Every game matters at this stage, with several huge outcomes in week 14 that could decide postseason spots come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge challenge and could have concluded the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
Three massive divisional battles did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his team to a tough 27-22 success in on the road. He scored his initial rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing conditions.
The result gave one side a narrow lead in their division, while the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
In Mahomes' seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. This indicates the team has played almost each available game during his tenure.
So, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a chance, but missed kicks and critical dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the western conferences are building strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One team, leading their conference, claimed the last title played at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The other contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable ground game to pair with an elite aerial game.
The question could be if the potent offence can withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked talk about a potential retirement.
Listening to Mahomes state, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this season," he continued. Should the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could choose to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen threw three scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the first player in league history with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten running touchdowns in three straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling team saw its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the game again with a similar injury.
