Every matchup counts down the stretch, with several huge results in the fourteenth week that may settle play-off spots by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a massive problem and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype
Three huge rivalry games did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty close success in on the road. He scored his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, but it was his long throws to his top wideout that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team missed crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a classic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young QB in the frigid conditions.
This result handed one team a narrow advantage in their division, while the losers fell from the conference's top spot down to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
In his 7 complete years as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. This indicates the club has played almost each possible game throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, however failed kicks and crucial dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
Two top teams from the West Coast divisions are building compelling cases for championship favorites.
One team, leading their conference, won the last Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The other contender, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable running game to complement an elite aerial game.
A key matchup could be if the potent offence can withstand the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked talk about a potential retirement.
Hearing him say, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this season," he added. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might choose to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. He threw three touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this season.
He is the only player in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 running touchdowns in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An international kicker helped his squad in a surprise win in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise watched its star quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the game again with a similar ailment.