Every game matters from here on in, with several enormous outcomes in week 14 that could settle postseason positions come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while Josh Allen virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge challenge and may have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
Three massive divisional battles did not disappoint.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a gritty 27-22 victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial rushing touchdown in almost three years, but it was his long passes to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were left fuming by a late score being overturned. These teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid weather.
The outcome gave one team a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team dropped from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
During Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship contests and five championship games. This means the club has competed in nearly every possible contest during his tenure.
So, the reasons for this year's failure are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, however failed kicks and crucial dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are making compelling cases for championship contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The other team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable running attack to pair with an elite aerial game.
The question would be whether the potent offence could solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked rumors about a possible departure.
Hearing him state, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this season," he continued. If the year concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time champion winner might choose to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen passed for three scores and ran for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.
He is the only quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD passes and 10 running scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders once more as they aim to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver scored two scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was shutout 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 again with a similar ailment.
