Every matchup is crucial down the stretch, with a number of enormous conclusions in week 14 that may decide postseason berths by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a major setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of massive rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first running score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These teams will meet once more on the final weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a epic encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
This result handed one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
In his seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in nearly every available game throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are evident and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, but missed field goals and costly dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the West Coast conferences are making strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The second team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to complement an exceptional aerial game.
A key matchup would be whether the high-flying offense can handle the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a potential retirement.
Hearing Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes continued. Should the year ends early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry win. He threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total scores this season.
Allen is the only player in league history with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten rushing scores in three consecutive campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An international placekicker helped his squad in a surprise win in soggy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise watched its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar ailment.
