Every game matters from here on in, with a number of enormous outcomes in the fourteenth week that might decide play-off berths by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence presented a significant challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three critical rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 win in Baltimore. He recorded his initial running score in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his star wideout that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as his team missed key opportunities—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. These teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a epic encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing conditions.
The result gave one side a slender lead in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In his 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That indicates the team has played almost every possible contest during his tenure.
So, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already struggling O-line, with several starters out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, however failed kicks and critical drops—including on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of top teams from the western divisions are making strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long drives.
The other team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable running game to complement an elite passing game.
The question could be if the high-flying offence can handle the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked talk about a possible departure.
Listening to him say, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he wants to do following this season," he continued. If the season concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner might decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry win. He passed for three scores and ran for one more, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total scores this season.
Allen is the only player in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD throws and ten rushing scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Next, he puts the team on his back again as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific receiver caught 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in rainy weather.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling team watched its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a similar injury.
