Each contest counts from here on in, with some enormous outcomes in week 14 that might decide play-off positions by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense posed a significant challenge and may have concluded the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three huge divisional battles did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 victory in on the road. He notched his initial rushing score in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. The two teams will meet once more on the final day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a epic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another late-game rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.
This result gave one side a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven complete years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. This means the team has competed in nearly each possible contest during his time.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, however missed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
A pair of top teams from the western divisions are making strong arguments for championship contention.
One team, leading their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long drives.
The other team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running attack to pair with an elite passing attack.
The question would be whether the high-flying offence can handle the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled talk about a possible retirement.
Listening to him state, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," he added. Should the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x champion winner might decide to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen passed for 3 scores and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's overall scores this season.
He is the first player in league history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD throws and ten rushing touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Now, he puts the team on his back again as they aim to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star wide receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
- An international kicker helped his team in a upset win in soggy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise watched its star QB come back from injury, only to exit the contest again with a related ailment.
