Every game matters from here on in, with some huge outcomes in week 14 that could settle postseason spots come the end of the season.
A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge challenge and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Exceed the Expectations
Three massive division clashes delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a tough close victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep passes to his star receiver that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
This outcome gave one team a slender advantage in their division, whereas the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
During his seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship games and five championship games. That means the club has played nearly every available contest throughout his tenure.
So, the causes for this year's failure are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, but failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth down play—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are building compelling arguments for championship favorites.
One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the last title played at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The second team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground game to pair with an exceptional passing game.
A key matchup would be whether the potent offence can withstand the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked rumors about a potential departure.
Listening to him say, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," he continued. If the season ends prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner could decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a wintry victory. Allen passed for three touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this season.
He is the first player in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten rushing scores in three consecutive seasons.
Next, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored two scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise saw its star QB come back from injury, only to exit the game again with a related ailment.
