Every matchup counts down the stretch, with some huge results in the fourteenth week that could settle postseason spots come the end of the season.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a huge problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of huge rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a gritty close victory in on the road. He recorded his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his long passes to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were left fuming by a late score being chalked off. These teams will meet once more on the last day of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing weather.
This outcome gave one side a narrow lead in their division, while the defeated team dropped from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
In Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and five championship games. This indicates the team has competed in nearly each available game during his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are evident and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several key players missing.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his team a chance, however failed field goals and costly dropped passes—including on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are building compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.
One team, atop their conference, won the last title played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the league in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The other team, leading the other conference, showcased an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable running game to pair with an exceptional aerial game.
The question could be whether the high-flying offense could solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch potential showdown.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled talk about a possible departure.
Hearing him state, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the season ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a wintry win. Allen passed for 3 scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's total scores this year.
Allen is the first quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 running scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Now, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they try to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling team watched its star QB come back from injury, only to exit the game once more with a similar ailment.
