Each contest is crucial from here on in, with some massive results in week 14 that could determine play-off spots come the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a major setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a huge challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Hype
Three huge divisional battles did not disappoint.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a classic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid conditions.
This result gave one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the conference's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That means the club has played nearly each available contest during his tenure.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are clear and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already struggling O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, however missed kicks and critical drops—such as on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
Two powerhouse teams from the western conferences are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent title held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The second contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed running game to pair with an exceptional aerial game.
The question would be if the potent offense could handle the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end fueled speculation about a potential retirement.
Hearing Mahomes say, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes continued. If the year concludes early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner could decide to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England 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 staggering percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
Allen is the only quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD throws and ten running scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored two scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An international placekicker helped his team in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise watched its star QB return from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.
