Every matchup counts from here on in, with several huge outcomes in week 14 that might determine postseason positions by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a huge challenge and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
Three huge rivalry games delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his team to a gritty 27-22 success in Baltimore. He notched his first rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his long passes to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The outcome handed one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In his 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the club has played almost each available contest throughout his tenure.
So, the causes for the current failure are apparent and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback provided his team a chance, however missed field goals and critical drops—such as 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 divisions are building compelling cases for championship contention.
One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent title held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, long possessions.
The second contender, leading the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground game to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.
A key matchup could be if the potent offense could withstand the smothering pressure of the top defense—a a fascinating potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked talk about a possible departure.
Listening to him state, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year ends prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner might choose to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback 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 portion of his offense's overall scores this season.
He is the only quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 running touchdowns in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star wide receiver scored two scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An overseas kicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise saw its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a related injury.
