Each matchup counts from here on in, with several massive conclusions in week 14 that could determine postseason positions come the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a massive challenge and could have concluded the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Exceed the Anticipation
Three critical divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a gritty close win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team missed key chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing weather.
The result handed one team a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In his 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This indicates the team has played almost every available contest during his time.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are evident and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple starters missing.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a chance, however missed kicks and critical drops—including on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong cases for championship favorites.
One squad, atop their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The second team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground attack to pair with an elite passing attack.
The question would be if the high-flying offense can solve the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled rumors about a potential retirement.
Hearing Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish 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 option to do what he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could decide to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry win. He threw three scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's overall scores this year.
He is the only quarterback in league annals with three thousand pass yards, twenty TD throws and 10 running touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Next, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they try to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored two scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its franchise QB return from injury, only to leave the contest again with a related injury.
