Every game counts down the stretch, with several huge outcomes in the fourteenth week that may decide postseason spots by the end of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a huge challenge and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
Three critical rivalry games delivered.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought close win in on the road. He notched his first rushing touchdown in almost three years, but it was his deep throws to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as his team missed crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. These franchises will meet again on the final weekend of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a classic encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid conditions.
The outcome gave one side a slender advantage in their division, while the losers fell from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During his seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the club has competed in nearly every available game throughout his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple key players out.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, but failed kicks and crucial drops—including on a pivotal fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of top contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong arguments for championship contention.
One team, atop their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The second contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to pair with an exceptional passing game.
The question could be if the high-flying offence could solve the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled rumors about a possible retirement.
Listening to Mahomes say, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," he added. Should the year ends early for the team, the three-time champion winner might choose to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this year.
Allen is the first player in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD passes and 10 running scores in three straight seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they aim to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star receiver scored two touchdowns and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling team saw its franchise QB come back from injury, only to exit the game once more with a similar ailment.
