Each game is crucial from here on in, with a number of enormous results in the fourteenth week that might decide play-off positions come the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a huge problem and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
A trio of huge division clashes delivered.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first rushing score in almost three years, but it was his deep throws to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as his team missed key opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. The two franchises will meet again on the final weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young QB in the frigid weather.
This result handed one team a slender lead in their division, while the defeated team plummeted from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
During Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. That means the club has played nearly each possible game throughout his tenure.
So, the reasons for this year's failure are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several key players missing.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, but missed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are making strong arguments for championship favorites.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the league in sacks and victories through methodical, long possessions.
The second contender, leading the NFC, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground attack to complement an elite aerial game.
A key matchup would be if the potent offense can withstand the relentless pressure of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end fueled rumors about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the season ends early for the team, the 3x champion winner could choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a wintry victory. Allen passed for three scores and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's overall scores this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running touchdowns in three straight seasons.
Now, he puts the Bills on his back again as they try to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—and, that's precisely who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An international kicker helped his team in a surprise win in rainy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise watched its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a similar injury.
