Each game matters down the stretch, with several enormous outcomes in week 14 that might decide postseason spots by the end of the season.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a significant problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Hype
Three huge rivalry games delivered.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close win in on the road. He scored his initial running touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long passes to his star wideout 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 score being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the regular season.
In another, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
This outcome gave one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In his seven full years as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That means the club has played almost each possible game during his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already struggling offensive line, with several key players missing.
Even then, Mahomes gave his team a chance, but failed field goals and costly drops—such as on a decisive fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of top contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong cases for Super Bowl contention.
One team, leading their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the league in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The second team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground game to pair with an elite passing game.
The question would be if the high-flying offense could withstand the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked talk about a potential departure.
Hearing Mahomes state, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this season," he added. Should the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner might choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a wintry win. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this year.
Allen is the first quarterback in league history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten running scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific receiver scored two touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a upset win in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its franchise QB return from injury, only to exit the game again with a related injury.
