Every contest is crucial from here on in, with a number of massive conclusions in week 14 that may determine postseason berths come the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a significant challenge and may have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
Three critical divisional battles delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought close victory in Baltimore. He notched his initial running touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a late score being nullified. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league saw a classic contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the opposing young QB in the frigid conditions.
This result handed one team a narrow lead in their division, while the defeated team dropped from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
During Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. This means the club has competed in almost every available game throughout his time.
So, the reasons for this year's failure are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, however missed kicks and critical drops—such as on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the western divisions are building compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, leading their the AFC, won the last title held at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The other contender, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground game to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.
The question could be if the high-flying offense can solve the smothering pressure of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked rumors about a potential retirement.
Listening to him state, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes added. If the season ends early for the team, the three-time champion winner could choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen threw three scores and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the first quarterback in league history with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD throws and 10 rushing scores in three straight campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star receiver caught two scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar ailment.
