Each contest counts at this stage, with a number of huge outcomes in week 14 that could settle postseason berths by the end of the season.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a significant challenge and may have concluded the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
Three massive rivalry games did not disappoint.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a tough 27-22 success in Baltimore. He notched his initial running score in almost three years, however it was his deep passes to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. The two franchises will meet once more on the final day of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The result handed one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship games and five championship games. This indicates the club has played almost every possible game throughout his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already questionable O-line, with several key players missing.
Even then, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, but missed kicks and crucial dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast conferences are building strong arguments for championship contention.
One team, leading their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The second team, leading the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed running game to complement an elite passing game.
The question would be if the potent offence can handle the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked rumors about a potential departure.
Hearing Mahomes state, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the season ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner could decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a wintry win. Allen passed for 3 scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's overall scores this year.
Allen is the first player in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD throws and ten running scores in 3 straight seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in soggy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise watched its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the game again with a similar injury.
