Every game counts from here on in, with a number of huge results in week 14 that may settle postseason spots by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Hype
Three massive division clashes delivered.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty 27-22 win in on the road. He recorded his first running score in almost three years, but it was his deep throws to his top wideout that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team missed crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. These franchises will meet again on the final weekend of the regular season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league saw a epic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing weather.
The outcome gave one team a narrow advantage in their division, while the losers fell from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and five championship games. This means the team has played almost every possible game during his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several key players missing.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, however failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down play—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are making compelling cases for championship favorites.
One team, atop their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The other team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable running attack to pair with an elite aerial game.
A key matchup would be if the high-flying offence can withstand the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled rumors about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes state, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the year ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner might choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the only player in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten running scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored 2 scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An international kicker helped his squad in a surprise win in soggy weather.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise watched its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a related ailment.
