Every matchup counts from here on in, with some massive conclusions in week 14 that may settle play-off berths by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Anticipation
A trio of huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close victory in on the road. He scored his first rushing touchdown in almost three years, however it was his deep passes to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were frustrated by a late touchdown being chalked off. These teams will meet once more on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing conditions.
The outcome handed one side a narrow lead in their division, while the defeated team dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
During his 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. That indicates the club has played nearly every available contest during his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, however failed kicks and critical drops—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
Two top teams from the western divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent title held at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The second contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground attack to pair with an exceptional passing game.
A key matchup would be whether the potent offense can handle the relentless pressure of the top defense—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled rumors about a possible departure.
Hearing Mahomes state, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this season," Mahomes added. If the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen threw 3 scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this year.
Allen is the only player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 running scores in three straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver scored two touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An international placekicker helped his team in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise watched its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a related injury.
