Each game matters down the stretch, with some massive conclusions in week 14 that could settle play-off positions by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a massive challenge and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three massive division clashes did not disappoint.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought close win in on the road. He recorded his initial rushing score in almost three years, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team missed key opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being chalked off. These franchises will meet again on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.
The outcome gave one side a slender lead in their division, whereas the losers fell 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 Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During his 7 complete years as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and five championship games. This indicates the team has competed in almost every available contest during his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already struggling offensive line, with several starters out.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, however failed field goals and critical drops—such as on a pivotal fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of top contenders from the western divisions are building compelling arguments for championship contention.
One squad, leading their conference, won the last title held at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.
The other team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running game to complement an exceptional aerial game.
The question could be if the high-flying offense could solve the smothering pressure of the elite defense—a a fascinating potential showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled rumors about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this campaign," he continued. Should the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might decide to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a snowy victory. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's total touchdowns this year.
Allen is the first player in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Now, he puts the Bills on his back again as they aim to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end notched his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a related injury.
