Every game matters from here on in, with a number of massive conclusions in week 14 that could determine play-off positions by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a huge challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Hype
Three massive rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty 27-22 win in on the road. He notched his first rushing touchdown in almost three years, however it was his deep passes to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game comeback from the opposing young QB in the frigid weather.
This outcome gave one side a narrow lead in their division, while the losers plummeted from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
In Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This means the team has competed in nearly each available contest during his time.
So, the reasons for the current failure are apparent and were summed up during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already struggling offensive line, with multiple starters out.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, however missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a key fourth down play—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
Two top contenders from the West Coast divisions are building strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the last title held at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the league in sacks and victories through grinding, long possessions.
The other team, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground game to complement an elite passing attack.
The question would be if the high-flying offence can solve the smothering pass rush of the top defense—a a must-watch potential showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a potential retirement.
Listening to Mahomes state, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. If the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might choose to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He passed for three scores and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
Allen is the first player in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, twenty TD passes and 10 running touchdowns in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit 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 biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver scored two scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An overseas kicker helped his squad in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise watched its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a related ailment.
