Each game counts down the stretch, with several huge outcomes in week 14 that might settle play-off berths come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a significant challenge and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of huge divisional battles delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 victory in on the road. He notched his first rushing score in almost three years, but it was his long throws to his top wideout that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team missed key chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting young QB in the freezing conditions.
This outcome handed one team a slender advantage in their division, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
In Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and 5 championship games. This indicates the club has competed in nearly each available contest during his time.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are apparent and were highlighted during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players out.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his team a chance, however failed field goals and costly drops—such as on a key fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
Two powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are building compelling cases for championship favorites.
One squad, atop their conference, won the last title held at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long possessions.
The second contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground attack to pair with an elite passing attack.
The question could be if the potent offense can solve the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked talk about a potential departure.
Hearing Mahomes state, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," he continued. Should the season concludes early for the team, the 3x champion veteran might decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He threw 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this season.
Allen is the first quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 running touchdowns in three straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star receiver scored two touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise watched its franchise QB come back from injury, only to leave the game once more with a similar injury.