Every matchup matters from here on in, with a number of huge outcomes in week 14 that could decide postseason berths by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive challenge and may have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
Three huge rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first rushing touchdown in almost three years, however it was his deep passes to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as his team missed crucial opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two franchises will meet once more on the last day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a epic contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another late-game rally from the opposing young QB in the frigid conditions.
The result handed one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team dropped from the conference's top spot all the way to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During his 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five championship games. That indicates the club has competed in nearly each possible game during his time.
So, the causes for the current failure are clear and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several key players out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, but missed kicks and critical dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the western divisions are making strong cases for championship contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent title held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The other contender, leading the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable ground game to pair with an exceptional aerial game.
The question would be whether the potent offense can handle the smothering pressure of the elite defense—a a fascinating potential showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a potential retirement.
Hearing Mahomes say, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," he continued. Should the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might decide to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a snowy victory. Allen threw three scores and ran for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total scores this season.
He is the first player in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD throws and ten rushing touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.
Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star wide receiver scored two scores and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An international kicker helped his squad in a upset win in soggy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling team watched its star quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the game once more with a similar injury.
