Each game counts at this stage, with a number of enormous outcomes in week 14 that might determine postseason spots by the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a big setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive problem and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype
Three critical divisional battles delivered.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a gritty close win in Baltimore. He scored his first rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These teams will meet again on the final weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing weather.
This outcome handed one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers fell from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
In his 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That means the team has played nearly every possible game during his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with several starters out.
Despite that, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, but missed kicks and critical dropped passes—such as on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of top contenders from the West Coast divisions are making strong cases for championship contention.
One team, atop their the AFC, won the most recent title played at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The other contender, leading the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable running game to pair with an exceptional passing attack.
A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offense could solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked rumors about a possible retirement.
Listening to him say, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran might choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy win. He threw 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this season.
Allen is the first player in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 rushing scores in three consecutive seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver caught 2 scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling team watched its star QB return from injury, only to leave the game once more with a related injury.
