Every contest matters from here on in, with a number of huge outcomes in week 14 that could settle postseason spots come the end of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a massive challenge and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
Three huge rivalry games did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a tough 27-22 win in on the road. He notched his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team missed key opportunities—though they were frustrated by a late score being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid weather.
This outcome gave one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team fell from the conference's top spot all the way to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. This means the club has played nearly every available contest during his tenure.
So, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable O-line, with several starters missing.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his team a chance, but missed field goals and crucial drops—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the western conferences are building strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, atop their conference, won the last title played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an dynamic offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable ground attack to pair with an elite passing attack.
The question could be whether the potent offence can handle the smothering pressure of the elite defense—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked talk about a possible retirement.
Hearing Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner might choose to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen passed for three scores and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the only quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty TD throws and ten rushing touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a related injury.
