Every contest counts at this stage, with several enormous outcomes in week 14 that might determine play-off berths come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
Three critical rivalry games delivered.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a gritty close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first rushing score in almost three seasons, however it was his long passes to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a late score being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing weather.
This result handed one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship games and five championship games. That indicates the club has played almost every possible contest throughout his time.
So, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, however failed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
Two powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are making strong cases for championship favorites.
One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The other team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground game to complement an exceptional passing game.
The question could be whether the high-flying offense could solve the smothering pass rush of the top defense—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled speculation about a possible departure.
Hearing Mahomes say, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year ends early for the team, the 3x champion veteran might choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen passed for 3 scores and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
Allen is the first player in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD throws and 10 running touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific receiver caught two touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An international kicker helped his team in a upset win in soggy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a similar ailment.
