Each game matters down the stretch, with a number of huge outcomes in week 14 that could decide postseason positions come the end of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Hype
A trio of critical divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his team to a tough close victory in on the road. He recorded his initial running score in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his star receiver that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team missed crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two franchises will meet again on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young QB in the freezing weather.
The result handed one team a slender advantage in their division, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
In his 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That indicates the team has competed in almost each possible game throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with several starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, but missed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
Two top teams from the western divisions are building compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent title held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The other contender, leading the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground attack to pair with an exceptional aerial game.
A key matchup could be if the high-flying offence could handle the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled rumors about a potential departure.
Hearing him state, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the season ends prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a snowy victory. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total scores this year.
He is the only quarterback in league history with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten running scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star wide receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An overseas kicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
- A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise saw its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a related injury.
