Every contest counts from here on in, with several huge results in week 14 that might decide play-off spots by the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a big setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a significant challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Exceed the Anticipation
A trio of critical divisional battles did not disappoint.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a tough close victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his first running score in almost three years, however it was his long throws to his top wideout that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a late score being chalked off. These teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the regular season.
In another, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young QB in the frigid conditions.
The outcome handed one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% 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 organization in a ten years.
In Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and five Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in nearly every available game throughout his time.
So, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were summed up during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with multiple key players out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, however failed field goals and costly dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
A pair of top teams from the western conferences are making strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, atop their conference, won the last title held at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the league in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The other contender, atop the NFC, showcased an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground attack to pair with an elite aerial game.
The question would be if the potent offense can solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked talk about a possible departure.
Hearing Mahomes say, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he wants to do after this season," Mahomes added. If the year concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner could decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a snowy win. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the only quarterback in league history with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD throws and 10 running scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Next, he puts the team on his back once more as they aim to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific receiver caught two scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An international kicker helped his team in a upset win in rainy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.
