Every game counts at this stage, with a number of massive results in week 14 that could settle postseason positions come the end of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a major setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence presented a significant problem and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
Three huge rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in Baltimore. He recorded his first rushing touchdown in almost three years, but it was his deep throws to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two teams will meet again on the final day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a classic contest. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the freezing conditions.
This outcome handed one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
During his 7 full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the team has competed in almost every available contest during his tenure.
So, the reasons for this year's failure are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, however missed field goals and costly drops—including on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are making strong cases for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, leading their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the league in sacks and victories through grinding, long drives.
The second team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground attack to pair with an exceptional passing game.
The question could be whether the high-flying offense can withstand the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a possible departure.
Listening to him say, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this season," he continued. Should the season ends early for the team, the 3x champion winner could choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a snowy win. Allen passed for 3 scores and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's total scores this season.
Allen is the first player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 straight campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star wide receiver caught 2 scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
- An international kicker helped his squad in a surprise win in rainy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise watched its star QB come back from injury, only to leave the contest again with a related ailment.
