Each matchup is crucial at this stage, with several enormous outcomes in week 14 that could determine play-off berths by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a huge challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of huge rivalry games delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a tough close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his first running touchdown in nearly three years, but it was his long throws to his top wideout 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 frustrated by a late score being nullified. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a thrilling contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the opposing young QB in the frigid conditions.
The result handed one side a slender advantage in their division, while the defeated team dropped from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
In Mahomes' seven complete years as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the club has competed in almost each available contest during his tenure.
So, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were summed up during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with several starters missing.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, but missed field goals and costly drops—including on a key fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are building compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.
One team, leading their conference, won the last Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The other team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable ground game to pair with an elite aerial game.
The question would be whether the high-flying offense could handle the smothering pressure of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled talk about a possible retirement.
Listening to him say, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year ends early for the team, the 3x champion winner could choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a snowy victory. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the first player in league annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten running scores in 3 straight seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling team saw its star quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the contest again with a related ailment.
