Each game counts from here on in, with several huge outcomes in week 14 that might decide postseason spots by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a massive challenge and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three massive divisional battles delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought close success in on the road. He scored his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, but it was his long throws to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These franchises will meet again on the final weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league saw a epic encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.
This outcome handed one side a narrow lead in their division, whereas the defeated team fell from the conference's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
During his seven complete years as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the team has played almost each possible game throughout his time.
So, the reasons for this year's struggles are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already struggling O-line, with several starters out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, but failed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are making strong arguments for championship favorites.
One squad, leading their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.
The other team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable running game to pair with an exceptional passing attack.
The question would be whether the potent offense could solve the relentless pass rush of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked rumors about a possible departure.
Hearing him state, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he continued. If the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner might choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a snowy win. He passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's total scores this season.
He is the only quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD passes and ten rushing scores in 3 consecutive seasons.
Now, he puts the team on his back once more as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored two scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a upset win in rainy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise watched its franchise QB return from injury, only to exit the game once more with a related injury.
