Every contest is crucial from here on in, with a number of enormous results in week 14 that may decide play-off spots by the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a massive problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of huge rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a tough 27-22 success in Baltimore. He notched his first running touchdown in almost three years, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as his team missed key chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid conditions.
This result gave one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
During his seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This means the club has played almost each possible contest throughout his tenure.
So, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, but failed kicks and crucial drops—including on a key fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making strong cases for championship contention.
One team, atop their the AFC, won the last title held at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The other contender, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable running attack to pair with an elite passing attack.
The question could be if the potent offence could withstand the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled speculation about a possible retirement.
Hearing him state, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner might decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten running touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored two touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in soggy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a related injury.
