Every matchup matters down the stretch, with a number of massive results in the fourteenth week that might settle postseason spots come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence presented a huge challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype
Three huge division clashes did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought close win in on the road. He recorded his initial rushing score in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young QB in the frigid weather.
The result gave one team a slender advantage in their division, while the defeated team fell from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
In his 7 complete years as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. That indicates the club has competed in almost every available contest throughout his tenure.
So, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable O-line, with several starters out.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a chance, but missed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a key fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are making compelling cases for championship contention.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the last title held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, long possessions.
The other team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable running attack to pair with an exceptional aerial game.
The question could be if the high-flying offense can solve the smothering pass rush of the top defense—a a must-watch playoff showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked speculation about a possible retirement.
Listening to him say, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this season," Mahomes added. If the year ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could choose to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a snowy win. He passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall scores this year.
Allen is the only quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they aim to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—and, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star wide receiver caught 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a upset win in rainy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise watched its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a similar ailment.
