Every game counts down the stretch, with some massive results in week 14 that may determine postseason spots by the end of the season.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a huge problem and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Expectations
A trio of huge rivalry games delivered.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a gritty 27-22 win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as his team missed key opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a classic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another late-game comeback from the opposing young QB in the freezing weather.
The outcome handed one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
In his 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship contests and five championship games. That means the team has competed in nearly every possible game throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, however failed field goals and crucial drops—including on a key fourth down play—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are building compelling arguments for championship favorites.
One team, leading their conference, claimed the last title played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, long possessions.
The second contender, atop the NFC, showcased an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running game to pair with an elite passing game.
A key matchup would be if the potent offence could handle the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked talk about a possible retirement.
Listening to him state, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this season," Mahomes added. If the season ends prematurely for the team, the three-time champion veteran could decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for his team in a wintry victory. He passed for three scores and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall scores this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in league history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten running scores in three consecutive seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest 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 receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a surprise win in rainy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling team watched its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to exit the game once more with a similar injury.
