goals and costly drops—such as on a decisive fourth-down play—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
Two powerhouse teams from the western divisions are building compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, leading their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an dynamic offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed running game to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.
A key matchup would be whether the potent offense could solve the smothering pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked talk about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes added. If the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner could decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a snowy victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the only quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running scores in three consecutive campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they aim to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored two touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end notched his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling team saw its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar ailment.
