Each contest matters down the stretch, with several enormous conclusions in the fourteenth week that could determine postseason spots by the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence presented a huge problem and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Hype
Three huge divisional battles delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a tough 27-22 success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his star receiver that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as his team missed key opportunities—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the regular season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a epic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid conditions.
The result gave one team a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team dropped from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
During Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. This indicates the club has played almost each possible game throughout his tenure.
So, the reasons for the current failure are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several key players out.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his team a chance, however missed kicks and costly drops—including on a decisive fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
Two powerhouse teams from the western conferences are making strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, leading their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The second contender, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable ground attack to pair with an elite passing game.
A key matchup could be if the high-flying offense can handle the relentless pass rush of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked rumors about a possible departure.
Hearing him state, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," he added. If the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran might choose to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a wintry victory. Allen passed for three touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's overall touchdowns this season.
He is the first player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten rushing scores in three consecutive seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they try to catch their division foes, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end notched his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout 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.
