Each contest matters down the stretch, with a number of massive results in week 14 that might settle postseason positions by the end of the season.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a massive challenge and may have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype
A trio of massive rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a hard-fought 27-22 win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, but it was his long throws to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed key chances—although they were left fuming by a late touchdown being overturned. The two teams will meet again on the last day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a thrilling contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to thwart another late-game rally from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid weather.
The result gave one side a slender lead in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of making the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During his 7 complete years as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in nearly every possible contest during his time.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players out.
Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, however failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are building compelling cases for championship contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, long possessions.
The second contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground attack to pair with an exceptional aerial game.
A key matchup could be if the potent offence can handle the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a possible departure.
Listening to him say, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran might decide to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a wintry victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this season.
He is the only quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 running touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Now, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver caught two scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise win in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise saw its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a related injury.
