Each contest matters from here on in, with several massive results in week 14 that might determine play-off positions by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Exceed the Expectations
Three huge divisional battles delivered.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a tough close success in on the road. He scored his initial running touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as his team missed key chances—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last day of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league saw a thrilling encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing conditions.
The result gave one team a slender advantage in their division, whereas the losers dropped from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
In Mahomes' 7 complete years as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and five championship games. That indicates the club has played nearly every available game during his time.
So, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several starters missing.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, however missed field goals and crucial drops—such as on a decisive fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the western divisions are making compelling arguments for championship favorites.
One team, leading their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The other contender, leading the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground game to complement an elite passing game.
The question would be whether the potent offense can handle the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled talk about a potential departure.
Listening to him state, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," he continued. Should the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner might decide to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
He is the only player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific receiver caught 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise win in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise saw its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a similar injury.
