Each contest counts from here on in, with a number of enormous results in week 14 that may decide postseason spots by the end of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a big setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a significant problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
Three huge division clashes delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a tough 27-22 win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial running score in almost three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as his team missed crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a late score being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a classic contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.
This outcome handed one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
In his seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. This indicates the team has played nearly every possible game during his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several starters out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, but failed kicks and critical dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, atop their conference, won the last title held at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long drives.
The second contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable ground game to complement an exceptional aerial game.
A key matchup could be whether the potent offence can solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—a a must-watch playoff matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled talk about a potential retirement.
Listening to Mahomes state, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this season," Mahomes continued. If the year ends early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen threw three scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's total scores this season.
Allen is the first quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.
Now, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific receiver scored two scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise win in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise watched its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a similar ailment.
