Every game matters from here on in, with some massive conclusions in week 14 that might settle postseason positions by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a huge problem and could have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Anticipation
Three huge division clashes did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a tough close victory in Baltimore. He recorded his initial rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two teams will meet once more on the final weekend of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the league saw a classic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid conditions.
The outcome gave one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the team has competed in almost every available contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are apparent and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, but failed kicks and crucial dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are building strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, atop their the AFC, won the most recent 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 second contender, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground game to complement an elite passing game.
A key matchup would be if the potent offense could solve the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch potential showdown.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled talk about a potential retirement.
Hearing him say, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he wants to do following this campaign," he continued. If the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran might choose to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a wintry win. He passed for 3 scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
Allen is the only player in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 rushing scores in three consecutive campaigns.
Next, he puts the Bills on his back again as they try to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end notched his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a upset win in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling team watched its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.
