Each contest matters down the stretch, with several huge outcomes in week 14 that might settle postseason spots come the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a massive challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Expectations
A trio of huge division clashes delivered.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought close victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his long passes to his top wideout that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was out of sync as his team missed key chances—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. The two teams will meet again on the last weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid weather.
The result handed one team a slender lead in their division, while the defeated team dropped from the conference's top spot all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
In Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This indicates the club has played almost each possible game throughout his tenure.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are clear and were highlighted during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters out.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, but failed field goals and critical drops—such as on a pivotal fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the western conferences are making strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One team, atop their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The second contender, atop the NFC, 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 elite aerial game.
A key matchup could be if the potent offense could withstand the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a possible retirement.
Hearing him say, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the year ends prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might choose to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's total touchdowns this year.
Allen is the first quarterback in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star receiver scored two touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in rainy weather.
- A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling team saw its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to leave the contest again with a related ailment.
