Each contest counts from here on in, with some massive results in week 14 that may decide play-off positions by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a significant problem and could have concluded the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of huge divisional battles did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a tough 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his first running score in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed key chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. These teams will meet once more on the final day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a classic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game rally from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing weather.
This outcome gave one side a narrow advantage in their division, while the losers fell from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During his seven full years as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship games and five championship games. This means the team has played almost each available game throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are apparent and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable O-line, with several starters out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, however failed kicks and critical dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are making strong cases for championship favorites.
One squad, leading their the AFC, won the last title played at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the league in sacks and victories through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The other contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground game to pair with an elite passing attack.
A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offence could solve the relentless pressure of the top defense—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked talk about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes state, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He passed for 3 scores and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total touchdowns this season.
Allen is the first player in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD passes and 10 running touchdowns in three straight seasons.
Next, he puts the team on his back again as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored 2 scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise watched its franchise QB come back from injury, only to leave the game once more with a similar injury.
