Every matchup counts down the stretch, with a number of huge conclusions in week 14 that may decide postseason berths by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a major setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive challenge and could have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Anticipation
A trio of massive division clashes delivered.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long passes to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were angry by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two teams will meet again on the final day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league saw a classic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young QB in the frigid conditions.
The result gave one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
During his seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. This means the team has played almost every available contest during his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several key players out.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, but failed field goals and costly drops—including on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One team, atop their conference, won the last title held at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the league in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The other team, leading the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground attack to complement an exceptional aerial attack.
The question could be whether the potent offense could handle the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked talk about a potential retirement.
Listening to him say, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes continued. If the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might decide to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a wintry victory. Allen threw 3 scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total scores this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in three straight campaigns.
Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific receiver scored 2 scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling team watched its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a related ailment.
