Every contest is crucial down the stretch, with some massive results in the fourteenth week that could settle play-off spots come the end of the season.
A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a significant challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
A trio of huge division clashes delivered.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a gritty close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial running score in nearly three years, but it was his deep passes to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as his team missed crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a late score being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a classic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid weather.
This result handed one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and five championship games. This indicates the team has played almost each available contest throughout his time.
Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players out.
Even then, Mahomes gave his team a chance, however failed field goals and critical drops—including on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
Two top teams from the western divisions are building compelling arguments for championship favorites.
One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the last title played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long drives.
The other team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground game to pair with an elite passing game.
The question could be if the potent offense can solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a potential retirement.
Hearing Mahomes state, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this season," he added. If the season ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a snowy victory. He passed for three scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the first player in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
- An overseas kicker helped his squad in a surprise win in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling team saw its franchise QB return from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a related injury.
