Each matchup matters down the stretch, with several enormous outcomes in week 14 that could decide postseason positions come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge problem and could have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
Three huge rivalry games delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a gritty close success in on the road. He recorded his initial running score in almost three years, however it was his long passes to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting young QB in the freezing conditions.
This outcome gave one side a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In Mahomes' seven complete years as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That indicates the club has played nearly each available contest during his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, however failed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
Two top teams from the West Coast divisions are making compelling arguments for championship favorites.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent title played at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long drives.
The other team, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground attack to pair with an elite passing attack.
The question would be if the high-flying offence could handle the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked talk about a possible retirement.
Hearing him say, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He threw three touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
He is the first quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running scores in three straight campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star receiver scored two scores and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise watched its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.
