Every game is crucial from here on in, with several huge results in the fourteenth week that could settle play-off positions by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge problem and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
Three critical division clashes did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought close win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial running touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the regular season.
In another, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young QB in the freezing conditions.
This result gave one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
During his seven full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and five Super Bowls. That means the team has played nearly every possible game throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several key players out.
Even then, Mahomes gave his team a fighting chance, however failed field goals and critical drops—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are making strong cases for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, atop their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The other contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground attack to pair with an elite passing game.
The question could be whether the high-flying offence could withstand the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes continued. If the season ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner might choose to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's overall scores this year.
Allen is the first player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they try to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
- An international kicker helped his squad in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling team watched its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a similar ailment.
