Every matchup matters down the stretch, with some huge results in week 14 that may settle postseason berths by the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive challenge and may have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of huge rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a gritty 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his first rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long passes to his star wideout that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team missed key chances—although they were left fuming by a late touchdown being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing conditions.
The outcome handed one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team fell from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
In Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. This means the club has played almost every available contest throughout his time.
So, the reasons for this year's failure are clear and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with several starters out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and critical drops—such as on a pivotal fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
Two top teams from the western divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the last title played at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The second contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running game to complement an elite aerial game.
A key matchup could be if the potent offence can handle the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a possible retirement.
Hearing Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes added. Should the season ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a snowy win. Allen threw 3 scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this season.
He is the first player in league annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 rushing scores in 3 consecutive seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver caught 2 scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise win in rainy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a related injury.
