Every contest is crucial from here on in, with several enormous outcomes in week 14 that might decide postseason spots come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while Josh Allen all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive challenge and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype
A trio of huge division clashes delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a tough 27-22 success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his long passes to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a late score being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing conditions.
The outcome gave one team a slender lead in their division, while the defeated team plummeted from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During his 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This means the team has played nearly every possible contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several key players out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, but failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong arguments for championship contention.
One squad, leading their the AFC, won the last title played at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The other team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable running attack to pair with an elite aerial attack.
The question could be whether the potent offense can handle the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a possible departure.
Hearing him say, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," he added. If the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's overall scores this year.
He is the first quarterback in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored two scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a surprise win in rainy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling team watched its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a related ailment.
