Each contest matters from here on in, with several massive outcomes in the fourteenth week that might determine postseason positions come the end of the season.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a significant challenge and may have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Hype
A trio of huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his team to a tough 27-22 win in on the road. He notched his first rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as his team missed key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a late touchdown being overturned. The two teams will meet again on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a classic contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing weather.
The outcome handed one team a slender advantage in their division, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five championship games. This indicates the club has played almost every possible game throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are clear and were highlighted during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several starters out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, however failed field goals and critical drops—including on a pivotal fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of top contenders from the western conferences are building compelling cases for championship favorites.
One squad, leading their conference, won the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The other team, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground game to complement an elite passing game.
The question could be whether the potent offence could handle the relentless pass rush of the top defense—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked rumors about a potential retirement.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," he added. If the season concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might choose to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He threw three scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's total touchdowns this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Next, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they try to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver caught two scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An overseas 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 next.
- A struggling franchise watched its star quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the contest again with a similar ailment.
