Every contest counts from here on in, with a number of enormous outcomes in the fourteenth week that could decide postseason positions come the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a huge problem and could have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of massive rivalry games did not disappoint.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial chances—though they were left fuming by a late touchdown being chalked off. These teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a classic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
This result gave one side a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During his seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. This means the club has played nearly each possible game throughout his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with multiple key players missing.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a chance, but failed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are making strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, leading their conference, claimed the last title played at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The second team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground game to complement an elite passing game.
A key matchup would be whether the potent offense can solve the relentless pressure of the elite defense—a a must-watch playoff matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked speculation about a potential departure.
Listening to him state, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he continued. If the year ends prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could decide to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy victory. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total touchdowns this season.
Allen is the only player in league annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD throws and 10 running scores in three straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they aim to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in rainy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise saw its franchise QB come back from injury, only to leave the game again with a related ailment.
