Each game is crucial from here on in, with a number of enormous outcomes in week 14 that could decide postseason berths come the end of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a huge challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a tough close win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his long passes to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a classic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing weather.
The result gave one side a slender lead in their division, while the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
During Mahomes' seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and five championship games. This indicates the team has competed in nearly every possible game throughout his time.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple key players missing.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a chance, but failed field goals and crucial drops—such as on a decisive fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are building strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent title played at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, long possessions.
The other team, atop the NFC, showcased an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable running game to pair with an elite aerial attack.
A key matchup could be if the high-flying offence can withstand the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked rumors about a possible retirement.
Listening to him say, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner could decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen threw 3 scores and ran for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall scores this year.
Allen is the only player in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 consecutive seasons.
Next, he puts the team on his back again as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver caught 2 scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise watched its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a related ailment.
