Each game counts from here on in, with several huge conclusions in week 14 that could decide postseason spots by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while Josh Allen virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge problem and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
Three massive divisional battles did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought close win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial running score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was out of sync as his team missed key chances—although they were frustrated by a late score being overturned. These 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. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid conditions.
This result gave one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
During his 7 full seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and five championship games. That indicates the team has competed in almost every available contest throughout his time.
So, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were summed up during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his team a chance, however failed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
Two powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are building strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, leading their conference, claimed the most recent title played at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long drives.
The second contender, leading the other conference, showcased an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running game to pair with an elite aerial attack.
The question could be whether the potent offence could handle the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked speculation about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was bracing 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," he added. Should the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner might decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
Allen is the only player in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in three straight campaigns.
Next, he puts the Bills on his back again as they try to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver caught two touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a upset win in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling team saw its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a related ailment.
