Every matchup is crucial down the stretch, with some enormous outcomes in week 14 that might settle play-off spots by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a significant challenge and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
A trio of massive rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a tough close victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running score in almost three years, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as his team missed key chances—though they were frustrated by a late score being overturned. The two franchises will meet again on the final weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a classic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
The outcome handed one side a slender advantage in their division, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
During Mahomes' seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That means the club has played nearly each possible contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several starters out.
Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, but missed kicks and crucial dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of top contenders from the West Coast divisions are making strong cases for Super Bowl contention.
One team, leading their conference, claimed the most recent title held at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long possessions.
The second contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable running game to complement an exceptional passing attack.
The question could be if the high-flying offense can solve the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he wants to do after this season," Mahomes continued. Should the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner might choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He passed for three touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total scores this year.
Allen is the first player in league history with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific receiver caught 2 scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An international placekicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise watched its franchise QB return from injury, only to leave the game again with a similar ailment.
