Every contest counts from here on in, with several massive conclusions in week 14 that could settle postseason spots by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge problem and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever before in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three critical rivalry games did not disappoint.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a hard-fought close win in Baltimore. He scored his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—though they were angry by a late score being chalked off. These teams will meet again on the last day of the season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a classic contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing conditions.
The outcome gave one side a slender lead in their division, while the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and five championship games. That indicates the club has competed in nearly every available game during his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several key players missing.
Even then, the quarterback provided his team a chance, but failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are making strong cases for Super Bowl contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, long drives.
The second contender, leading the other conference, showcased an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground game to pair with an elite passing game.
The question could be whether the potent offence can withstand the relentless pressure of the elite defense—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked talk about a possible retirement.
Hearing Mahomes state, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner could decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's total scores this year.
Allen is the first player in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD passes and ten rushing touchdowns in three straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
- An international placekicker helped his squad in a upset win in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise watched its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a related ailment.
