Each game matters from here on in, with a number of massive results in week 14 that may determine postseason positions by the end of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive problem and may have concluded the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
Three massive divisional battles delivered.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a hard-fought close win in Baltimore. He notched his first rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his top wideout that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team missed crucial chances—though they were angry by a late score being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league saw a thrilling encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game comeback from the opposing young QB in the frigid conditions.
The result handed one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
During his 7 full years as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in nearly every possible game during his time.
So, the causes for the current failure are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with several starters missing.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, however failed field goals and costly drops—including on a key fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are making compelling cases for championship contention.
One squad, leading their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the league in sacks and victories through methodical, long possessions.
The other team, leading the NFC, showcased an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable running game to pair with an exceptional passing attack.
The question could be if the high-flying offence can handle the smothering pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled rumors about a possible retirement.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he wants to do after this campaign," he continued. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner might choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a wintry victory. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the first player in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten rushing touchdowns in three straight campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they aim to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star receiver scored two touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise watched its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a related ailment.
