Every matchup matters down the stretch, with several massive outcomes in week 14 that could determine postseason berths come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a significant challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a tough close victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing score in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his star wideout that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed key chances—although they were frustrated by a late score being chalked off. These franchises will meet once more on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league saw a classic contest. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing weather.
This outcome gave one team a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team dropped from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
During Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and five championship games. This means the club has played nearly each possible contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, Mahomes gave his team a fighting chance, but missed field goals and costly drops—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, leading their conference, claimed the last title held at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the league in sacks and victories through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The second contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed running attack to pair with an elite aerial game.
The question could be whether the potent offence can handle the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a possible departure.
Listening to him say, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. If the year concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x champion veteran might choose to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for his team in a wintry win. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's total scores this season.
Allen is the only player in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD throws and 10 rushing scores in three straight campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they try to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An international placekicker helped his squad in a upset win in rainy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the game once more with a similar injury.
