Each matchup counts from here on in, with a number of huge results in the fourteenth week that might settle play-off berths by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a significant problem and may have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of huge divisional battles delivered.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought 27-22 win in Baltimore. He scored his first rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid conditions.
This result handed one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team fell from the conference's top spot all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During his 7 full years as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship games and 5 championship games. This means the team has competed in almost each available game throughout his tenure.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are clear and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with several starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, but failed kicks and costly drops—including on a key fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are building strong cases for championship favorites.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The second contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.
A key matchup could be whether the potent offence can handle the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this season," he continued. Should the year concludes early for the team, the three-time champion winner might decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a wintry victory. He passed for three touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's total scores this season.
He is the first quarterback in league history with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 running touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his back once more as they aim to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver caught two scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An international placekicker helped his team in a upset victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise watched its franchise QB return from injury, only to leave the game once more with a related ailment.
