Each game counts at this stage, with a number of massive outcomes in week 14 that could decide play-off berths come the end of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a huge challenge and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
Three critical division clashes lived up to the hype.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the regular season.
In another, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting young QB in the frigid conditions.
The result gave one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
During his 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship games and five championship games. That indicates the club has played nearly every available game throughout his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several key players missing.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, but missed kicks and costly drops—including on a pivotal fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are building strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, leading their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long drives.
The second team, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running attack to pair with an elite passing attack.
The question could be whether the potent offence could withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked rumors about a potential departure.
Listening to Mahomes state, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," he added. Should the season ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner could choose to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a wintry win. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall scores this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running touchdowns in three straight campaigns.
Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling team watched its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a similar ailment.
