Every matchup is crucial from here on in, with a number of enormous outcomes in the fourteenth week that might settle postseason spots come the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a massive challenge and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
A trio of huge rivalry games delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a tough close win in on the road. He recorded his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his long passes to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
This result gave one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
In Mahomes' 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and 5 championship games. That means the team has played nearly every available contest during his time.
Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are clear and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his team a chance, however missed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
Two top teams from the West Coast conferences are building compelling arguments for championship favorites.
One team, leading their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long possessions.
The second team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable running attack to complement an exceptional passing attack.
A key matchup would be whether the high-flying offense can solve the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked speculation about a potential departure.
Listening to him state, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could choose to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry win. He threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's total touchdowns this season.
He is the only quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD passes and ten rushing scores in three consecutive seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they try to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star wide receiver scored two scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
- An overseas kicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its star QB come back from injury, only to exit the game again with a similar injury.
