Each contest matters at this stage, with several enormous outcomes in week 14 that could decide play-off positions come the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a massive problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Hype
Three critical divisional battles did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought close win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial rushing score in almost three seasons, but it was his long passes to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key chances—although they were angry by a late touchdown being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a thrilling contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing weather.
This result gave one team a narrow advantage in their division, while the defeated team dropped from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. That indicates the team has played almost every available game throughout his time.
So, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with several starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, however failed field goals and costly dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of top contenders from the western divisions are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One team, atop their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long drives.
The other contender, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running game to pair with an exceptional aerial game.
The question could be whether the high-flying offence could handle the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—a a must-watch potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a possible departure.
Hearing him state, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," he continued. Should the year ends early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner could choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for his team in a snowy victory. He passed for three touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total scores this season.
Allen is the only player in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing scores in three straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise saw its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar ailment.
