Every matchup is crucial from here on in, with a number of massive results in the fourteenth week that could settle postseason positions come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his deep passes to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being overturned. These teams will meet once more on the final day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a classic encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting young QB in the frigid conditions.
The outcome gave one side a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
In Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and five championship games. That means the team has competed in nearly each possible contest during his time.
Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already struggling O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his team a fighting chance, however failed field goals and crucial drops—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are building strong arguments for championship contention.
One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The second contender, leading the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable running game to pair with an elite passing game.
A key matchup could be if the high-flying offense could solve the relentless pass rush of the top defense—a a must-watch playoff showdown.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked talk about a potential retirement.
Hearing him say, "every year... 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 whatever he wants to do after this campaign," he continued. If the season ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner might choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry win. He threw three scores and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.
He is the first quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.
Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in rainy weather.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling team saw its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.
