Each game matters down the stretch, with several massive conclusions in week 14 that could decide play-off berths by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a significant problem and could have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Expectations
Three huge division clashes lived up to the hype.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a tough 27-22 win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as his team missed crucial chances—though they were left fuming by a late touchdown being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the regular season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The outcome gave one team a slender lead in their division, while the defeated team fell from the conference's top spot all the way to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In his seven complete years as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and five championship games. That means the team has played almost every available game throughout his time.
So, the causes for this year's failure are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with several key players missing.
Despite that, Mahomes provided his team a chance, however failed field goals and crucial drops—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of top teams from the western conferences are making compelling cases for championship contention.
One squad, atop their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long drives.
The second team, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable ground game to pair with an elite passing game.
The question would be if the high-flying offence can handle the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked speculation about a possible retirement.
Hearing Mahomes state, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," he continued. If the year ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might decide to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy victory. Allen passed for three scores and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's overall touchdowns this season.
He is the first quarterback in league annals with three thousand pass yards, twenty TD throws and ten rushing touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in soggy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its star quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a similar injury.
