Every game counts at this stage, with a number of massive results in week 14 that might decide postseason spots come the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge problem and may have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
Three huge division clashes did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial running score in nearly three years, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—although they were angry by a late touchdown being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a classic contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing conditions.
The result gave one team a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team dropped from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
During Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This indicates the club has competed in nearly every possible contest throughout his time.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are evident and were summed up during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already struggling O-line, with several starters out.
Despite that, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and crucial drops—such as on a pivotal fourth-down play—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are building strong cases for championship contention.
One team, atop their conference, claimed the last title played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The other team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running attack to pair with an elite passing attack.
A key matchup would be if the potent offence could handle the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a possible departure.
Hearing him state, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this season," he continued. If the year ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner might choose to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen passed for three touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's total touchdowns this year.
He is the first quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten running scores in three consecutive campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they try to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star receiver scored two touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling team watched its franchise QB return from injury, only to leave the contest again with a similar injury.
