Every contest counts from here on in, with a number of enormous conclusions in the fourteenth week that may settle play-off positions come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually terminated Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence presented a huge challenge and could have concluded the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations
A trio of massive rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a tough 27-22 win in on the road. He scored his initial running score in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed key chances—although they were angry by a late score being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the regular season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a epic contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid conditions.
This outcome handed one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team dropped from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During his seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That means the club has played nearly every available contest during his time.
So, the causes for the current failure are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his team a chance, however failed kicks and costly drops—including on a pivotal fourth-down play—confirmed 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 Super Bowl contention.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed running game to pair with an exceptional aerial game.
The question could be if the potent offence can handle the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked rumors about a potential departure.
Hearing Mahomes state, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion winner could decide to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry win. He passed for three touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's total touchdowns this season.
He is the only quarterback in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 running touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored two scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An international kicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a related ailment.
