Each matchup is crucial at this stage, with several huge results in week 14 that might determine play-off spots come the end of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a massive challenge and could have concluded the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three huge division clashes lived up to the hype.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a gritty close victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his first running score in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team missed crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a late touchdown being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last day of the season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing weather.
The result gave one side a slender advantage in their division, while the losers plummeted from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
During his seven full seasons as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in nearly each available game during his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are clear and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, but failed field goals and costly drops—such as on a key fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast divisions are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, leading their the AFC, won the last title held at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The other contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground attack to pair with an elite passing attack.
The question would be whether the high-flying offence can solve the relentless pass rush of the top defense—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked rumors about a possible retirement.
Listening to Mahomes state, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," he added. If the season ends prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's total scores this year.
He is the only quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they aim to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded 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 surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise watched its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a related injury.
