Every matchup matters down the stretch, with several enormous results in week 14 that may decide play-off positions come the end of the season.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
Three huge division clashes lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a gritty close win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his first rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed key chances—although they were left fuming by a late score being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid weather.
This result gave one side a slender advantage in their division, while the defeated team fell from the conference's top spot down to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and five championship games. That indicates the club has competed in almost every possible game during his tenure.
So, the causes for this year's struggles are evident and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several starters out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, but failed kicks and critical dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of top contenders from the West Coast divisions are building compelling cases for championship favorites.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the last title played at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The other contender, atop the NFC, showcased an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground attack to pair with an exceptional aerial game.
The question could be if the high-flying offense can solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled rumors about a potential retirement.
Listening to him say, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this season," he continued. Should the season ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran could choose to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen threw three scores and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the first quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they aim to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star wide receiver caught 2 scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An international kicker helped his squad in a upset victory in rainy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a similar ailment.
