Every game matters at this stage, with some massive conclusions in week 14 that could decide play-off spots by the end of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a massive challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
Three huge division clashes lived up to the hype.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought 27-22 success in Baltimore. He recorded his initial rushing score in nearly three years, but it was his long passes to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a classic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to thwart another late-game comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid weather.
The outcome gave one side a slender lead in their division, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback 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 contests and five championship games. That indicates the team has competed in almost every available contest throughout his time.
So, the causes for the current struggles are evident and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already struggling O-line, with multiple starters out.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, however missed field goals and costly dropped passes—including on a key fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making strong cases for Super Bowl contention.
One team, leading their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The other contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed running attack to pair with an exceptional passing attack.
A key matchup could be if the high-flying offence can solve the smothering pressure of the top defense—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled rumors about a possible departure.
Listening to him state, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly 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 following this season," he continued. Should the year ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner could choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen threw 3 scores and ran for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's total scores this year.
He is the first player in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten running scores in three consecutive campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star receiver caught 2 scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in soggy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise watched its star quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the contest again with a similar injury.
