Every matchup counts from here on in, with a number of enormous conclusions in week 14 that may settle postseason spots come the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a huge challenge and may have concluded the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
Three huge rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a hard-fought close success in Baltimore. He recorded his first running score in almost three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was out of sync as Baltimore missed key chances—though they were frustrated by a late score being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the regular season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to thwart another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The outcome gave one team a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the losers dropped from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
During his seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This indicates the team has competed in almost each available contest during his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are evident and were summed up during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players missing.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, however missed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of top teams from the western divisions are building strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, atop their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long drives.
The other team, leading the other conference, showcased an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running attack to pair with an exceptional aerial game.
The question would be whether the potent offense could handle the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled speculation about a possible retirement.
Hearing him say, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," he continued. Should the season ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x champion winner could choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a wintry win. He threw 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
Allen is the only quarterback in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.
Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders once more as they aim to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific receiver caught two scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling team watched its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the game again with a related ailment.
