Every contest counts from here on in, with some huge outcomes in week 14 that may decide postseason berths by the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a significant problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of huge rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a tough close success in Baltimore. He scored his first running touchdown in almost three years, however it was his long passes to his top wideout that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore missed key chances—though they were angry by a late score being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a epic encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing conditions.
This outcome handed one team a slender advantage in their division, while the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
In Mahomes' seven complete years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in nearly each possible contest during his time.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are apparent and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters out.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a chance, however missed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
Two top teams from the West Coast divisions are making strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the last title held at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long possessions.
The second contender, atop the NFC, showcased an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed running attack to complement an exceptional passing game.
A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offence could solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked talk about a potential retirement.
Listening to Mahomes state, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he wants to do after this campaign," he continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He threw 3 scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall scores this year.
Allen is the first quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD throws and 10 running touchdowns in three straight campaigns.
Now, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific receiver caught two scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise saw its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to exit the contest again with a similar ailment.
