Each contest counts from here on in, with several huge results in the fourteenth week that could settle play-off spots by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge problem and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of massive division clashes delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a gritty 27-22 win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial rushing score in almost three years, but it was his long throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team missed crucial chances—though they were frustrated by a late touchdown being nullified. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last day of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The outcome handed one team a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
In Mahomes' seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. This means the team has played nearly every available game throughout his time.
So, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable O-line, with several starters out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, but failed kicks and crucial dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
Two top contenders from the West Coast divisions are building compelling arguments for championship favorites.
One team, atop their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The second contender, leading the other conference, showcased an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running attack to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.
A key matchup could be whether the potent offence can handle the relentless pressure of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked rumors about a possible departure.
Listening to him say, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this season," he added. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a wintry win. He passed for 3 scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
Allen is the only player in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 running scores in three consecutive campaigns.
Next, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ 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 score—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific receiver scored two scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An international kicker helped his team in a surprise win in rainy weather.
- A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling team saw its star QB come back from injury, only to leave the contest again with a similar ailment.
