Each contest counts from here on in, with a number of massive results in week 14 that may settle play-off positions come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while Josh Allen virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge challenge and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Exceed the Expectations
Three huge division clashes did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a tough close win in Baltimore. He recorded his initial running touchdown in almost three years, but it was his long throws to his star receiver that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—though they were angry by a late touchdown being overturned. The two teams will meet again on the final day of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a epic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.
This outcome handed one team a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
During his 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This means the club has competed in nearly each possible contest during his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are clear and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players missing.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, however failed kicks and costly drops—including on a key fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the western divisions are making strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, atop their conference, claimed the most recent title held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The other contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground game to complement an exceptional aerial game.
A key matchup would be if the potent offence could handle the smothering pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled speculation about a possible retirement.
Hearing Mahomes state, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran could decide to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a snowy victory. He passed for three scores and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's total touchdowns this season.
Allen is the first quarterback in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 rushing scores in three consecutive seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they try to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star receiver caught two touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
- An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in soggy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling team watched its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a related ailment.
