Each game is crucial down the stretch, with some massive results in the fourteenth week that could settle postseason berths come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge challenge and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
Three huge division clashes lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 win in Baltimore. He recorded his first rushing score 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 sync as his team missed key opportunities—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. These franchises will meet once more on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a thrilling contest. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid conditions.
The outcome handed one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team dropped from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
During his 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This means the club has played nearly each available game throughout his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are evident and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already questionable O-line, with several starters out.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and costly dropped passes—such as on a key fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
A pair of top teams from the western divisions are building compelling cases for championship contention.
One team, leading their conference, won the most recent title played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, long possessions.
The other contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed running game to complement an elite aerial attack.
The question could be whether the potent offence could handle the relentless pass rush of the top defense—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked speculation about a possible departure.
Hearing him say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the year ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran might choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen passed for three scores and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's total scores this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in three consecutive campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star receiver caught two touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise watched its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a related ailment.
