Each game matters from here on in, with several enormous results in week 14 that might decide play-off spots by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence presented a huge problem and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of massive rivalry games delivered.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a tough close victory in on the road. He scored his first rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team missed key chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the league saw a thrilling contest. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the freezing conditions.
The outcome handed one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and five championship games. This means the club has competed in nearly each available contest during his time.
So, the causes for this year's failure are apparent and were summed up during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several key players missing.
Even then, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, but failed kicks and crucial dropped passes—such as on a key fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are building strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent title played at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The second contender, atop the NFC, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable ground game to pair with an elite aerial game.
A key matchup could be if the potent offence could solve the relentless pressure of the top defense—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked talk about a possible departure.
Hearing Mahomes state, "each year... I try to appreciate since 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 what he wants to do after this campaign," he added. Should the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran might choose to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He passed for 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall scores this season.
Allen is the only player in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD throws and ten rushing touchdowns in three straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they try to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver caught 2 scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An international kicker helped his squad in a upset win in rainy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a related injury.
