Every contest matters from here on in, with a number of huge results in the fourteenth week that might settle postseason positions by the end of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a huge problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype
A trio of massive division clashes did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a gritty close win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial rushing touchdown in almost three years, however it was his long throws to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was out of sync as Baltimore missed key chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a thrilling contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid weather.
The result handed one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. This indicates the team has competed in almost every possible contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already struggling offensive line, with several key players out.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, however missed kicks and costly dropped passes—including on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are making strong arguments for championship favorites.
One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the last title played at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long drives.
The other contender, leading the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable running attack to complement an exceptional aerial game.
The question would be if the potent offense can withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled talk about a potential departure.
Hearing him say, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this season," he added. If the year ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy win. Allen passed for three touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 running scores in 3 consecutive seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver caught 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a surprise win in rainy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise saw its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a similar injury.
