Every game counts from here on in, with several enormous conclusions in week 14 that could decide play-off spots by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while Josh Allen virtually terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge problem and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
Three massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a tough close success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his long passes to his star receiver that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team missed key opportunities—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
The result handed one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
During Mahomes' 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the team has competed in almost each possible contest throughout his time.
So, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were summed up during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already struggling offensive line, with multiple key players missing.
Even then, the quarterback provided his team a chance, but missed kicks and critical drops—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are making compelling arguments for championship contention.
One squad, leading their conference, claimed the most recent title played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, long drives.
The other contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running attack to pair with an elite passing game.
The question could be if the potent offence can handle the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked rumors about a potential departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing 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 season," Mahomes continued. Should the year concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner could decide to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He threw 3 scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall scores this year.
Allen is the only quarterback in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten running scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star wide receiver scored two scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An international kicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A team that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise saw its star quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the game once more with a similar injury.
