Each game counts from here on in, with a number of enormous conclusions in week 14 that might settle play-off positions by the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a massive challenge and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
A trio of massive division clashes lived up to the hype.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a gritty 27-22 victory in Baltimore. He notched his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team missed key opportunities—although they were angry by a late touchdown being nullified. The two teams will meet again on the final day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league saw a epic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing conditions.
The outcome handed one side a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
In Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and five championship games. This indicates the club has competed in nearly each available game throughout his tenure.
So, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters out.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his team a chance, however failed field goals and critical drops—such as on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are making strong cases for Super Bowl contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, won the last title played at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, long possessions.
The other team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed running attack to complement an exceptional passing attack.
A key matchup would be whether the potent offense can handle the relentless pressure of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled talk about a potential retirement.
Hearing him state, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this season," he added. If the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could choose to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a snowy win. Allen threw 3 scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this season.
Allen is the first player in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten running scores in three consecutive seasons.
Now, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling team saw its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar injury.
