Each matchup counts from here on in, with a number of massive results in week 14 that might determine play-off berths by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a significant problem and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
Three massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a gritty close win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial running touchdown in almost three years, but it was his long throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore missed key opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. These teams will meet once more on the final day of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing conditions.
The outcome handed one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
In his seven complete years as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship games and 5 championship games. This indicates the team has played almost every available contest during his time.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already questionable O-line, with several key players missing.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a chance, however failed field goals and costly drops—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are building strong arguments for championship favorites.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the last title played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running game to complement an exceptional aerial game.
The question could be if the high-flying offence could solve the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled talk about a potential departure.
Hearing him say, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. If the season ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran could decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a wintry victory. Allen passed for 3 scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's total scores this year.
Allen is the only quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Next, he puts the Bills on his back again as they aim to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored two scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a upset win in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling team watched its star quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the game again with a related ailment.
