Each contest matters from here on in, with a number of huge results in week 14 that might determine play-off positions by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a significant challenge and may have concluded the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations
A trio of huge division clashes delivered.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought 27-22 win in Baltimore. He recorded his initial rushing score in nearly three years, but it was his long throws to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two teams will meet once more on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a epic contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
This outcome gave one team a slender lead in their division, whereas the defeated team dropped from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. This means the team has played nearly every possible game during his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already struggling O-line, with several key players out.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his team a chance, however missed kicks and costly drops—including on a pivotal fourth down play—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The second contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground game to complement an elite passing game.
The question would be if the high-flying offence could handle the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked rumors about a potential departure.
Hearing Mahomes say, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old 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 concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner might decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a wintry victory. Allen passed for three touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total scores this season.
Allen is the only player in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific receiver scored two touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise watched its star QB come back from injury, only to exit the game once more with a related ailment.
