Each game matters from here on in, with several enormous conclusions in week 14 that might settle postseason berths come the end of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a major setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a significant challenge and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Hype
Three huge rivalry games delivered.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a gritty close victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three years, but it was his deep passes to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore missed key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a late score being nullified. The two franchises will meet again on the last weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a classic encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing weather.
This outcome gave one side a slender lead in their division, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
During his 7 full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and five championship games. This means the team has competed in nearly each possible game throughout his time.
So, the causes for the current failure are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already questionable O-line, with several starters out.
Despite that, Mahomes provided his team a chance, however failed kicks and costly dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of top contenders from the western divisions are building compelling arguments for championship contention.
One squad, leading their conference, won the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The second contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground attack to pair with an elite passing game.
A key matchup would be if the potent offense can solve the relentless pressure of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked rumors about a potential retirement.
Listening to him say, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this season," Mahomes continued. Should the year ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. He threw three touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's total scores this season.
Allen is the only player in league history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten running scores in three straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a similar ailment.
