Every contest is crucial down the stretch, with a number of massive results in week 14 that could decide play-off positions come the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a massive challenge and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of huge rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a tough 27-22 win in Baltimore. He notched his initial running score in nearly three years, but it was his deep throws to his top wideout that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson was out of sync as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These teams will meet once more on the last day of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a classic encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another late-game rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid weather.
The outcome gave one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team dropped from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
During his seven complete years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the club has played almost each available contest during his time.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are clear and were summed up during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players missing.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, however failed field goals and costly dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
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 Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, atop their conference, won the last Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long possessions.
The other contender, leading the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable ground game to pair with an exceptional passing game.
A key matchup would be whether the potent offence can handle the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled talk about a possible retirement.
Hearing him state, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the season ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran might decide to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a snowy win. Allen threw three scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's overall scores this year.
Allen is the first quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD passes and ten running scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific receiver scored two scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An international kicker helped his squad in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling team watched its franchise QB come back from injury, only to exit the game again with a related ailment.
