Every contest matters down the stretch, with several enormous conclusions in week 14 that might settle play-off spots come the end of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge problem and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Hype
A trio of huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought close success in on the road. He recorded his initial rushing score in almost three seasons, however it was his long passes to his top receiver that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed key opportunities—though they were frustrated by a late score being chalked off. The two franchises will meet once more on the final day of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a epic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing weather.
This outcome handed one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
During Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship games and five championship games. That means the team has competed in nearly every possible game throughout his time.
So, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players out.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, however missed kicks and costly dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong arguments for championship favorites.
One team, atop their the AFC, won the last title played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The second team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable running game to complement an elite passing attack.
A key matchup could be if the high-flying offense could solve the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled talk about a potential retirement.
Listening to him state, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. If the year concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x champion winner could choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. He threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall scores this year.
Allen is the only player in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star receiver caught 2 scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise win in rainy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its franchise QB return from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a related ailment.
