Each game matters from here on in, with some enormous results in week 14 that could settle postseason positions come the end of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence presented a massive problem and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
Three huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a tough 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his long passes to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team missed key chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. The two teams will meet again on the final day of the season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL witnessed a epic contest. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another late-game rally from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid weather.
This outcome gave one side a slender lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
In his 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. That means the club has competed in nearly each possible game throughout his tenure.
So, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already struggling offensive line, with several key players out.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his team a chance, however missed kicks and crucial dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
Two top teams from the western divisions are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, atop their conference, claimed the most recent title played at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The second contender, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running game to complement an elite passing game.
The question would be whether the high-flying offense could withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defense—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked rumors about a potential departure.
Listening to him state, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this season," he added. Should the year ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He passed for three touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
Allen is the only quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in three straight seasons.
Now, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored 2 scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise saw its star QB return from injury, only to leave the game again with a related ailment.
