Each game matters at this stage, with a number of huge conclusions in week 14 that could settle play-off spots by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a big setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge problem and may have concluded the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of huge rivalry games delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a tough 27-22 win in Baltimore. He notched his first running score in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his top receiver that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a epic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid weather.
The result handed one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the conference's top spot all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and five championship games. This means the team has played nearly each available contest throughout his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with several key players missing.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, but missed field goals and costly dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast divisions are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the league in sacks and wins through methodical, long possessions.
The other team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground attack to pair with an elite passing game.
The question would be whether the potent offense can solve the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating potential showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a possible departure.
Hearing Mahomes state, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this season," he continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion winner could decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen passed for three scores and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.
Allen is the only player in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, twenty TD throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.
Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a upset victory in soggy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise saw its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a similar ailment.
