Every contest matters from here on in, with a number of huge outcomes in week 14 that could settle postseason positions come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while Josh Allen virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge problem and may have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
Three huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a tough 27-22 success in on the road. He notched his first running touchdown in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key chances—although they were left fuming by a late score being overturned. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid conditions.
The outcome gave one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' seven complete years as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and five championship games. This indicates the club has competed in nearly every possible game during his tenure.
So, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, but failed field goals and costly drops—such as on a decisive fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
Two top teams from the western divisions are making strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One team, atop their conference, claimed the most recent title held at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The other contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable running game to complement an exceptional passing attack.
A key matchup would be whether the potent offence could handle the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a possible departure.
Hearing Mahomes state, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," he continued. Should the year concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time champion winner could decide to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. He threw 3 scores and ran for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.
He is the first player in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver scored two touchdowns and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An international kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise QB return from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a related ailment.
