Every matchup is crucial at this stage, with several massive results in week 14 that could determine postseason spots come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a major setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a massive problem and could have concluded the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
Three huge division clashes did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a tough close win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial rushing touchdown in almost three years, but it was his long throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team missed crucial chances—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a classic contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid weather.
The result gave one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the conference's top spot down to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During his 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship games and five Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in nearly every possible contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are evident and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable O-line, with several key players out.
Despite that, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, however missed kicks and critical dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down play—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
Two top teams from the western conferences are making compelling cases for championship contention.
One team, atop their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The second team, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground attack to pair with an exceptional aerial game.
The question could be if the potent offence can handle the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked rumors about a potential retirement.
Hearing Mahomes say, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do what he wants to do following this season," he added. Should the season ends early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a wintry win. Allen threw 3 scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall scores this season.
He is the first quarterback in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten rushing touchdowns in three straight campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific receiver caught 2 scores and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An overseas kicker helped his squad in a upset win 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 watched its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a similar ailment.
