Each game is crucial at this stage, with several huge results in the fourteenth week that could determine postseason spots by the end of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a huge problem and may have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of huge rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a tough 27-22 success in Baltimore. He recorded his first running score in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top wideout that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed key opportunities—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. These teams will meet again on the final day of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the league saw a thrilling contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid weather.
The result gave one side a narrow lead in their division, while the losers fell from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
In his seven complete years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. This indicates the club has competed in almost every possible game during his time.
Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, but failed field goals and crucial drops—including on a decisive fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
Two top contenders from the western divisions are making compelling arguments for championship contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, won the last title held at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The other contender, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running attack to pair with an elite passing attack.
A key matchup could be if the potent offence could handle the smothering pressure of the elite defense—a a must-watch potential showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled rumors about a potential departure.
Listening to him state, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the season ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a snowy victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall scores this year.
He is the first quarterback in league annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD passes and ten rushing scores in 3 straight seasons.
Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its star QB come back from injury, only to exit the game once more with a similar injury.
