Every game is crucial from here on in, with a number of huge outcomes in week 14 that could settle play-off spots come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge problem and could have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Exceed the Expectations
A trio of massive division clashes delivered.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a tough close victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long passes to his top wideout that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team missed key chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid conditions.
This result handed one team a slender lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
In his seven complete years as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That indicates the team has competed in nearly every available game throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with several starters missing.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, however failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
Two top teams from the western conferences are building strong arguments for championship contention.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The second contender, leading the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable ground attack to complement an exceptional aerial game.
A key matchup could be if the potent offence can solve the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked rumors about a potential departure.
Hearing Mahomes say, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes added. If the year ends early for the team, the 3x champion veteran might decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy victory. He threw 3 scores and ran for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total scores this year.
He is the first player in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD passes and ten rushing touchdowns in three straight seasons.
Now, he puts the team on his back again as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a similar ailment.
