Each game is crucial down the stretch, with several massive results in week 14 that might decide postseason spots by the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while Josh Allen virtually terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a significant challenge and could have ended the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
Three huge divisional battles delivered.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 success in on the road. He scored his initial running touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team missed crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league saw a epic contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young QB in the freezing weather.
This outcome handed one team a slender lead in their division, whereas the losers fell from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong 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 initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
In his 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five championship games. That means the team has played nearly every available contest during his time.
So, the reasons for the current failure are evident and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several starters out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and costly dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth-down play—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are building compelling cases for championship favorites.
One team, atop their conference, won the last title played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long drives.
The other contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable running game to complement an elite aerial attack.
The question would be if the high-flying offence can withstand the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked talk about a possible departure.
Hearing Mahomes say, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," he added. If the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner could choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
Allen is the only quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten running scores in three straight seasons.
Now, he puts the Bills on his back again as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
- An international kicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise saw its star QB return from injury, only to leave the game once more with a similar ailment.