Each game matters from here on in, with several enormous results in week 14 that may determine play-off spots by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a massive challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of massive divisional battles delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a tough close success in Baltimore. He notched his initial rushing score in almost three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were angry by a late score being nullified. The two franchises will meet once more on the last day of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a thrilling contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
This result gave one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers dropped from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the team has competed in nearly every possible game during his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are apparent and were highlighted during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, however failed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth down play—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of top teams from the western conferences are making strong cases for championship favorites.
One squad, atop their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long possessions.
The other contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed running attack to complement an elite aerial game.
The question could be if the high-flying offense can handle the relentless pressure of the top defense—a a fascinating potential showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled rumors about a potential departure.
Listening to him state, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. If the season ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a wintry victory. Allen threw 3 scores and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's overall scores this year.
Allen is the only player in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten running touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific receiver caught two touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a surprise win in rainy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise watched its star quarterback return from injury, only to exit the contest again with a similar injury.
