Every game counts at this stage, with some massive results in the fourteenth week that could decide postseason berths come the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while Josh Allen virtually terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a huge challenge and could have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
Three critical divisional battles delivered.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought close victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were angry by a late score being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another late-game rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the freezing conditions.
This outcome handed one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
In his 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. This means the club has competed in almost each possible game during his tenure.
So, the causes for this year's failure are apparent and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several key players missing.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, but failed field goals and costly drops—including on a key fourth down play—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
Two powerhouse teams from the western conferences are making compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, atop their conference, won the last Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The other team, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running attack to pair with an exceptional passing attack.
A key matchup could be if the potent offense can handle the smothering pressure of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled rumors about a potential retirement.
Listening to him say, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," he continued. If the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner might choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for his team in a wintry win. Allen threw three scores and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total scores this year.
Allen is the first player in league history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 running scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end notched his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An international kicker helped his squad in a upset victory in soggy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise watched its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a related injury.
