Each contest matters from here on in, with a number of huge results in week 14 that may determine play-off berths come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a significant challenge and could have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of critical divisional battles did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a tough close victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running touchdown in almost three years, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed key chances—though they were left fuming by a late touchdown being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a epic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid weather.
The result gave one side a slender lead in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In his seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This means the team has played almost each available game throughout his time.
So, the reasons for this year's failure are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, however failed kicks and critical drops—such as on a key fourth down play—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the last title held at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The second contender, leading the NFC, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground attack to pair with an elite passing game.
A key matchup could be if the potent offence could solve the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked speculation about a possible departure.
Hearing him say, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes continued. Should the year concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x champion winner could decide to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen threw three touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's total touchdowns this year.
He is the only quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand pass yards, twenty TD throws and ten running scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star receiver caught two scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise win in rainy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a similar ailment.
