Every contest matters from here on in, with several massive outcomes in week 14 that might decide postseason berths come the end of the season.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge problem and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
Three massive division clashes delivered.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought 27-22 victory in on the road. He scored his initial running score in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top receiver that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as his team missed key chances—though they were left fuming by a late score being nullified. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a epic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing conditions.
The result handed one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
During Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and five championship games. That means the club has played almost each possible game during his tenure.
So, the reasons for this year's failure are apparent and were summed up during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, however failed kicks and costly drops—such as on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of top contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the last title held at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the league in sacks and victories through grinding, long drives.
The other contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground attack to pair with an exceptional passing game.
The question would be whether the high-flying offence can handle the relentless pressure of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end fueled talk about a possible retirement.
Hearing him state, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he wants to do after this season," Mahomes continued. If the year ends prematurely for the team, the three-time champion veteran might decide to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total scores this year.
Allen is the only player in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific receiver scored two scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a upset win in rainy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling team saw its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a similar injury.
