Each game matters down the stretch, with several huge outcomes in week 14 that may determine postseason positions come the end of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge problem and may have concluded the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
A trio of critical rivalry games delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a gritty 27-22 win in on the road. He recorded his initial rushing touchdown in almost three years, but it was his long throws to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team missed key chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the regular season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.
The outcome handed one side a slender lead in their division, whereas the losers dropped from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
During his seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. This means the team has competed in almost each available contest during his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already struggling O-line, with several key players missing.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, but failed kicks and costly drops—including on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
Two top teams from the West Coast conferences are building strong arguments for championship favorites.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the last title played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The second team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground attack to complement an elite aerial attack.
A key matchup would be whether the potent offense can solve the smothering pressure of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled speculation about a potential departure.
Listening to him state, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the year ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner might decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He threw three scores and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's total scores this year.
He is the only player in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD passes and 10 rushing scores in three straight campaigns.
Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver caught two scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end notched his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An international placekicker 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 following week.
- A struggling team watched its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a related injury.
