Each contest counts from here on in, with several massive results in week 14 that may determine postseason positions by the end of the season.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a big setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a significant problem and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
A trio of massive division clashes lived up to the hype.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a tough close success in Baltimore. He scored his first running touchdown in almost three years, but it was his deep passes to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a late touchdown being chalked off. These teams will meet again on the final weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a classic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the freezing conditions.
The result handed one side a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers dropped from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.
Analysis: What Has 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 star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
In Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship games and five Super Bowls. This means the club has played almost every possible contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are evident and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with several key players out.
Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, but failed field goals and costly drops—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong cases for championship contention.
One squad, leading their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The other contender, atop the NFC, showcased an explosive offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable running attack to complement an exceptional aerial attack.
The question would be if the potent offence can withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defense—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled speculation about a potential departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this season," he continued. Should the season ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a wintry win. Allen threw three scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's total scores this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten running scores in three straight seasons.
Next, he puts the team on his back once more as they aim to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star wide receiver caught two scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
- An international kicker helped his team in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise watched its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a related injury.
