Each contest is crucial from here on in, with a number of huge outcomes in the fourteenth week that could settle play-off positions come the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a huge challenge and may have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Hype
Three huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a tough close victory in Baltimore. He notched his first rushing score in nearly three seasons, but it was his long passes to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team missed key chances—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid weather.
This result handed one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five championship games. That indicates the club has played nearly every available game during his time.
So, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players out.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his team a chance, but failed field goals and costly drops—such as on a pivotal fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the West Coast divisions are building strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, leading their the AFC, won the most recent title held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The other contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed running game to pair with an exceptional passing attack.
The question would be whether the potent offence can withstand the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked rumors about a possible departure.
Listening to him say, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely 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," he added. If the year ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might decide to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a wintry victory. Allen passed for 3 scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall scores this season.
Allen is the first quarterback in league annals with three thousand pass yards, twenty TD throws and ten running scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver caught two scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a upset victory in rainy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise watched its star quarterback return from injury, only to exit the contest again with a related injury.
