Every matchup matters down the stretch, with several huge results in week 14 that might determine play-off berths by the end of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge challenge and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Anticipation
A trio of massive rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a tough close win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running score in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team missed crucial opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late score being overturned. These teams will meet again on the last weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a epic encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid weather.
The result gave one side a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
In his 7 full seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This means the club has competed in nearly each possible contest during his time.
So, the reasons for the current failure are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already struggling offensive line, with multiple key players out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, but missed kicks and costly dropped passes—including on a key fourth down play—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the western conferences are building compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, leading their conference, claimed the most recent title held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the league in sacks and wins through methodical, long drives.
The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed running attack to complement an elite passing attack.
The question would be whether the high-flying offence can solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled rumors about a potential retirement.
Listening to Mahomes state, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might choose to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a snowy win. He threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's total touchdowns this season.
He is the only player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD throws and ten rushing touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored 2 scores and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
- An international placekicker helped his squad in a surprise win in soggy weather.
- 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 come back from injury, only to exit the game once more with a similar ailment.
